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Researchers from Southeast University in China Developed a Cement Capable of Keeping Buildings Cooler Than the Ambient Air, Reducing Energy Consumption and Emissions.
A scientific discovery made in China could change the way we build and inhabit cities. A new type of cement, developed by researchers from Southeast University, is designed to keep buildings naturally cooler. The technology reduces electrical energy consumption, cuts emissions, and could become a real alternative to the massive use of air conditioning.
How Does Traditional Cement Affect Buildings?
Conventional cement has a known problem: it absorbs solar radiation and accumulates heat.
This characteristic increases the internal temperature of buildings, making the environments warmer and dependent on artificial cooling.
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The impact is twofold: it raises energy expenses and contributes to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
To overcome this challenge, the team led by Wei She modified the material’s composition. Tiny reflective ettringite crystals were added, which act as barriers against heat.
These crystals allow the cement to reflect sunlight and, at the same time, emit heat instead of retaining it. According to the researchers, “we innovatively transformed cement materials from heat absorbers into heat reflectors.”
Practical Results in International Tests
The performance of the new material was put to the test in different scenarios. On the roof of Purdue University in the United States, the cement achieved temperatures 5.4 °C lower than the ambient air under intense sunlight conditions.
Additionally, it demonstrated durability and resistance in mechanical, environmental, and optical analyses, indicating feasibility for large-scale applications.
Impact on Energy Consumption and Sustainability
The research also utilized machine learning algorithms to project the material’s impact over time.
The simulations showed that the cement could achieve a negative net carbon footprint within 70 years, an important milestone for one of the most polluting industries in the world.
If widely adopted, this innovation has the potential to drastically reduce energy consumption in buildings, which currently account for about 40% of global demand, in addition to making cities cooler, more livable, and sustainable.
