The Institute of Cement & Concrete (ICC) at Meru University of Science & Technology (MUST) had the honor of hosting Dr. Wolfram Schmidt from Bundesanstalt Für Materialforschung Und -Prüfung (BAM), Germany, for an enlightening guest lecture on July 15, 2024. The lecture, titled “Climate-Friendly Concrete Technologies and Africa’s Leapfrogging Potentials for Sustainable, Local, Renewable Construction,” drew a vibrant crowd that was eager to gain valuable knowlegde from industry leaders.

Dr. Schmidt’s presentation focused on innovative construction solutions using environmentally friendly materials that emit less carbon into the atmosphere.This is in line with the main objective of thrd-world countries in achieving the net zero carbon emmissions  by 2050. His valuable comments and thorough explanations on sustainable construction practices captivated the audience, providing them with precious knowledge and perspectives on the future of construction in Africa.

Key attendees included Dr. Joseph Mwiti Marangu- Director of the Institute of Cement & Concrete at Meru University of Science & Technology and Eng. Thomas Pfeiffer-SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences.

Eng. Pfeiffer, an expert in applied engineering, development in the global south, bio-based materials, and circular economy practices, contributed his extensive knowledge to the discussion. Dr. Marangu, a senior lecturer at MUST, is renowned for his expertise in cementitious materials, mineral binders and alternative construction practices. Their presence added depth to the event, enriching the dialogue with their specialized intellect.

The event proved to be transformative for all attendees, who were keen to learn about the best construction solutions utilizing environmentally friendly materials. The discussions highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable practices to reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry.

This lecture was part of the Circular B-I-O Research initiative, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Meru University of Science &  Technology and SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, a state-accredited private university in Berlin. The funding and collaboration underscore the commitment to advancing research,exchange programmes and education in sustainable construction technologies.

In a nutshell, the event at MUST was a significant step towards promoting sustainable construction practices in Africa. The insights shared by Dr. Wolfram and other experts highlighted the potential for the continent to leapfrog into a future of sustainable, local, and renewable construction technologies.

The ICC at Meru University of Science & Technology continues to be a hub for cutting-upcoming research and dialogue on cement and concrete technologies, fostering innovation and sustainability in the construction sector.

For more information about our academic programmes, click this link below:

https://icc.must.ac.ke

For more details on our successful world-class research activities, click here: https://icc.must.ac.ke/research-enterprise/