On March 18, 2024, Heidelberg Materials held the groundbreaking event “Gama evo: Building the Future Together” in Spain, where they presented their latest innovations in sustainable construction materials.
From Net-Zero Cement to Radiative Cooling Concrete: Heidelberg Materials and MIRACLE Project Showcase Innovations
The event featured prominent experts and industry representatives. José Ignacio Asensio from the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa delivered the opening remarks, Rafael Pascual from Heidelberg Materials discussed the adaptation of their factories to the CO2 reduction roadmap. Another key topic was the integration of nature and biodiversity in construction, addressed by Bruno Sauer from the Green Building Council Spain
One of the most notable speakers was Jorge S. Dolado, researcher at the Materials Physics Center CFM (CSIC-UPV/EHU) and leader of the EU-funded MIRACLE project. Dolado presented MIRACLE’s breakthroughs in developing photonic concretes with radiative cooling capabilities, a significant step towards decarbonizing construction. These “meta-concretes” could dissipate heat into space and drastically reduce the energy requirements of buildings.
The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to accelerate the transition to sustainable construction. The presence of representatives from the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa and the Green Building Council Spain underscores the need for supportive policies and green building standards.
As we look to the future, initiatives like those presented at “Gama evo” will be instrumental in achieving the ambitious sustainability targets set by the industry and governments worldwide. The path to a net-zero construction sector requires continuous innovation, collaboration, and bold leadership, as demonstrated by the MIRACLE project.