In Australia, researchers are making strides towards more environmentally friendly construction projects by repurposing ground coffee waste. Led by postdoctoral researcher Rajeev Roychand at RMIT University, the team is using coffee waste to create biochar, which can be used as a viable ingredient in concrete mixes. By replacing up to 15% of sand in concrete with biochar, the team hopes to address the scarcity of river sand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with landfills.
The world’s first walkway made from coffee concrete was recently trialed in Gisborne, marking a significant step towards more sustainable building practices. The collaboration between RMIT University and the Macedon Ranges Shire Council has shown that coffee waste can be transformed into a valuable resource that can help reduce waste and decrease cement content in construction materials.
In addition to its environmental benefits, using coffee waste in construction materials also has potential economic benefits. With 75 million kg of coffee waste produced annually in Australia, this innovative approach could help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and provide a new source of raw materials for the construction industry.
As the research team continues to monitor the durability of the coffee concrete walkway in Gisborne and explore further ways to decrease cement content in construction projects, they hope to contribute to a more sustainable future for building practices. Their work has the potential to revolutionize the industry and pave the way for more environmentally conscious and economically beneficial construction projects.
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