Sublime System’s low-carbon cement used in first project

US-based Turner Construction and local ready-mix producer Boston Sand & Gravel are reported to be the first to place concrete using Sublime Systems' zero-carbon cement in a mud mat for a significant building project.

While specifics regarding the project's location remain confidential at the client's request, it is situated within the greater Boston area.

Speaking to Engineering News Record (ENR), Leah Ellis, Sublime Systems’ CEO of Sublime Systems, said: "This marks a significant milestone in our efforts. The utilization of our zero-carbon cement not only signifies a leap forward in sustainable construction practices but also underscores our commitment to replacing carbon-intensive materials with eco-friendly alternatives." 

Sublime's groundbreaking cement, developed through a process originating at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and spearheaded by Ellis and co-founder Yet-Ming Chiang, offers a revolutionary approach to cement production. 

By harnessing electrochemical processes powered by renewable electricity, Sublime's technology eliminates the need for traditional high-temperature kilns, thus drastically reducing carbon emissions associated with cement manufacturing. 

Speaking to ENR following the pour, David Robb, Turner's pre-construction manager for the Boston-area project, emphasized the seamless integration of Sublime's cement into the construction process, saying: "The placement of the concrete was executed with standard procedures, demonstrating the feasibility and practicality of incorporating sustainable materials into our projects." 

Despite being a relatively small quantity, the use of Sublime's cement in the project serves as a crucial validation of its performance in real-world applications. From transit to placement and curing, the material exhibited promising results, paving the way for its broader adoption in the industry. 

Sublime Systems' recent receipt of up to $87 million (£69 million) in funding from the US Department of Energy further underscores the growing recognition of its groundbreaking technology and will support construction of its first commercial manufacturing plant in Holyoke, Massachusetts, US, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards widespread adoption of low-carbon construction materials.