Saudi Arabia unveiled on Sunday the NovusCrete Consortium, which aims to drive innovation in sustainable concrete technologies and reduce the construction sector’s environmental impact.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the consortium is led by the kingdom’s Oil Sustainability Program, which works toward extending oil’s role as a key contributor to the global energy mix.
The consortium, announced by Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman, revolutionizes concrete production by integrating environmentally efficient materials and cutting-edge technologies.
It focuses on developing localized and sustainable materials, including seawater-based concrete reinforced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer rebars, polymer-based materials and recycled construction waste.
The consortium comprises leading entities such as the Public Investment Fund, the Saudi Investment Recycling Co., NEOM, SIKA and ClimateCrete.
Backed by Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative seeks to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability by addressing the construction sector’s carbon footprint.
It aims to enhance the lifespan of infrastructure, support economic localization and promote the recycling of construction and demolition waste.
“This marks a strategic milestone in fostering sustainable development and empowering the construction sector with innovative solutions,” said Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman at the event.
The consortium will collaborate with global organizations, including the American Concrete Institute, which established Committee 243 – Seawater Concrete, to develop standards, guidelines and codes for sustainable concrete practices.
As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 agenda, NovusCrete is expected to catalyze environmental innovation while boosting the local economy and setting benchmarks for sustainability in construction worldwide.
