Summary
The construction industry is vital for building homes and infrastructure, but traditional cement production is a major source of carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 5% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Because of this, there is an urgent need to find “greener” alternatives to traditional cement to help Ireland meet its climate goals.
The project, “Alternative Irish-based materials suitable as cementitious binders,” led by Dr. Niall Holmes at Technological University Dublin, was launched to address this challenge. In collaboration with industry partners, the research team sought to identify and test locally sourced materials in Ireland that could act as “binders”. These binders, known as Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), are added to concrete to reduce the amount of carbon-heavy cement required without sacrificing strength or durability.
Throughout the project, researchers investigated several potential materials, such as pulverised fly ash, recycled glass powder, calcined clays, and red mud. The team performed rigorous chemical testing and thermodynamic modelling to understand how these materials behave when mixed into concrete. Crucially, the project also initiated discussions with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to create a roadmap for standardising these new materials, which is essential for their widespread use in the construction sector.
By moving away from imported or high-carbon cement and utilizing local, sustainable materials, this research paves the way for a more environmentally friendly construction industry in Ireland. The project outcomes, which include data on material availability, performance, and standardisation pathways, provide a vital foundation for future industry adoption, proving that Ireland can continue to grow while significantly reducing its environmental footprint.
This initiative provides a strategic competitive advantage to key industrial partners, including Arup Consulting Engineers, Breedon Concrete, Futurecast, McGraths, Mannok, and Sisk. By leveraging data-driven insights into locally sourced Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), such as fly-ash and recycled glass, these companies are positioned to accelerate product development and commercialisation.
Crucially, the research de-risks operations by ensuring full compliance with evolving government procurement mandates, specifically the 30% clinker reduction required for public works. Beyond regulatory alignment, the study enhances supply chain resilience by reducing dependence on volatile import markets and opening high-growth export opportunities for sustainable materials. The technical validation of material performance ensures that ambitious decarbonization targets are met without compromising infrastructure integrity or structural safety. Ultimately, this collaboration creates a high-value ecosystem that enables industry leaders to deliver cost-effective, sustainable, and scalable construction solutions.
This research drives a fundamental shift in the Irish construction sector, pivoting from carbon-intensive practices toward global leadership in green material innovation.
A primary technical breakthrough was the demonstration that PFA from Moneypoint, used at a 25% replacement level, can produce high-strength concrete exceeding 60MPa at 56 days while significantly reducing embodied carbon. In contrast, the study identified critical limitations in FBA, noting its lower reactivity and potential for strength loss, which suggests it is better suited for non-structural fill applications. Furthermore, research into RGP highlighted its dual role: while it can suppress deleterious alkali-silica reactions (ASR), its replacement level must be optimised (ideally around 6%) to prevent excessive strength reduction.
The transition to alternative cementitious binders offers profound societal benefits by driving climate mitigation and the circular economy. With the Irish cement industry accounting for 5% of national greenhouse gas emissions, this research is vital for meeting government mandates to reduce clinker content by 30% in public projects.
Environmentally, the project transforms industrial liabilities into strategic assets. By upcycling four million tonnes of ash from Moneypoint and utilizing recycled glass powder, the sector diverts waste from landfills while lowering the carbon footprint of essential infrastructure. These technical innovations ensure that the construction of schools, bridges, and homes remains durable and affordable without compromising environmental integrity.
Furthermore, localizing production reduces dependence on volatile import markets, enhancing Ireland’s economic sovereignty and securing local employment. Ultimately, these sustainable materials provide a scalable roadmap for national growth that balances urgent infrastructural needs with the long-term health of the environment and future generations.
PI and RPO member:
Dr. Niall Holmes – Technological University Dublin
Project Partners
Principal Investigator
Dr. Niall Holmes
Head of School in the School of Civil & Structural Engineering at the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), Chartered Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland.
Dr Niall Holmes is a Discipline Lead and Head of Structural Engineering at TU Dublin. He has almost 30 years experience as an engineer, academic and researcher. His main areas of research are in cement chemistry and hydration, thermodynamic modelling and concrete durability. To date, he has published almost 100 articles in peer reviewed journals, conference proceedings, book chapters and technical reports. His research has secured over EUR7m in funding from multiple sources including Enterprise Ireland and Research Ireland. He is a Principal Investigator in the CREST Technology Gateway in TU Dublin and is working with several companies in the area of sustainable cement development.
Dr Holmes is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland.
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