Associate Professor Kate Scardifield, Associate Professor Alireza Fini, Dr Unni Kuzhiumparambil and Dr Mina Mortazavi have been awarded UTS Strategic Research Accelerator funds to advance and scale algae-based materials for low-carbon construction.
Building a greener future
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Left to right: Mina Mortazavi, Alireza Fini, Kate Scardifield, Unni Kuzhiumparambil Photo: Finn Marchant
The building and construction industry is at a crossroads. With nearly 40% of global carbon emissions linked to materials and manufacturing processes, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent. The Build it Green program is combining algae’s carbon-capture capacity with advanced manufacturing and prefabrication technologies, setting out to advance the translation of algae-based biomaterials from laboratory innovation to real-world application.
Why algae?
Algae are among the most efficient organisms for atmospheric carbon sequestration. By harnessing this natural power, the team is creating materials that not only reduce emissions but can also store carbon, helping to offset the environmental impact of construction.
The algae we’re utilising are already part of a technology for water remediation. We are working with Pacific Biotechnology to extend their biorefinery process and valorise their residual biomass – this also brings algae grown at scale closer to a zero-waste process.
“Unlike conventional materials such as cement and bricks that require energy-intensive, high-temperature processes, our research uses modern construction methods with a low-temperature manufacturing approach, enabling us to meet sustainability targets without compromising on performance,” explained Alireza.
“The algae we’re utilising are already part of a technology for water remediation. We are working with Pacific Biotechnology to extend their biorefinery process and valorise their residual biomass – this also brings algae grown at scale closer to a zero-waste process,” added Kate.
Looking ahead
Working with a network of industry partners, including Natural Brick, Pacific Biotechnology and Oz Build Construction, the team is now progressing towards pilot production and validation at scale.
“With these partnerships, we are creating an integrated value chain spanning biomass cultivation, downstream processing, manufacturing and construction delivery. We know that co-designing with industry is the best way to scale for impact. We are proud to be working with partners who share our vision for the role that bio-based materials can play in decarbonising the built environment,” said Kate.
The next steps to scale up production include completing fire and acoustic performance testing to meet the rigorous standards of the National Construction Code.
“We’ve undertaken testing with CSIRO and other accredited bodies who have verified mechanical performance, thermal properties and promising fire-safety indicators,” added Alireza.
Build it Green is more than a research project — it’s a blueprint for innovation that supports a low-carbon economy. By bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial application, we’re paving the way for more sustainable construction.
Through an integrated and industry-connected framework that unites design, engineering and science, the team will deliver prefabricated prototypes and manufacturing demonstrators — strengthening UTS expertise in regenerative materials, biomanufacturing and construction technologies.
The impacts of the Build it Green project include:
- The conversion of algal biomass into green building products with high performance factors and lower embodied carbon.
- Enhanced biomanufacturing capabilities, strengthened local supply chains and expanded markets for sustainable construction.
- New bioproduct certification standards co-designed and developed with industry.
- Increased public awareness and the greater uptake of green building products across the sector.
“Build it Green is more than a research project — it’s a blueprint for innovation that supports a low-carbon economy. By bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial application, we’re paving the way for more sustainable construction,” said Kate.