What is the problem?

Several researchers have estimated that the cement industry is responsible for significant impacts on the environment. Production of Portland cement leads to considerable carbon emissions released into the atmosphere, contributing to the global warming phenomenon. It is clear that a reduction in Portland cement production needs to be considered as a controlling measure to minimise greenhouse emissions.

What is the solution?

Green concrete is an eco–friendly alternative to conventional concrete based on the Portland cement binder. In the production of green concrete based on “geopolymer” technology, industrial waste materials such as fly ash, slag or rice husk ash are mixed with alkaline solutions and recycled aggregates to form concrete mixtures that can provide properties similar to conventional concrete.

What is happening?

The University of the Free State, in collaboration with other local and international universities, including the University of Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela University and the University of Yaounde in Cameroon, is currently researching the production of green cement and concrete based on locally available industrial wastes. The aim of this research project is to formulate user-friendly green concrete that can be employed in the construction industry on a large scale.