Could Australian Engineers Transform Construction with a Reusable Material That Has a Quarter of Concrete's Carbon Footprint?
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Synopsis
Australian engineers are paving the way for a sustainable future in construction with a revolutionary building material that reduces carbon emissions and waste. This innovative solution, made from cardboard, soil, and water, could reshape the industry and contribute to global sustainability goals.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Material: Cardboard-confined rammed earth is a new construction material.
- Lower Emissions: It has a carbon footprint one-quarter that of concrete.
- Cost-Effective: It costs less than a third of traditional concrete.
- Environmental Impact: Reduces landfill waste and carbon emissions.
- Locally Sourced: Utilizes readily available materials, promoting sustainability.
Sydney, Sep 22 (NationPress) Engineers in Australia have introduced an innovative reusable and recyclable building material crafted from cardboard, soil, and water, which boasts approximately a one-quarter carbon footprint compared to concrete.
This groundbreaking material, known as cardboard-confined rammed earth, has the potential to drastically lower the carbon emissions associated with construction and minimize waste sent to landfills, as stated in a recent announcement by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Australia.
According to the statement, this material eliminates the necessity for cement and generates around 25% of the emissions produced by concrete, all while being less than a third of the cost.
“Utilizing just cardboard, soil, and water allows us to construct walls sturdy enough to support low-rise buildings,” explained RMIT researcher Ma Jiaming, the principal author of the study published in the British journal Structures.
In a related study, Ma combined carbon fibre with rammed earth, achieving strength that is comparable to high-performance concrete.
This innovation could potentially transform building design and construction by relying on locally sourced, recyclable materials, reflecting the global resurgence of earth-based building methods fueled by net-zero targets and an emphasis on sustainability, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
Particularly advantageous in hotter climates, rammed earth structures naturally control indoor temperature and humidity, Ma noted.
The construction technique involves compacting a mixture of soil and water within cardboard formwork that can be fabricated on-site, thereby decreasing the need to transport heavy building materials, the researchers added.
Australia disposes of over 2.2 million tonnes of cardboard and paper into landfills annually, while the production of cement and concrete contributes approximately 8% of global emissions each year.
The RMIT team believes that this innovation may enhance remote construction efforts in regions rich in red soils and is actively seeking partnerships within the industry.
Point of View
It is our duty to inform readers about innovations that can significantly impact our environment and construction practices. This development in Australia not only showcases engineering expertise but also aligns with global sustainability efforts, making it a vital topic for our audience.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cardboard-confined rammed earth?
Cardboard-confined rammed earth is a new construction material made from cardboard, soil, and water that offers a sustainable alternative to concrete.
How does this material reduce carbon emissions?
This innovative material produces about 25% of the emissions associated with traditional concrete, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of construction projects.
What are the benefits of using this material?
Benefits include reduced carbon emissions, lower costs, decreased waste, and suitability for hot climates due to natural temperature regulation.
Where can this material be used?
This material is particularly advantageous for low-rise buildings and remote construction sites where red soil is abundant.
How can this innovation impact the construction industry?
This development could lead to a shift towards more sustainable building practices and align with global net-zero emissions goals.
