We face the urgent challenge of climate change alongside the need for new construction, with the global population projected to reach 10 billion. Developing regions, particularly Africa, will see significant growth, doubling their population to 2 billion.

To address this, the Centre for Worldwide Sustainable Construction integrates all stages of construction to create sustainable solutions. A standout innovation is LC3, a new cement type that reduces emissions by 40% using readily available materials, all while being cost-effective.

Although cement accounts for about 8% of CO2 emissions, it makes up two-thirds to three-quarters of the materials we use. LC3 can replace up to two-thirds of CO2-emitting clinker with alternative materials like abundant clay found in Africa.

Rather than relying solely on timber, which would require planting forests larger than India to replace just a quarter of concrete, we’re developing an approach that combines mineral resources with recycling. By collaborating across sectors, we can minimise resource extraction and recycle materials from existing buildings to construct new ones.

Through innovation and partnership, we can meet society’s growing demands while safeguarding our planet.