The carbon emissions from Sugarcrete bricks are less than 20 times, and they are 4-5 times lighter than traditional bricks.
Recently, Grimshaw, an architectural studio in collaboration with the University of East London (UEL), has invented a type of building brick made from sugarcane waste – a byproduct from the sugarcane processing industry. Known as “Sugarcrete”, this product aims to address environmental sustainability issues in construction.
Currently, Sugarcrete bricks are not yet patented, but their quality has been recognized, as they have been nominated for the Earthshot Prize. (Photo: Grimshaw/University of East London (UEL)).
The University of East London explains that Sugarcrete bricks are building materials made by combining leftover sugarcane fibers from the sugar production process, mixed with specialized binders, along with minerals and sand. This material provides a low-carbon solution for building components, such as insulating walls and floor structures.
Such materials have the potential to reduce carbon emissions, positively impacting the climate crisis that the world is facing. Sugarcrete emits less carbon than traditional bricks, is lighter, and is praised as an environmentally friendly alternative, being more affordable compared to traditional building bricks.
Senior lecturer at the University of East London (UEL), Gutierrez Rivas, stated: “Despite the goal of keeping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, it is estimated that our global floor area will double by 2060. Therefore, we must develop sustainable alternatives to current construction methods.”
UEL further stated: “This low-carbon building material is just a part of the larger project’s ambition. The larger project aims to provide various viable, sustainable, and safe building solutions, utilizing biomass waste as a core resource to enhance community welfare and security.”
According to a representative from Grimshaw studio, sugarcane is the most widely produced crop in the world by volume. Therefore, creating building materials that utilize byproducts from sugarcane also helps organizations involved in sugar production offset some of the negative environmental impacts caused by sugarcane cultivation.
Currently, Sugarcrete bricks are not yet patented, but their quality has been acknowledged. They have been nominated for the Earthshot Prize – an award that honors outstanding sustainable projects worldwide.
