A new project that upgrades the industry for the environment, “Low Carbon Concrete”, a prototype formula without cement, is a pilot project for testing by a giant company from SCG, joining hands with the Construction and Maintenance Technology Research Center (CONTEC), Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University, Thai Sei (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Fuji Poly (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
In a test of the prototype cement-free “low-carbon concrete”, it was found that it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50%. The first test in Thailand at the road construction site inside the factory of Fuji Poly (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Navanakorn Industrial Estate by CPAC, the leader in high-quality ready-mixed concrete in SCG, is an important step towards the Net Zero goal in the Thai construction industry.
The formula of “low-carbon concrete” is cement-free and uses raw materials from normal cement industry waste, which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The properties of this type of concrete are the same as general concrete, but the color of the concrete is unique.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul, Head of the Construction and Maintenance Technology Research Center (CONTEC) at the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University, said, “The development of the cement-free prototype concrete aims to make the concrete have a very low carbon footprint. In the future, it may be zero or even negative. The use of raw materials that emit low CO2, without using cement at all and using raw materials such as industrial waste, is a good combination with the right ratio, resulting in cement-free concrete with engineering properties comparable to using concrete that uses general cement. This technology is the first of its kind in Thailand. As for the color of the concrete, we used to see the structure as gray all the time, but if there is concrete that has a different color from the original concrete color, it should be an interesting point and a selling point in the future.”
Mr. Chalermwut Songwanyat, Concrete and Construction Technology Director from SCG, said, “SCG is aware of the issue of climate change, which is becoming more and more severe. Therefore, we have set a goal to become a cement and concrete producer with net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. SCG has received cooperation from the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, Thai Sei, a construction contractor, and Fuji Poly, which provided a place for testing. This cooperation is a prototype of bringing innovations from green cement substitute materials to develop into “low-carbon concrete” that we will further utilize in the Thai construction industry. It is also a good opportunity to enhance the user experience and learn about new innovations, and to help the Thai industry become sustainable.”
Mr. Naohito Oba, Managing Director of Thai Sei (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a Japanese construction contractor, said, “In the current situation, we aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to zero. This new concrete, compared to the old concrete, reduces CO2 emissions by 50%, which is environmentally friendly and very beneficial to Thai society. We are looking at the future of Thailand, as this concrete will change the entire construction industry. This concrete is very unique, with a brown color that is a good choice for designers. It can also be used in building and infrastructure construction agencies, and has advantages in terms of quality and color. In the future, we are confident that with technology from Japan and technology from the SCG Group, the development of concrete products will be positive and ready to move towards carbon neutrality.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Hirohiko Minae, President of Fuji Poly (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the owner of the construction project, said, “One of our company goals is to implement a plan to reduce carbon dioxide. According to this goal, we have started thinking about how to reduce carbon dioxide. However, we feel that there are still many limitations to what we can do to reduce carbon dioxide. If this project is successful, I believe that it will expand the scope of participation in carbon dioxide reduction activities for society.”
“Low-carbon concrete” is a project that is an important step in upgrading the cement industry into an environmentally friendly industry. If construction projects use low-carbon concrete, it is expected that in the future, carbon dioxide emissions, which are a major factor causing global warming, will definitely decrease.
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