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2. 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

3. THE THREE Os: Organisation, Objectives and Operation 3

4. ORGANISATION Creation of NANOCEM 4 May 2002 First meeting, 6 partners in Paris May 2003 Decision to form independent consortium May 2004 Signature of consortium agreement Unsuccessful bid for EU network of excellence Continuing activity indefinite duration

5. ORGANISATION Nanocem’s structure 5

6. OBJECTIVES Our aims 6 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.

7. OPERATION What we do 7

8. OBJECTIVES Network Resources 8 ~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 postdocs 2010-2014: ~4 M€: Marie ITN 14 PhDs and 1 post doc

9. OPERATION Industrial - academic dialog 9 Areas where lack of understanding or quantitative measurement blocks progress Interpretation of knowledge and clarification of possible progress areas

10. THE FOUR Ps: Partners, Projects, Profiling and Potential 10

11. PARTNERS Key numbers 11 35 Academic and Industrial Partners 60 PhD and PostDoctoral Research Projects 120 Academic Researchers

12. PARTNERS Key numbers 12 24 Academic Partners 11 Industrial Partners

13. PARTNERS Key numbers 13 35 Academic and Industrial Partners 60 PhD and PostDoctoral Research Projects 120 Academic Researchers

14. PARTNERS Need for co-ordinated interconnected approach 14 11 Industrial Partners

15. PARTNERS Need for co-ordinated interconnected approach 15 24 Academic Partners

16. PROJECTS Current achievements approach 16 14 CORE PROJECTS Fundamental, long-term research projects carried out by two or more partners, funded by the resources of the Nanocem Consortium 70 PARTNER PROJECTS Externally funded projects conducted by academic partners 23 DOCTORAL THESES (19 THESES IN PREPARATION INCLUDED) We have trained at least 48 students (phDs +postdocs over the last 10 years) AVERAGE OF 20 WORKSHOPS PER YEAR

17. PROJECTS 2 types of project 17

18. PROJECTS Core projects 18 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

19. PROJECTS Partner project – What is it? 19 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

20. INDUSTRY PROFILING Why we use concrete? 20 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.

21. INDUSTRY PROFILING Why we use concrete? 21 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.

22. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete The Construction Industry 22 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

23. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete The Construction Industry 23 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

24. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete The Construction Industry 24 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 4 out of 5 top cement producers are European ■ Lafarge, France ■ Holcim, Switzerland ■ HeidelbergCement, Germany ■ Italcementi, Italy ■ Cemex, Mexico Annual turnover > €65 billion (increasing) Cement production is estimated to reach over 5 billion tonnes by 2050

25. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete The Construction Industry 25

26. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete The Construction Industry 26 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 CO 2 emissions ► Objective: 20% reduction of CO 2 emissions 1990–2010 (Holcim)

27. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions 27 Cement production accounts for 3-8% of global CO 2 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

28. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions 28

29. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions 29

30. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions 30 CaCO 3 + heat = CaO + CO 2 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 CO 2.

31. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions 31 The Emission Paradox Compared to other building materials concrete has a low carbon footprint, i.e. it emits less CO 2 per tonne. And yet, the enormous volumes used mean that concrete production accounts for about 3 - 8 percent of the man-made CO 2 emissions worldwide.

32. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Cement & Emissions 32 COMPARATIVE RELATIVE ENERGY AND CO 2 PER CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

33. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Reduction in CO 2 Emissions (1990–2010) 33 SPECIFIC GROSS AND NET DIRECT CO 2 EMISSIONS

34. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Reduction in CO 2 Emissions (1990–2010) 34

35. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Emission Reduction Research 35 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

36. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Positioning of Nanocem Research Activities 36

37. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research 37 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.

38. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research 38

39. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research 39

40. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research 40 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

41. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research 41 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

42. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research 42 THE RESOURCES OF THE EARTH MEAN WE DO NOT HAVE A LOT OF OPTIONS!

43. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research 43 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

44. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research 44 BUT INCREASING SUBSTITUTION IS REACHING A LIMIT DUE TO: technical performance availability

45. INDUSTRY PROFILING from construction to cement and concrete Nanocem Research 45 TO MASTER NEW SOLUTIONS, WE NEED APPROACHES BASED ON MECHANISMS

46. POTENTIAL Conclusions and looking into the future 46 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

47. POTENTIAL Need for Innovation 47 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