Sustainable Cement and Concrete Centre Opens at MPI
The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) has made a pioneering move to support the UK construction industry’s journey towards decarbonisation with the opening of its £1 million Sustainable Cement and Concrete Centre (SCCC). The facility, set to open later this month, marks a critical milestone in the effort to reduce carbon emissions in the cement and concrete sector.
Located at MPI’s Advanced Materials Characterisation Centre, the SCCC will be a hub for cutting-edge research focused on the development of low-carbon cement and concrete formulations. It will explore innovative methods such as incorporating Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) slags into aggregate and clinker production, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. This initiative is in line with the UK’s broader sustainability goals and aims to foster the creation of construction materials that have a lower environmental impact. The centre will also offer expert consultancy services, enabling clients to push the boundaries of innovation in the sector. The comprehensive services range from material development and testing to project management, guiding clients through the entire process from initial concept to pilot-stage production.
MPI recently hosted a special event for the Cement Standards and Technical Group of the Mineral Products Association (MPA), where delegates were given a sneak peek into the state-of-the-art facility. The advanced capabilities of the centre were demonstrated, showcasing its potential to drive sustainability in the built environment. Terry Walsh, CEO of MPI, emphasized the importance of the SCCC, stating, “This facility plays a pivotal role in supporting the UK construction industry’s journey to net-zero. Cement and concrete form the backbone of our built environment, and decarbonising them can significantly reduce emissions across the sector.”
Roger Griffiths, Manager – Innovation Projects at the MPA, added, “MPI’s investment in this facility will help strengthen the UK’s leadership in sustainable construction, fostering further research and testing in cement and concrete.” Cement and concrete contribute over £18 billion to the UK’s GDP annually and support approximately 3.5 million jobs, underscoring their importance to the economy. With over 90 million tonnes used each year, decarbonising this sector represents a major opportunity to reduce emissions and ensure the long-term sustainability of infrastructure and housing. The SCCC forms a key part of the EconoMISER programme, led by the Foundation Industries Sustainability Consortium (FISC), which aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK’s foundation industries. It is another step towards establishing MPI as a national leader in research and innovation, continuing its track record of driving transformational change in the sector.
