Transforming Construction: Fraunhofer Scientists Creates Green Building Materials from Cyanobacteria

Often referred to as blue-green algae, cyanobacteria are microorganisms found in lakes and other bodies of water. Fraunhofer Institute scientists have recently made significant advancements by developing innovative, ecologically friendly building materials from these cyanobacteria.

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Sustainable Construction Materials Derived from Cyanobacteria

The German Environment Agency (UBA) estimates that cement manufacture alone accounts for 20 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions projected for Germany in 2018, or almost 10% of all industrial activities. These fantastic figures show how urgently the building industry, especially concerning manufacturing building components, needs more sustainable solutions. Scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology (FEP) have developed a biogenic construction material production method under the 'BioCarboBeton' project that is environmentally friendly and physiologically produced.

Starting with cyanobacteria, Fraunhofer researchers developed a new method for producing biogenic building components. These photosynthetic bacteria are the basis of this green strategy. The researchers can produce significant constructs that imitate rocks in their firmness and durability by growing cyanobacteria in nutrient solutions and mixing them with aggregates and fillers such as sand, basalt, or another environmentally benign raw material.

Furthermore, this strategy is very different from the conventional way of building concrete, which is well-known for its excellent carbon dioxide emissions. The cement manufacturing process in conventional concrete production generates significant carbon dioxide emissions and environmental damage. In contrast, the Fraunhofer team discovered that biogenic building materials do not release carbon dioxide during manufacturing. Instead, the technique binds carbon dioxide into the material, lowering the total carbon footprint and lessening the negative environmental impact usually connected with building materials. 

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Benefits of Using Ecological Building Materials

Many companies increasingly consider ways to lessen their environmental impact under the global drive toward sustainability and eco-friendliness. There is no exception to the building industry; hence, using environmentally friendly materials is among the most crucial steps towards more sustainable building techniques. Concrete and steel, among other traditional building materials, have a significant carbon footprint due to the manufacturing techniques used to produce them. As mentioned, essential problems are the loss of biodiversity and deforestation brought on by utilizing unsustainable methods, including clear-cutting forests for lumber.

Conversely, environmentally friendly building materials like sustainably sourced lumber offer a more sustainable alternative since they lessen the damage to the surroundings. It is feasible to renew and gather these minerals without exhausting natural resources or seriously harming ecosystems because of their use.  It is also essential to prioritize using materials that need minimal energy during the extraction, processing, and transportation processes. As a result, the carbon emissions linked with their manufacturing and transport are decreased. It is better to obtain supplies from local sources to reduce the distances traveled for transportation. 

Accordingly, durability is one of the most essential characteristics of sustainable building materials. Buying construction products with a long lifespan and requiring little care reduces the frequency with which replacements are necessary. This lessens their total resource use as well as the waste they generate. Though it may be costly initially, sustainable building materials may eventually save you money in the long run. Reusing or recycling goods helps you cut the waste you create.  

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