New additives could turn concrete into an effective carbon sink

MIT engineers discover new carbonation pathways for creating more environmentally friendly concrete.

David L. Chandler | MIT News Office • mit
March 28, 2023 ~6 min

Integrating humans with AI in structural design

A process that seeks feedback from human specialists proves more effective at optimization than automated systems working alone.

David L. Chandler | MIT News Office • mit
March 2, 2023 ~7 min


Study: Carbon-neutral pavements are possible by 2050, but rapid policy and industry action are needed

Analyses show stakeholders of all levels must get involved in decarbonizing pavements to reach climate goals.

Andrew Paul Laurent | MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub • mit
Feb. 21, 2023 ~7 min

The safer you feel, the less safely you might behave – but research suggests ways to counteract this tendency

If you feel safer, you might take more risks – canceling out the benefits of various safety interventions. But educating people about this paradox and allowing for some personal choice might help.

Sogand Hasanzadeh, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, Purdue University • conversation
Jan. 10, 2023 ~8 min

Riddle solved: Why was Roman concrete so durable?

An unexpected ancient manufacturing strategy may hold the key to designing concrete that lasts for millennia.

David L. Chandler | MIT News Office • mit
Jan. 6, 2023 ~8 min

Five human technologies inspired by nature – from velcro to racing cars

Humans often look to nature for the solutions to complex problems – here are five times where biological processes have inspired innovation.

Amin Al-Habaibeh, Professor of Intelligent Engineering Systems, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Dec. 30, 2022 ~7 min

COP must reverse rising pessimism over building sector decarbonisation, new study argues

Social media engagement with climate policy events is vital to reducing building emissions and ensuring environmental justice, research led by Cambridge

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Nov. 17, 2022 ~8 min

England's housing strategy carries a high carbon cost – unless politicians are willing to change plans

England’s housing strategy will consume our entire carbon budget by 2050 – there are alternatives, but they face political and economic barriers.

Josh Ryan-Collins, Head of Finance and Macroeconomics, Institute of Innovation and Public Purpose, UCL • conversation
Nov. 10, 2022 ~8 min


Wooden housing boom needed to boost climate goals, says new study – but is it possible?

Engineered wood is a sustainable alternative to cement and steel in construction.

Ljubomir Jankovic, Professor of Advanced Building Design, University of Hertfordshire • conversation
Aug. 30, 2022 ~6 min

Three reasons concrete doesn't live up to its environmental claims

Despite being a major contributor of global carbon emissions, concrete remains a popular construction material. Research suggests this needs to change.

Alice Moncaster, Senior Lecturer in Engineering, The Open University • conversation
July 29, 2022 ~7 min

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