Research
Our overarching aim is to advance the development of sustainable concrete, the most widely used human-made material, and to promote its critical role in the Net-Zero transition. Below are some of the key research areas we are currently working on. Jump to: Recycled Materials, Concrete Thermal Storage, Energy Storage Integration.
Low-carbon, Circular Concrete
What would the ideal concrete look like? At CNN group, our researchers are driven by this question. We envision a material that is versatile, durable, recyclable, and produced with minimal CO₂ emissions — all while being made from locally available resources. Our team is developing a range of innovative solutions that have the potential to transform the construction industry and advance the sustainability of concrete.
Check our recent papers on recycled glass concrete and recycled aggregate concrete.
Concrete Thermal Energy Storage
The global transition to renewable energy is progressing rapidly, but the increasing reliance on renewable sources like solar and wind brings challenges due to their intermittency. To accelerate renewable energy deployment, effective energy storage solutions are essential. Our research explores the emerging field of concrete thermal energy storage (CTES). We focus on: i) developing tailored concrete mixes with enhanced thermal properties and stability, and ii) demonstrating the application of these materials in CTES systems through computational modelling and experimental testing.
Check our recent paper on alkali-activated materials for CTES.
Integration of Energy Storage and Net-Zero Buildings
The building sector is a major contributor to global energy demand and carbon emissions. Integrating renewable energy generation and storage into buildings has been widely recognised and implemented as a solution to reduce emissions. We have developed a comprehensive framework for the economic, environmental, and safety assessment of renewable-integrated buildings.
Check our publications on the techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment.