background Until end of 1970s large laboratories such as PCA, BCA and CERILH carried out basic work on cementitious materials Work in universities was fragmented and carried out in small, isolated groups Duplication, reinventing the wheel, no follow-through PhD structure: studies limited to 3 years Current developments largely empirical and incremental Recognition that situation has to change Mounting challenge to decrease environmental footprint

Organisation, Objectives and Operation The three Os: Organisation, Objectives and Operation

Organisation Creation of NANOCEM May 2002 May 2003 May 2004 First meeting, 6 partners in Paris Unsuccessful bid for EU network of excellence May 2003 Decision to form independent consortium May 2004 Signature of consortium agreement Continuing activity indefinite duration

Organisation Nanocem’s structure

Objectives Our aims RESEARCH To grow the basic knowledge needed to develop new cementitious materials, linking features and processes that take place at atomic level and their impact once used in buildings, bridges or other structures, and to disseminate the results of our work. EDUCATION To prepare the next generation of researchers, by educating university graduates and providing a platform for future employment in the cement and concrete industry. RESPONSIBILITY To help find solutions that will further reduce the environmental impact of cement and concrete.

OPEration What we do

Objectives Network Resources ~120 permanent research staff involved ~65 doctoral students Financing of core projects based on industry contribution (~ 700.000 € p.a.) + Umbrella for European projects 2006-2010: ~4 M€: Marie Curie RTN: 9 PhDs and 6 postdocs 2010-2014: ~4 M€: Marie ITN 14 PhDs and 1 post doc

Industrial - academic dialog operation Industrial - academic dialog Areas where lack of understanding or quantitative measurement blocks progress Interpretation of knowledge and clarification of possible progress areas

Partners, Projects, Profiling and Potential The four Ps: Partners, Projects, Profiling and Potential

Partners Key numbers 33 Academic and Industrial Partners 60 PhD and PostDoctoral Research Projects 120 Academic Researchers

Partners Key numbers 23 Academic Partners 10 Industrial Partners

Partners Key numbers 33 Academic and Industrial Partners 60 PhD and PostDoctoral Research Projects 120 Academic Researchers

Need for co-ordinated interconnected approach PARtners Need for co-ordinated interconnected approach 10 Industrial Partners

Need for co-ordinated interconnected approach PARtners Need for co-ordinated interconnected approach 23 Academic Partners

Current achievements approach PROJECTS Current achievements approach 16 Core Projects Fundamental, long-term research projects carried out by two or more partners, funded by the resources of the Nanocem Consortium 96 Partner Projects Externally funded projects conducted by academic partners 37 doctoral theses (3 Doctoral Theses in preparation) We have trained at least 51 students (phDs + postdocs over the last 14 years) Average of 20 workshops per year

PROJECTS 2 types of project 16 96

PROJECTS Core projects Core projects aim to bridge the gaps between the independent research of the different academic partners. They typically fund 1-2 PhD students working across 2-4 partner institutions. Core projects chosen after workshops process

Partner project – What is it? PROJECTS Partner project – What is it? The contribution of the academic partners to the network Partner projects are externally funded projects conducted by academic partners, who contribute by sharing the principal results with Nanocem members 

Industry ProFILING Why we use concrete? STRONG AND DURABLE Concrete is used for its strength that actually increases over time, and is not weakened by moisture, mould or pests. LOCAL AND AFFORDABLE concrete is less cost effective to produce and remains extremely affordable as all of its raw materials are sourced locally. FIRE-RESISTANT As it is naturally fire-resistant, concrete forms a highly effective barrier to fire spread.

Industry ProFILING Why we use concrete? EXCELLENT THERMAL MASS Concrete walls and floors slow the passage of heat, reducing temperature swings, making buildings more energy efficient. SUSTAINABLE Concrete is a low carbon construction material compared to steel etc. Concrete is made from materials that are abundantly available and can contribute to the circular economy by integrating industrial by- products or waste as raw material. When the structure reaches the end of its useful life, concrete can be recycled.

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete The Construction Industry Largest single economic sector in Europe About 10% of total GDP in EU More than 10% of total employment in EU Construction activities increasing globally High growth rates in emerging economies (China, India) to build up infrastructure 50% of all materials extracted are used for construction ► Enormous economical, ecological and societal impact

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete The Construction Industry Concrete is: A readily available raw material Strong and durable ► it is not weakened by moisture, mould or pests Local and affordable Excellent thermal mass ► concrete walls and floors slow the passage of heat Sustainable ► concrete is made form abundantly available materials and can be re-used or recycled

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete The Construction Industry Concrete is a low carbon constructional material that can be produced anywhere in the world using local resources. In 2011, global cement production totalled 3.4 billion tonnes The first 2 top cement producers are European ■ LafargeHolcim, France (rank 1) ■ HeidelbergCement, Germany (rank 2) ■ Cemex, Mexico ■ UtraTech Cement, India ■ Votorantim, Brazil Annual turnover > €65 billion (increasing) Cement production is estimated to reach over 5 billion tonnes by 2050

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete The Construction Industry

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete The Construction Industry Environmental, Economical and Societal Challenges: Reduction of (natural) resource consumption Increase use of alternative fuels and raw materials Increase recycling rate Local markets versus global competition Competition from other materials (wood, steel) Lack of well-trained employees (attractiveness) Reduction of GHG emissions and emission trading Cement production accounts for about 5% of CO2 emissions ► Objective: 20% reduction of CO2 emissions 1990–2010 (Holcim)

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions Cement production accounts for 3-8% of global CO2 With the development of emerging economies, cement use is set to double by 2050 Emissions from cement production come from: ■ energy use ■ chemical reaction during the production process ■ use of electricity in the production process

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions CaCO3 + heat = CaO + CO2 A simple formula that is responsible for the majority of the emissions in cement production. The emissions per tonne of cement vary from plant to plant but are on average around 760 kg of CO2.

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions The Emission Paradox Compared to other building materials concrete has a low carbon footprint, i.e. it emits less CO2 per tonne. And yet, the enormous volumes used mean that concrete production accounts for about 3 - 8 percent of the man-made CO2 emissions worldwide.

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions Comparative relative energy and CO2 per construction material

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Reduction in CO2 Emissions (1990–2010) SPECIFIC GROSS AND NET DIRECT CO2 EMISSIONS

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Reduction in CO2 Emissions (1990–2010)

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Emission Reduction Research Our research focuses on cement at a nano-scale level: fundamental chemistry and physics. We research ways in which we can: Reduce or substitute the proportion of limestone in the clinker, Mix clinker with other materials. Less clinker means less decarbonated limestone, and thus reduced emissions. Increase the use of waste materials or industrial by-products as a raw material Change the composition of concrete by using less cement Extend the life of structures by developing concretes that are more resistant to deterioration

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Positioning of Nanocem Research Activities

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research The Nanocem network conducts precompetitive basic research. The research cooperation aims to enable breakthrough innovation in order to: Improve the ecological and economical performance of cement and concrete; Improve the applicability of cementitious systems; Develop new multifunctional, knowledge-based cementitious products better serving customers needs.

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research Reduction of concrete carbon impact: Improved prediction of performance of new types of cement and concrete Research into the performance of different mixtures and cement types Increasing understanding of how concrete deteriorates + ensure durability of new materials Exploring possibilities for new replacement materials

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research Why is it hard? Obstacles: Changing the chemical composition of cement affects its properties and performance Fundamental research is required into cement and concrete that will emit less emissions but will continue to offer required level of performance Time and the environment will play a critical role

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research The resources of the earth mean we do not have a lot of options!

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research The resources of the earth mean we do not have a lot of options! Only 8 elements constitute >98% of the earth’s crust Even elements we regard as common are more than 1000 times LESS abundant that the elements found in cement – cost and geographical distribution The composition of the Earth’s Crust limits the possible chemistries But the limited range mean we can explore all options

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research But increasing substitution is reaching a limit due to: technical performance availability

Industry ProFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research To master new solutions, we need approaches based on mechanisms

Conclusions and looking into the future POTENTIAL Conclusions and looking into the future In the future sustainability can be increased by: Extending the use of current clinker substitutes; The development of novel, cost-effective supplementary cementitious materials and alternative clinkers; Optimising the use of waste materials as substitutes for clinker and fuel; However such developments can only be successful if we can provide the basis in understanding and performance tests for users to have confidence in the many potential solutions There is no magic bullet solution: sustainability can only come from mastering an increasingly diverse range of cementitious materials

POTENTIAL Need for Innovation How can R&D help to tackle these challenges? Development of blended cements with strength and durability equal to that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) Maximum utilization of alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) without negative effect on performance Development of low energy or alternative binders Full recycling concepts Long predictable service life of concrete