✳️ CSTO2NE Project Enters Its Third Year: Innovation and Collaboration at Brunel University

On February 27–28, 2025, the CSTO2NE project partners gathered at Brunel University London to mark the project’s 24-month milestone—a pivotal moment to reflect on the scientific progress and to reinforce collaboration within the consortium. The meeting brought together researchers, engineers, and innovation specialists from across Europe to share updates, dive into cutting-edge training, and align on the next steps for carbon-neutral construction materials.

📍 Building Momentum: Project Insights and Strategic Dialogues

The event opened with a series of presentations outlining the status of each Work Package—from coordination and management to knowledge sharing, secondments, and the development of eco-innovative business models. Each team shared their achievements and lessons learned, shedding light on the diverse approaches being explored to tackle CO₂ sequestration in construction.

Particularly noteworthy were the updates on the prototype development and carbon uptake technologies, which are beginning to reveal promising pathways for industrial applications. An open discussion session further encouraged participants to reflect on how to amplify CSTO2NE’s impact beyond research circles and into the hands of stakeholders.

🎓 Hands-On Learning: From Waste to High-Performance Materials

The afternoon and second day of the meeting were devoted to a rich series of training seminars, offering technical deep-dives into emerging materials and methods for sustainable construction:

• CO₂-Absorbing Materials from Waste: Prof. João Castro-Gomes presented on supercritical and accelerated carbonation techniques, showcasing how industrial by-products such as steel slag and biomass ash can be transformed into efficient carbon-absorbing building materials.

  
  

• Molecular Design of Concrete: Researchers from Brunel University demonstrated how nanoscale insights from molecular dynamics simulations are informing the development of more durable and sustainable cementitious materials.

  
  

• Phytomining and Circularity: A novel session on the reuse of biomass from phytomining processes explored how metal-rich plant waste can contribute to more sustainable cement formulations.

  
  

• Bio-based Innovations: A case study on hemp shive bio-composites highlighted the potential of plant-based aggregates bound with starch for insulation and construction applications, offering a glimpse into bio-inspired material design.

  
  

• Carbonation in Practice: Commercial insights were provided by Carbon8 Systems, who showcased how accelerated carbonation technology is already being applied in industry to produce carbon-negative aggregates.

  
  

🔬 Exploring the Frontiers of CO₂ Sequestration

Day two focused on the science of CO₂ mineralization and storage, with a series of research-led sessions covering:

• The integrity of geological CO₂ storage in wellbores.

• Enhanced sequestration using steel slag and organic additives.

• CO₂ mineral curing to improve aggregate and concrete properties.

• Wet carbonation for in-situ generation of nano-CaCO₃, significantly boosting performance of low-clinker cements (LC3).

  
  

Together, these presentations reinforced the technical depth and innovation driving CSTO2NE’s mission: to create practical, scalable technologies that combine environmental responsibility with structural performance.

🤝 Strengthening Collaboration Across Europe

The meeting wasn’t just about technical exchange—it also offered a valuable opportunity for networking and cross-pollination of ideas. Informal discussions during breaks and the evening dinner at the Red Lion Hotel created space for future collaborations to emerge.

As CSTO2NE enters its final phase, events like this serve as reminders of the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. They also highlight the commitment of the project’s researchers to transform fundamental research into real-world solutions for carbon-neutral construction.

Stay tuned for more updates as CSTO2NE continues to build a future where concrete and carbon can coexist sustainably.