New Carbon-Negative Building Material Could Revolutionize Green Construction
Дмитро Ковальський | Dmytro Kovalskyi
2 min read
Researchers from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) have introduced an innovative construction material that not only reduces carbon dioxide emissions but actively absorbs it. This breakthrough could be a significant step in advancing sustainable construction and reducing the building industry’s negative impact on the climate.
Such technological solutions are also relevant for the construction industry in Ukraine, where issues of ecology and public health deserve great attention and care. So, what exactly is this innovation?
Unique Technology Transforming CO2 into Building Material
Under the guidance of Professor Nima Rahbar, a new structural substance — Enzymatic Structural Material (ESM) — was developed.
Unlike traditional concrete, which requires high temperatures and long curing times, ESM is produced with low energy consumption using biological processes.
The material’s foundation is an enzyme that converts carbon dioxide into solid mineral particles. These particles then bind together and harden under mild conditions, allowing strong structural elements to be produced in just a few hours.
This results in a production technology that is not only fast but also environmentally advantageous.
Environmental and Practical Advantages of ESM
“Concrete is the most common building material in the world, and its production accounts for about 8% of global CO2 emissions,”
— emphasizes Professor Rahbar and adds:
“Our material doesn’t just reduce emissions, it absorbs carbon. The production of one cubic meter of ESM uses over 6 kilograms of carbon dioxide, while traditional concrete emits about 330 kilograms.”
Rapid curing, adjustable strength, and the ability to self-heal make ESM promising for use in constructing roofs, walls, and modular structures. Due to its repairability, building maintenance costs are reduced and construction waste is minimized.
Impact on the Industry and Application Prospects
If the share of such carbon-negative materials as ESM increases in global construction, the environmental impact could be colossal. The material is ideally suited for affordable housing projects, climate-resilient construction, and rapid post-disaster recovery thanks to its lightweight nature and fast production.
Furthermore, ESM production is based on renewable biological components and requires minimal energy consumption, aligning with global goals for carbon neutrality and circular production. For more details, you can refer to the scientific publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2025.102564.
