University of East London

Sugarcrete®

Sugarcrete® is a bio-based construction material utilising the greatest agri-residue available globally to address the unacceptable impact that the construction sector (accounting for 50% of all extracted material globally). Sugar sequesters more carbon per hectare than rainforest and as Sugarcrete® offers superior thermal, environmental and socio-economic benefits beyond standard building materials.

Sugarcrete® is an open-source technology without patents. We share our research and have over 20 partnerships across 16 countries to create carbon positive construction materials available to rural sugar producing communities and global enterprises alike.

Co-production is key to overcoming legacy issues with sugar – our partnerships are equitable – we merge technological innovation with social science revelation by co-creating products that address local needs through knowledge sharing that works both ways, maintaining simple, short, ethical supply chains creating new forms of Global South. vernacular construction.

We have been recognised with a nomination for the Earthshot prize 2024, a Climate Positive Award (COP28), a Built by Nature prize 2024 and by global media.

Top 3 Learnings

1. We used the most available bio-residue in the world to develop a zero-carbon construction material.
2. ‘Sugarcrete®’ has technical performance and appropriate simplicity for small scale local and export scale production.
3. We developed engagement strategies to share knowledge and co-create products with rural communities.