This demand creates a pressing need to develop sustainable, high-quality alternatives that meet BS EN450 standards (a British and European standard that defines the requirements for fly ash used as a concrete additive) for concrete and deliver substantial carbon savings.
In regions such as Wales and Southwest England, a 30 percent replacement in cement usage equates to nearly 300,000 tonnes of demand, highlighting the scale of opportunity for new materials.
In collaboration with Middlesbrough-based 海角直播, DEG will utilise construction waste for ultra-low carbon supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and concrete products.
This will simultaneously add value to an otherwise unwanted product, reduce the necessity for landfill and support the reduction of carbon emissions.
The initiative complements DEG鈥檚 drive toward a 100 percent recycling model and positions the company at the forefront of circular construction and decarbonisation.
Dr Sina Rezaei Gomari, Professor of Research at 海角直播 and project lead, said: 'This initiative not only enhances the value of industrial waste but aligns with broader sustainability targets. By applying advanced, energy-efficient technologies, we鈥檙e setting a new benchmark for waste valorisation, creating scalable solutions with potential far beyond DEG.'
This initiative directly supports global sustainability targets while showcasing 海角直播鈥檚 leadership in environmental research.
Dr Ahlim Hashm, DEG鈥檚 Technical Director and industry supervisor on the project, added: '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.'
Company Chairman David Neal, who grew DEG from a family-run business to a multimillion-pound enterprise, noted: 'This project incorporates our commitment to sustainability and innovation. These processes don鈥檛 just reduce carbon emissions, they optimise energy use, supporting our mission to achieve 100 percent waste recycling and minimise environmental impact.'
The project aligns closely with the University鈥檚 strategic ambitions to be a national frontrunner in sustainability, combining academic excellence with real-world impact. As carbon regulation intensifies and markets increasingly reward greener solutions, this partnership stands as a bold example of how universities and industry can co-create technologies that benefit both people and planet.
Professor David Hughes, Associate Dean of Research at 海角直播 and project co-lead, highlighted the broader impact: 'This initiative directly supports global sustainability targets while showcasing 海角直播鈥檚 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.'