Global Seminar | EcoRevolution: Unleashing the future of sustainable construction materials

Overview:

In the face of escalating global raw material consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the construction industry is seeking sustainable solutions to mitigate its environmental impact. This presentation showcases a multifaceted research proposal aimed at revolutionizing the construction sector through the development of innovative sustainable materials. Our research centres around three key strategies: resource efficiency, circular economy, and renewable materials. Through an international collaboration with universities in Germany, Switzerland, and Singapore, we aim to attract diverse expertise and broaden the scope of our research.

The first frontier of our investigation delves into mycelium-based composites, a cutting-edge biomaterial derived from mushroom roots. This natural wonder serves as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional synthetic binders in construction materials. Our team is pioneering the exploration of mycelium's diverse applications, seeking to harness its potential in creating robust and eco-conscious construction products. The second aspect of our research centres around bamboo-based composites. Recognizing bamboo's remarkable growth rate and regenerative properties, we strive to unlock its full potential as a renewable construction material. Our work aims to develop bamboo-based composites with exceptional strength and durability, paving the way for sustainable alternatives in various construction applications.

Furthermore, our commitment to circular materials and circular construction is integral to our research agenda. By embracing circular economy principles, we aspire to design materials and construction processes that minimize waste, maximize reuse, and reduce overall environmental impact. Our circular approach extends the life cycles of materials, ensuring that no resources go to waste and no byproducts are left behind.

The research team's international collaboration fosters a dynamic exchange of knowledge and perspectives, promoting an inclusive and diverse research environment. By partnering with universities from different regions, we seek to attract a wealth of insights and expertise, enriching our research endeavours. The outcomes of our research promise to deliver a range of sustainable materials, including mycelium-based composites, bamboo-based composites, and circular construction methodologies. These advancements have the potential to significantly reduce the construction industry's carbon footprint while providing eco-conscious alternatives without compromising on performance. In conclusion, this presentation illuminates a comprehensive and international research effort that embraces innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. By rethinking materials and leveraging nature's ingenuity, we aspire to transform the construction industry, heralding a new era of environmental responsibility and sustainable building practices.

Presenters: Dr Nazanin Saeidi, Dr. Alireza Javadian

Dr Nazanin Saeidi is a visionary bioengineer, chemical engineer, and biotechnologist with an illustrious career that spans Singapore and Germany. She completed her Ph.D. at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, conducting groundbreaking research on "Engineering microbes to sense and eradicate a human pathogen." Her exceptional thesis work earned her publication space under Molecular Systems Biology by Nature Publishing Group, garnering recognition across academia and media.

Moving to Germany, Dr. Saeidi continued her journey as the Head of Research at the Chair of Sustainable Construction at the prestigious Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Here, she further honed her expertise in sustainable materials and developed novel ways to upcycle plant-based waste using fungal mycelia as natural binders.

As a Co-Principal Investigator of the Urban-Biocycle Project at the esteemed Future Cities Laboratory of ETH Zurich University in Singapore, she showcased her passion for creating ecological products from plant waste, pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction.

Dr. Nazanin Saeidi's research and work experiences in both Singapore and Germany have cemented her position as a leader in the field of sustainable materials in construction. Her dedication to finding innovative solutions for a greener future continues to inspire and pave the way for a more sustainable world.

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Dr Alireza Javadian is a visionary engineer, architect and researcher with a remarkable journey that spans Asia, Africa, and Europe. He holds a Ph.D. in Architecture and Construction from ETH Zurich, where he laid the groundwork for his pioneering research on the engineered bamboo technology, aimed at transforming the construction industry with sustainable materials.

Having completed Master's degrees specialized in construction materials from NTU, Singapore, and structural engineering from NUS, Singapore, Dr. Javadian's expertise extended across diverse regions. Currently, as the Head of Research at the Chair of Sustainable Construction at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, he continues to drive innovations in sustainable materials. His global experiences and insights from Asia, Africa, and Europe have profoundly influenced his vision to setup Widuz, a startup from ETH Zurich based in Singapore and Germany.

As the Co-Founder and visionary behind Widuz, Alireza’s passion for sustainable materials and extensive research experiences in diverse regions have made him a guiding force in reshaping the construction industry. With his Research leadership at KIT, he is forging a path towards a greener, more sustainable future for construction industry, leaving a positive impact across continents.