Objectives

The main objective of the project was to demonstrate the feasibility of replacing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and OPC based concrete (products) with new products based on the innovative BeliteYe’elimite-Ferrite (BYF) class of low-CO₂ binders. ECO-Binder aims to address the vast market for envelope retrofitting and new construction with a new generation of prefabricated building envelope components with:

• 30 % decrease in carbon footprint

• 20 % improvement in insulating properties

• 15 % reduction in cost relative to current solutions based on Portland cement

Second objective was to address the vast market for envelope retrofitting and construction with a new generation of prefabricated building envelope components.

ECOBINDER Concept

Combining the novel binders with insulating materials and advanced functional finishing methods was permit the development of novel concrete systems with low CO₂ and low embodied energy suited for a wide range of envelope components, without compromising technical, health and environmental standards. This lead to the development of concrete elements with reduced embodied energy, improved insulation properties and providing multifunctional surface properties like:

• thermal reflection

• antibacterial

• anti-stain

• self-cleaning

• lower clinker burning temperature (1250- 1300°C)

• lower calcium content of the raw materials

• lower grinding energy demand

ECOBINDER Project video

Demonstrations

Demonstrations were located in Spain, in the UK and Romania. Prefabricated concrete systems of varying complexity (from ordinary blocks to sophisticated insulated wall panels) and end uses were installed in different climatic conditions for demonstration purposes. Their impact on the environment was verified through a specialized LCAS. The prefabricated products developed in this project are intended for both new construction and deep retrofitting, such as the renovation of commercial buildings or the construction of social housing.

The approach within the ECO-Binder project has led to the development of a new family of cementitious binders. This has allowed the building materials sector to move towards commercial products with comparable performance to traditional products.

Partners