Teesside University Champions Ultra Low Carbon Cementitious Materials
Teesside University has joined forces with the Welsh resource management specialist Dauson Environmental Group to push the boundaries of low carbon construction. Their Knowledge Transfer Partnership seeks to convert construction waste into high grade supplementary cementitious materials that can rival traditional cement while slashing carbon emissions across the built environment.
Global demand for cement shows no sign of slowing, even as the environmental impact becomes harder to ignore. Recent European Commission data places annual cement production above 4.1 billion tonnes worldwide, with lifecycle emissions topping 3.3 billion tonnes of CO₂. Analysts value the cement market at around 506 billion dollars in 2024, with forecasts suggesting it could soar to 686 billion dollars by 2032. With such rapid growth, the search for decarbonised materials has never felt more urgent.
This partnership sets out to demonstrate that construction waste can take centre stage in the transition toward lower carbon infrastructure. By developing replacement materials that meet BS EN450 standards for concrete additives, the team aims to support widespread substitution without compromising performance.
Unlocking Value From Construction Waste
The scale of opportunity for sustainable cement substitutes is immense. In regions such as Wales and Southwest England, replacing just 30 percent of cement usage would create demand approaching 300,000 tonnes a year. Turning construction waste into a viable supplementary cementitious material offers a clear route to meeting that need while shrinking the environmental toll.
Working alongside Teesside University researchers, Dauson Environmental Group plans to transform this waste stream into ultra low carbon SCMs capable of delivering tangible carbon savings. These materials promise improved resource efficiency, reduced landfill dependency and a pathway to cleaner construction.
DEG’s circular model already aims for full recycling of incoming material. Incorporating construction waste into SCM production not only adds commercial value to discarded products but strengthens DEG’s position as a leader in circular economy innovation. It also supports national and regional strategies focused on decarbonisation, waste reduction and responsible resource management.
Academic Expertise Driving Industrial Change
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership draws on Teesside University’s robust environmental research capability. Dr Sina Rezaei Gomari, Associate Professor of Research and project lead, stressed the transformative potential of the work: “This initiative not only enhances the value of industrial waste but aligns with broader sustainability targets. By applying advanced, energy efficient technologies, we’re setting a new benchmark for waste valorisation, creating scalable solutions with potential far beyond DEG.”
This approach builds upon international research into low carbon binders, alkali activated materials and circular construction practices. Studies from the Global Cement and Concrete Association have shown that replacing clinker with alternative SCMs significantly reduces embodied carbon. The Teesside project adds to that global body of knowledge by exploring how regionally available waste streams can form the basis of high performance, low carbon materials.
Alongside the environmental advantages, the effort supports industrial competitiveness. Access to reliable SCM supplies has become a strategic priority as markets shift toward greener solutions and regulatory pressures tighten.
Strengthening Market Resilience And Carbon Compliance
Dauson Environmental Group sees the partnership as a catalyst for new commercial pathways. Dr Ahlim Hashm, DEG’s Technical Director and industry supervisor on the project, highlighted the dual environmental and financial benefits: “This partnership strengthens our ability to meet environmental regulations and unlock new revenue through carbon trading. It places DEG at the heart of the global movement toward carbon reduction.”
Carbon markets continue to expand as governments and industries commit to net zero targets. The UK Emissions Trading Scheme encourages reductions through market driven incentives, and technologies that minimise reliance on carbon intensive materials often secure a competitive advantage. SCMs derived from waste are well positioned to support companies navigating these regulatory frameworks.
From a supply chain perspective, locally produced SCMs also offer resilience. Global cement markets remain vulnerable to fuel price fluctuations, transportation constraints and geopolitical instability. Waste derived alternatives reduce exposure to those risks, creating a more stable materials pipeline for infrastructure developers.
A Circular Vision For Modern Construction
Company Chairman David Neal has guided DEG’s growth from a family business into a major environmental enterprise. He views the project as a natural extension of the company’s ethos: “This project incorporates our commitment to sustainability and innovation. These processes don’t just reduce carbon emissions, they optimise energy use, supporting our mission to achieve 100 percent waste recycling and minimise environmental impact.”
Circular construction principles are gaining momentum globally. Reports from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Arup show that reusing and repurposing materials can cut embodied carbon by up to 40 percent across major infrastructure projects. Waste valorisation, as explored in this partnership, is central to achieving these gains at scale.
The SCMs developed through this research could ultimately support greener concrete mixes, improve lifecycle performance and contribute to longer lasting infrastructure. For policymakers focused on low carbon strategies, these innovations signal a practical route from ambition to implementation.
Academic Leadership Supporting National Sustainability Goals
Teesside University positions itself as a leading institution for environmental research with strong ties to industry. This initiative aligns with its strategic mission to support national sustainability goals while generating real world impact through applied research.
Professor David Hughes, Associate Dean of Research and project co lead, emphasised the wider significance: “This initiative directly supports global sustainability targets while showcasing Teesside University’s leadership in environmental research. It reflects our commitment to responsible innovation and our role in tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”
Through this collaboration, the University contributes to a growing body of scientific work on lower carbon materials, digital optimisation tools and energy efficient production pathways. Its role reinforces the importance of academia industry partnerships in accelerating innovation for the built environment.
Toward A Cleaner Built Environment
The Teesside DEG partnership is emerging at a moment when the construction sector faces increasing pressure to decarbonise. Sustainable cement substitutes form a vital part of the broader shift toward greener infrastructure, and the successful valorisation of construction waste could reshape the materials economy across the UK.
By combining academic expertise, industrial capability and a shared commitment to circularity, this partnership provides a compelling blueprint for accelerating the transition to low carbon construction and creating long term environmental value.
