Researchers from the University of East London (UEL) and Grimshaw, an architecture studio, have jointly developed construction material derived from sugarcane.

The new brick-like material, dubbed Sugarcrete, is composed of bagasse, which is a byproduct of sugarcane. According to its developers, the new concrete is a bio-building component that can function as both an insulating panel and as a load-bearing element.

Source: UEL

Described as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional bricks and concrete, Sugarcrete is expected to cut the carbon footprint of the cement industry, which contributes an estimated 8% of carbon pollution.

Its developers suggest that Sugarcrete — which is composed of sugarcane fibers leftover from the manufacture of sugar combined with sand-mineral binders — produces roughly 15% to 20% of the carbon emissions of traditional bricks with a carbon footprint estimated to be 20 times less and four to five times lighter than traditional concrete.