Universities Australia has shortlisted RMIT University’s coffee concrete innovators for the upcoming 2024 Shaping Australia Awards in the Problem Solver category.
Professor Jie Li, Dr Rajeev Roychand, Dr Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch and Dr Mohammad Saberian’s innovation strengthens concrete by 30 per cent using biochar made from spent coffee grounds, to give the drink-additive a “double shot” at life and reduce waste going to landfill.
This invention tackles major sustainability challenges. Australia generates about 75,000 tonnes of ground coffee waste annually, contributing to 6.87 million tonnes of organic waste in landfills, which account for three per cent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The People’s Choice voting is open to all Australians, and the team is calling on RMIT staff, students and the broader community to cast their vote to help bring their invention to the world stage. Their project is titled ‘Latte-street innovation: coffee-infused concrete’ – show your support by clicking the heart icon next to their entry.
A finalist for the Problem Solver category will be selected based on the highest vote tally. Voting will close on Sunday 19 January 2025. Two winners for the Problem Solver category will be awarded – one selected through the People’s Choice voting system, and one chosen by a panel of eminent Australians.
The team’s breakthrough, which addresses waste management challenges and conserves river sand, has made headlines around the world, with organisations including the World Economic Forum, Washington Post, CNN and Reuters.
RMIT Vice-Chancellor Professor Alec Cameron endorsed the team’s nomination for the 2024 Shaping Australia Awards.
“Within a year, the team progressed from the lab to real-world applications with industry and government partners, including a world-first footpath trial in Gisborne,” he said.
“Their coffee concrete is being used in Victoria’s Big Build projects, and is displayed in Germany’s prestigious Futurium museum as an innovative material for a sustainable future.
“Partnerships with international industry leaders, such as Sweden’s C-Green, have opened new research avenues.
“With venture capital-backed commercialisation underway, this innovation is having a significant impact in the circular economy and construction industry.”
Roychand, the lead inventor of the coffee concrete, said the team was honoured to be shortlisted for this national award.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the invaluable support from our partners – BildGroup, Major Road Projects Victoria, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Arup, Earth Systems, Reground and Talwali Coffee Roasters – who have provided a valuable contribution during the research and development phase and in the crucial translation of this innovation from lab to real-world applications,” said Roychand, from the School of Engineering.
For more information, visit: www.rmit.edu.au
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