Living Lab
2024 Winner of Living Lab Award
3D-printed concrete using waste-derived nanocarbon for enhanced CO2 capture
Waste to value for sustainability and towards net-zero construction
Dr Shaikh Nayeem Faisal from the Faculty of Engineering is developing nanomaterials incorporated eco-friendly concretes for 3D printed structures. This new material uses nanoporous aerogel made from waste to make the concrete stronger and capture carbon dioxide. This contributes to lowering carbon emissions in the construction industry, paving the way to net zero, while transforming waste into valuable building materials through a circular economy approach.
The team led by Dr Faisal has received the Living Lab Award of $50,000 AUD. The project will progress to the next stage with in-kind support provided by Sydney Nano to collaborate with University Infrastructure.
Dr Shaikh Faisal and his team
2024 Runner up
ALGA Facade: Autonomous Living Green Architectural Façade
The building restorer for sustainable urban futures
Dr Eugenia Gasparri from School of Architecture, Design and Planning has developed an innovative building façade system by integrating photobioreactors for carbon capture, in which the microalage can capture CO2 up to 400 times. The modular and energy-autonomous ALGA also purifies water and improves air quality in buildings. With its ease of maintenance and adaptability to urban environments, ALGA offers a forward-thinking solution positioned to meet the growing demand of sustainable cities and future decarbonisation efforts.
The team led by Dr Eugenia Gasparri will be progressing to the next stage with in-kind support provided by Sydney Nano to collaborate with University Infrastructure.
Dr Eugenia Gasparri with her team