Recently, the Institute of Cement and Concrete at Meru University of Science and Technology hosted a workshop on “Admixtures and High-Performance Concrete,” which is part of the Circular B-I/O project, a collaboration between the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Meru University of Science and Technology, and SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences.
VolkswagenStiftung funds the Circular B-I/O project and aims to develop circular economy-based concrete solutions using agricultural waste, invasive species such as water hyacinth, and industrial waste while promoting sustainable construction practices and local supply chains.
The initiative promotes sustainable practices, addresses waste management issues, and generates job opportunities by harnessing local resources. This approach nurtures circular economic models that support environmental sustainability and contribute to innovative construction solutions in the region. The Circular B-I/O project aims to utilize bio-based materials to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete by creating reliable supply streams from diverse agricultural and industrial by-products.
As a result, various job roles emerge, such as sustainability consultants, renewable energy engineers, green designers, and environmental scientists. These roles are essential for advancing eco-friendly construction methods and creating a more sustainable future.
The keynote speakers included Dr. Wolfram Schmidt (BAM), Dr. Kabibi Kamashanju (BAM), Dr. Joseph Mwiti Marangu (MUST), and Thomas Pfeiffer (SRH). Additionally, postgraduate students at the Institute of Cement and Concrete, pursuing courses related to cement and concrete, had a valuable opportunity to present their project proposals. They received insightful guidance on enhancing their research projects and topics, further enriching their academic experience and fostering professional development.
This experience highlighted sustainable practices and reinforced stakeholder partnerships, ensuring lasting impacts on the construction industry. The workshop is a beacon for adopting circularity in Africa’s construction industry.