The Netherlands could use its woodlands to solve its housing crisis
The Netherlands is struggling to keep pace with its need for new homes and the materials needed for them. To solve this issue, the country believes it has found an answer in its own woodlands. According to renowned architect Marco Vermeulen, the Netherlands could build a million new homes from Read More...
This production technique reduces concrete’s carbon emissions by 70 percent
The production of concrete is responsible for as much as eight percent of annual CO2 emissions. Knowing that this is a big problem for future business, manufacturers have been looking for ways to reduce their carbon emissions which come from two sources. Traditionally, about half comes from the Read More...
Concrete could be made cheaper, stronger, and greener using old glass
Although glass is thought of as being relatively eco-friendly because it's recyclable, the fact is that a lot of it doesn't get recycled – this is particularly true of small fragments, that are too fiddly to sort. Now, however, scientists are suggesting that glass waste could be used to make Read More...
Anti-freeze salts cause roads to crack. Mixing concrete with bacteria might help
Spreading salt onto sidewalks or roads when the temperature goes below zero is an effective way to stop roads from getting too icy, but the problem is salty “de-icers” cause roadways to crack. Adding bacteria, however, may keep that from happening. In search of concrete that doesn’t crack, Read More...
Engineers are reimagining the world without concrete
After water, concrete is the most widely used substance on the planet (say what?). Here's another crazy fact: concrete is responsible for up to 8 percent of global carbon emissions. That means that if it were a country, it would be the world’s worst culprit after the US and China. The good news Read More...
Limestone-producing bacteria is key to self-repairing living concrete
Cracked concrete is unsightly. It can also severely compromise structures if water is allowed to seep through it. After several years of development, a Dutch research team at Delft University of Technology has come up with a solution inspired by nature: a living concrete infused with the ability Read More...