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The construction industry is evolving rapidly, driven by the urgent need for more sustainable and efficient building solutions. With sustainability becoming a top priority, the industry is rethinking traditional materials and embracing new technologies to reduce environmental impact. Carbon concrete is leading this shift, providing a lightweight, high-strength, and long-lasting alternative to steel-reinforced concrete. Unlike steel, it doesn’t corrode, making it a more sustainable choice for modern construction.

To explore the benefits of carbon concrete, its role in sustainable construction, and how it’s already reshaping the industry, we speak with Christian Doering, Product Manager, about this breakthrough material and its impact on the future of architecture and infrastructure.

Mr. Doering, what is carbon concrete, and how does it differ from traditional reinforced concrete?

Carbon concrete is an advanced composite material that uses carbon reinforcement instead of steel to strengthen concrete. Unlike steel, carbon reinforcement does not corrode, allowing for thinner, lighter, and more durable structures that require less material. The outcome is a stronger, longer-lasting material that lowers maintenance costs, conserves resources, and reduces the overall carbon footprint of concrete structures.

How does carbon concrete contribute to sustainability in the construction industry?

Sustainability is all about using fewer resources while achieving better performance. By replacing steel with carbon mesh solidian GRID, carbon concrete reduces the need for excessive cement consumption, which is one of the biggest contributors to CO₂ emissions.
Additionally, since carbon concrete structures last longer and require minimal maintenance, they help reduce waste and extend the lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure. Less material, less waste, and more efficiency—this is how we drive sustainability forward.

How did carbon concrete evolve from a research concept to a real-world solution?

The concept of corrosion-free reinforcement has been researched for decades (more about this topic: Carbon concrete – from research to revolution). Since the 1980s, various industries have been exploring alternatives to steel. By the 1990s, the first projects using carbon mesh reinforcement began, and research accelerated in the 2000s.

One of the key turning points came in 2014 when the C³ – Carbon Concrete Composite initiative launched, uniting over 140 research and industry experts to explore its practical applications. Today, carbon concrete has transitioned from research to reality, with full building approvals and large-scale implementation already underway.

What are the key advantages of carbon concrete compared to traditional reinforced concrete?

Carbon concrete isn’t just another option—it’s a step ahead of traditional steel-reinforced concrete in multiple aspects.. It allows for:

• Thinner and lighter structures – Reducing material usage without compromising strength
• Extended lifespan of more than 100 years – No corrosion means much longer lifetime with minimal maintenance
• Better environmental impact – Up to 50% reduction in resources and up to 30 % in CO2 emisson
• More design freedom – Carbon mesh allows for sleeker, more ambitious architectural concepts

For example, a bridge deck that would typically require 25 cm of steel-reinforced concrete can be constructed with just 9 cm of carbon concrete—a huge leap forward in material efficiency and sustainability.

Can you share examples of projects where carbon concrete has been successfully implemented, and how do we measure its sustainability impact?

Absolutely. One of the most remarkable projects is "The Cube" in Dresden, the world’s first fully carbon concrete building. This project is a testament to how this material is no longer just a concept—it’s a working reality.
And we at solidian & kelteks are proud to be part of this innovation, as our reinforcement solutions played a crucial role in making this structure possible.

At solidian & kelteks, we have completed numerous projects using carbon and glass reinforcements over the past decade. To validate the sustainability impact of our applications, we collaborated with external experts to conduct Life Cycle Assessments, measuring how our solutions improve concrete structures. For example we made a Life Cycle assessment for a facade and a bridge project. The positive effect and result could be seen in our solidian Green Building Brochure.
And to be transparent with our products solidian GRID and solidian REBAR, we decided to deliver EPDs for these products to our customers which we published in 2022.

What challenges does carbon concrete face in becoming a mainstream material?

The shift to carbon concrete isn’t about obstacles—it’s about opportunities. As with any new, superior technology, there’s always a transition period where the industry needs to adapt.

• Scaling production – As demand grows, manufacturing processes are becoming more efficient.
• Regulatory adaptation – Construction standards are evolving to embrace new materials like carbon concrete
• Industry education – More engineers, architects, and contractors are discovering how this technology improves their projects.

Throughout history, major advancements in construction—such as the shift from wood to steel or the adoption of pre-stressed concrete—have required the industry to evolve. Carbon concrete is next in line, and that shift is already happening.

How do you see the future of carbon concrete in sustainable construction?

Carbon concrete is not just another material—it represents a fundamental shift in how we approach construction.
Sustainability, efficiency, and design freedom are the driving forces of modern construction, and carbon concrete delivers on all three. As production scales and awareness grows, we see this material will be used more and more—not just in bridges and infrastructure, but also in modern buildings and design.

Conclusion

Carbon concrete isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about building better, smarter, and more efficiently.

• Lighter, stronger, and more durable than traditional concrete
• Resistant to corrosion for longer-lasting structures
• More design freedom for innovative architecture and infrastructure

As the construction industry moves toward smarter and greener solutions, carbon concrete is leading the way.

Curious about how carbon concrete could improve your next project? Get in touch with us to explore its potential in sustainable construction. 

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