AUSTRALIA | In a groundbreaking collaboration, RMIT University and Macedon Ranges Shire Council are pioneering a project that could revolutionise construction practices: a trial of coffee concrete footpaths. This innovative endeavour aims to harness the latent potential of spent coffee grounds, transforming them into biochar and, subsequently, a valuable resource for the construction industry.
Dr Rajeev Roychand, the project lead at RMIT, underscores the practical benefits of this initiative.
"As sand becomes scarcer, this waste can replace up to 15 percent of the sand in concrete," he said.
This statement not only highlights the potential environmental gains but also the real-world implications for sustainable construction practices. By reusing organic waste like coffee grounds, the project aims to alleviate the pressure on limited resources while also tackling the urgent issue of waste management.
Shane Walden, the Council's Director of Assets and Operations, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the collaborative spirit that is the backbone of the project's success.
"We're taking those experiments and putting them in the ground and in the field today," he explained, highlighting the tangible impact of the partnership between the council and RMIT.
Walden underscores the importance of initiatives like this, not only in advancing knowledge but also in delivering tangible benefits to the community and the environment.
Looking forward, the researchers aim to evaluate the coffee concrete's performance in trial footpaths in Gisborne with an eye toward commercialisation. Roychand points to potential cost savings for construction companies and concreters, noting the possibility of reducing cement content by up to 10 percent. This prospect represents a significant leap forward in sustainable construction practices, offering economic and environmental benefits.
Beyond the immediate implications for construction, the trial holds broader significance for sustainability efforts. Coffee concrete represents a tangible step toward a more circular economy by diverting organic waste from landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional construction materials. With ongoing support from stakeholders and continued research, coffee concrete could soon become a mainstream solution in the construction industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
Photo credit: RMIT.
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