Saudi-led consortium to spearhead sustainable concrete innovation
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.
Several senior officials including the PIF Governor Yasir Al Rumayyan; the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization Governor Dr Saad Al-Qasabi and Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu President Engineer Khalid Al Salem attended the event.
NovusCrete Consortium, led by OSP, will aim 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.
This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, said the minister.
"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," he stated.
It seeks to accelerate technological advancements in sustainable concrete solutions, while prioritizing localization in the use of seawater, polymer-based materials, recycled construction and demolition waste, and fine sand.
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, said OSP in its statement
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