NovusCrete to pioneer green concrete initiative
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This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability
Saudi Arabia's Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) has announced the launch of a new consortium in collaboration with NEOM and a raft of selected international partners, NovusCrete. This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The consortium partners include the Kingdom's sovereign wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund), the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), as well as leading Swiss specialty chemicals company Sika and US-based startup ClimateCrete.
The move is aimed at developing sustainable and innovative technologies in concrete production, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector and enhancing the environmental efficiency of the materials used.
The new consortium is supported by leading local and international entities, including the American Concrete Institute (ACI), which established 'Committee 243 – Seawater Concrete', responsible for developing reports, guidelines, standards and codes on the use of seawater in concrete.
The agreement was signed by the consortium partners in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Energy as well as Chairman of the OSP Supervisory Committee.
The NovusCrete Consortium, led by OSP, aims to develop standards and codes on the use of seawater in concrete and promote sustainability in the building and construction sectors by recycling waste, extending infrastructure lifespan, and reducing the environmental impact of the sectors.
According to OSP, the consortium marks a strategic milestone in fostering innovation and advancing sustainable development through the adoption of cutting-edge solutions designed to meet future demands.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz commented: 'The consortium focuses on creating new opportunities for the building and construction sector, the manufacturing sector and the Saudi value chain, and supporting the development of new technologies that can deliver sustainability and cost benefits.'
The consortium seeks to accelerate technological advancements in sustainable concrete solutions, while giving priority to localisation, via the use of seawater, polymer-based materials, recycled construction and demolition waste.
Through this collaboration, members aim to facilitate the adoption and expansion of seawater concrete applications, reinforced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars and other sustainable materials in the building and construction sector.
The participating parties aim to empower the local construction sector by focusing on environmental protection, driving innovation, and supporting the local economy – efforts led by OSP.
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