Recent Developments in Sustainable Cement-Based Materials and Structures

The Concrete Sustainability: Materials and Structures 2025 Conference, held in Gozo, highlighted cutting-edge research and innovations in low-carbon concrete, recycling, and reuse strategies aimed at creating durable and resilient structures.

Organised by the University of Malta’s Construction Materials and Structural Monitoring Research Group in collaboration with the International Federation for Structural Concrete (FIB), the conference brought together international researchers, engineers, and industry professionals to explore sustainable construction technologies and advanced cement-based materials.

Opening the event, Minister for Gozo and Planning, Hon. Clint Camilleri emphasised how waste materials are increasingly being transformed into valuable resources within concrete production. He noted that ongoing research enables the development of low-carbon concrete with reduced energy requirements, enhanced strength, and improved durability suited to Malta’s environment.

Conference organiser Prof. Ruben Paul Borg highlighted the University of Malta’s role in advancing low-carbon concrete solutions that reduce environmental impact while supporting the transfer of research into industry for more resilient infrastructure.

The conference also featured keynote contributions from Prof. Kamal Khayat, a global leader in concrete science, who shared insights on innovations such as self-consolidating concrete and their transformative impact on construction safety, efficiency, and durability.