The construction industry, traditionally reliant on the intensive use of non-renewable natural materials, is at a decisive moment to reevaluate its processes and mitigate its significant environmental impact. How can the growing demand for infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and education be met without depleting natural resources? While recycling initiatives are gaining traction, they remain insufficient. In this context, more innovative solutions are emerging, proposing the use of agricultural waste, such as sugarcane bagasse, to create sustainable and disruptive alternatives for construction.
When processed and creatively applied, these residues can become high-performance materials, combining strength, functionality, and significant reductions in environmental impact. However, for these innovations to become viable, they must undergo a rigorous cycle of research, extensive testing, and, most importantly, full-scale prototyping. In a groundbreaking achievement for sustainable architecture, Sugarcrete® was used to construct a school in India. Developed through a collaboration between UEL's MArch Architecture programme and the SRI, with support from Chemical Systems Technologies (India) Pvt. Ltd (CST), the project highlights the potential of circular economy principles in addressing climate change.
It is a low-carbon alternative to traditional bricks and concrete blockwork, combining sugarcane by-product (bagasse) with sand-mineral binders to create blocks that have a carbon footprint six times smaller than conventional clay bricks. The freestanding school building in India is the first prototype of its kind, providing a platform to test its buildability, operational performance, and environmental benefits. Located in a sugar-producing region, the school will serve as a Skill Development Hub for local students and the goal is to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for local construction needs while creating income-generating opportunities through the export of eco-friendly materials to the Global North.
Alan Chandler, co-creator of the material and project leader, emphasized the significance of this milestone: "This project has taught us invaluable lessons about how Sugarcrete® can enable communities to transition to sustainable building practices. While we have learned how easy the blocks are to use, we've also identified challenges, such as ensuring the availability of materials and skills required for certain lime-based renders. With the dedication of our local partners, we are taking significant steps toward revolutionising construction and making low-carbon alternatives accessible and practical."
The school was designed through a collaboration between UEL students and the Delhi School of Architecture and Planning. It is being monitored to evaluate the material's superior insulation, moisture protection, and acoustic performance. These qualities are particularly advantageous for educational environments, ensuring comfort and fostering better learning conditions. Sunil Singhal, President of CST, celebrated the collaboration, stating: "With India producing 400 million tons of sugarcane annually, it is one of the world's largest biomass sources. The potential for large-scale positive social and environmental impact is immense, and we are excited to pioneer this groundbreaking innovation in the country."
Encouraged by the school project's success, the Sugarcrete® team is now collaborating with the Paryatan Foundation, an NGO in Hisar, India, to build a community center using the material. They are also expanding their reach to other sugar-producing regions, including Brazil, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Mexico, where the material's potential is vast. In Costa Rica, for example, the material is being considered for construction in tropical forests, offering a sustainable alternative in areas where carbon-intensive materials are restricted.
Moreover, Sugarcrete® will be showcased in a prototype at the Burning Man Festival in Nevada, USA, further demonstrating its versatility and global appeal. Sugarcrete® has received accolades such as the Climate Positive Awards and the Built by Nature Prize and has been nominated for the Earthshot Prize and other prestigious awards. Its success underscores its potential to redefine sustainable construction and contribute to a more resilient, low-carbon future. This pioneering project demonstrates how agricultural by-products can be transformed into cutting-edge building materials, paving the way for a more sustainable construction industry. Sugarcrete® is not just building structures—it is building a better future.
