Environmentally friendly construction materials made from sugarcane bagasse

The carbon footprint of Sugarcrete bricks is 20 times less, and it is 4-5 times lighter than traditional bricks.

Recently, Grimshaw, an architectural studio collaborating with the University of East London (UEL), invented a type of building brick made from bagasse - a by-product from sugarcane processing. Called 'Sugarcrete' , this product aims to address the issue of environmental sustainability in construction.

Sugarcrete tiles are not yet patented, but Sugarcrete's quality has been recognized, when it was nominated for an Earthshot Award. (Photo: Grimshaw/University of East London (UEL)).

The University of East London explains that Sugarcrete bricks are a construction material made by combining sugarcane residue left over from sugar production, mixed with specialized adhesives, minerals and sand. . This material provides a low-carbon solution for constructing building components, such as insulated walls and floor structures.

Such materials would have the potential to reduce carbon emissions, positively impacting the climate crisis the world is facing. Sugarcrete emits 20 times less carbon and is 4-5 times lighter than traditional bricks. It is also hailed as an environmentally friendly, more affordable alternative to traditional construction bricks.

University of East London (UEL) senior lecturer Gutierrez Rivas said: ' Despite the target of keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, it is estimated that the global built-up floor area is Ours will double by 2060. So we must develop sustainable alternatives to current construction methods '.

UEL's statement added: ' This low carbon building material is just one part of the ambitions of the major project. The mega project also aims to provide various viable, sustainable and safe construction solutions, using bio-waste as a core resource to enhance community welfare and security' .

According to Grimshaw studio representatives, sugarcane is the most produced crop in the world by quantity. Thus, manufacturing construction materials using by-products from sugarcane will also help organizations involved in sugarcane production offset some of the negative environmental consequences caused by sugarcane.

Currently, Sugarcrete tiles have not yet been patented, but the quality of Sugarcrete has been recognized. It was nominated for the Earthshot Award – which celebrates outstanding sustainable projects around the world.