Global Network Unites in Panama to Advance Sustainable Concrete

20 Mar 2025 CW Team

The Innovandi Global Cement and Concrete Research Network (GCCRN) is hosting its Spring Week from March 17 to 21, 2025, in Panama City, bringing together delegates from over 40 academic institutions and 30 industry members to accelerate sustainable cement and concrete innovations.

The event aims to foster research that drives decarbonisation in the cement and concrete industry, aligning with the goal of achieving net-zero concrete by 2050.

“To reach net-zero concrete by 2050, collaboration beyond our industry is essential. Spring Week provides a vital platform for innovation,” said Davide Zampini, GCCRN Industrial Chair and Vice President of Global Research Development at Cemex.

Karen Scrivener, GCCRN’s Scientific Chair and Director at EPFL, highlighted the event’s importance, stating that it marks a milestone in advancing net-zero research through diverse global collaboration.

Spring Week enables industrial and academic leaders to engage directly with PhD students, postdocs, and researchers worldwide, all focused on decarbonising concrete.

Innovandi GCCRN connects industry and academia to drive pre-competitive research, investing €10 million annually, including €1.2 million dedicated to CO? reduction.

Sessions will explore key topics, including:

Alternative materials and processes
Concrete recycling innovations
Renewable energy integration
Kiln electrification
Carbon capture advancements

Spring Week aims to catalyse breakthroughs in sustainable concrete solutions, reinforcing global efforts to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

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