The project will deliver a step-change in the application of circular economic principles by providing alternative materials to the construction industry. This involves transforming non-marketable ceramics and porcelain (a waste stream that is financially costly and has high carbon emission rates) into PORCEMENT--a highly profitable cement-like material to substitute concrete binders. The ultra-low carbon intensity of PORCEMENT (in the range of 0.013 kg CO2/kg), the avoidance of landfilling operations for 75kt ceramic waste yearly, and the design of optimised supply chain management, will enable carbon savings in the range of 2.4kt CO2/year. The substitution of 75kt of Portland cement in concrete will deliver an emission reduction of 60kt CO2/year, supporting the decarbonation and circular vision for the UK construction industry. The project will support the setup of a new business including provision for several IP protection mechanisms, which will allow the replication of the model across the UK and its export abroad. The new business has clear profit margins, it will create at least 50 FTE jobs in the entire supply chain over two years, and, after industrial demonstration, it will attract investors for the replication and extension of the model. The project will deliver: the technical requirements for the processing units to be installed, laboratory validation of the technology, validation in an industrial environment and the design of a sustainable supply chain that minimise costs and emissions with maximum efficiency and profit. The project has been designed by a leading tile importer, a Russell group, research-intensive university, and a pioneering low carbon concrete manufacturer, who all sit in the heart of the South West of England.

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This project is a development and demonstration of ARC's low-carbon concrete activator. ARC Marine have been using a non-cement based concrete design for the last two years in the production of their innovative artificial reef units - Reef Cubes. The material is in a state of development and could be offered as an alternative to cement for pre-cast concrete manufacturers and civil engineering projects. ARC's activator offers the potential for massive environmental impact savings compared to cement based concrete. It can be produced with sea water instead of freshwater preventing the use of huge quantities of fresh potable water in concrete production. It also constitutes a massive greenhouse gas emissions saving of 70-100% depending on the specific design of the concrete and the addition of carbon sink additives. In order to develop this material the project aims to develop a number of pre-cast concrete products that will be produced with it. These products will be: a low carbon paving slab, a mass produced nature-inclusive scour protection block & a cubic coastal defence unit. To develop these products the mix will be optimised for several manufacturing methods. By doing so the project will demonstrate the efficacy of the material. Further development work in the project will focus on the material itself both in it's integration to batching plants and in it's documentation to take it a step closer to commercialisation. ARC have received significant interest in the use of the material but the product is not ready for marketing at this time. A key aim of this project will be to take the material to a stage prior of near market-readiness. In doing so ARC will provide a much needed alternative to cement that will help to decarbonise the concrete industry.

This project is a development of ARC Marine's Reef Cubes and their cement-free, low-carbon concrete. Reef Cubes enhance the marine ecosystem whilst developing offshore renewable energy sites. Our concrete design is an innovative sustainable mixture made of 95% recycled materials, with 10% the carbon footprint of standard concrete. Vast amounts of materials are added to the seafloor during offshore construction to stabilise structures from the effects of current scour, to protect cables from anchors and fishing gear, and to act as moorings for vessels or floating platforms. Our current work is focussed on promoting the use of Reef Cubes as additions or alternatives, to enhance the biodiversity around offshore renewable developments, whilst also meeting the strict technical performance requirements of offshore renewable engineers. Unlike other protection structures, Reef Cubes have a nature-inclusive 3D shape with internal spaces. Deploying Reef Cubes at offshore renewable sites has the benefit of enhancing the surrounding habitat and thus the natural value of biodiversity around renewable developments. The product helps developers to meet their biodiversity licensing requirements and governments to meet UN sustainable development goal 14 of life below water. Reef Cubes are to be deployed in the pioneering Rich North Sea project in the Dutch North Sea later this year. There is a problem with the current use of technology though. Deployment requires the hire of a separate vessel, incurring a significant extra cost to the funders. The additional carbon emissions also balance-out the positive effects of the Reef Cubes on the environment. To overcome this we suggest expanding the capability of Reef Cubes, to be deployable with rock armour by fall pipe vessels. Our aim is to ensure the strength of Reef Cubes is sufficient to survive deployment with rock armour protection by fall pipe vessels, test the innovative low-carbon concrete to ensure compliance with maritime standards and include carbon-storing materials to reach the point of net carbon sequestration. If successful, our product will rapidly convert large offshore renewable energy seabed sites into thriving and healthy marine habitats for the long term benefit of mankind and the planet; while reducing the overall project's carbon footprint! ARC Marine's mission is to create the largest, most comprehensive accelerated reef network in the world and reverse the damage that has been done over centuries of offshore construction and fishing whilst improving renewable energy productivity and aquaculture site efficiency.