RMIT University’s research team behind an innovative coffee-infused concrete has received national recognition, winning the Problem Solver category at Universities Australia’s Shaping Australia Awards.
The award was determined by a public vote and was presented at Parliament House in Canberra, the university said in a news release.
The team, consisting of Dr Rajeev Roychand, Professor Jie Li, Associate Professor Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch, Dr Mohammad Saberian, Professor Guomin (Kevin) Zhang, and Professor Chun Qing Li, developed a method to enhance concrete strength by 30 per cent through the incorporation of biochar derived from spent coffee grounds.
According to RMIT, this approach provides a sustainable alternative to sand in concrete production and helps divert organic waste from landfills.
Australia produces approximately 75,000 tonnes of ground coffee waste each year, contributing to the broader issue of organic waste, which accounts for about 3 per cent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The researchers see their innovation as a step towards addressing these environmental challenges.
Roychand and Li accepted the award on behalf of the team, highlighting the recognition of their work in sustainable construction materials.
“Winning this national award is outstanding recognition of our vision to transform waste materials into valuable construction resources,” Roychand said.
“What began as research into coffee grounds has now evolved into a comprehensive program converting various types of organic waste into biochar that could help reshape the environmental footprint of the built environment.”
The research has drawn international attention, with coverage in outlets such as The Washington Post, CNN, and Reuters. The World Economic Forum has also showcased the team’s work on social media.
Li emphasised the broader impact of the research, stating that the innovation demonstrates Australia’s capability in pioneering sustainable solutions.
Kilmartin-Lynch, who was part of the research team while at RMIT and is now at Monash University, underscored the integration of circular economy principles with advanced materials engineering to reduce carbon emissions and improve structural performance.
With global demand for sand projected to increase by 45% over the next four decades, Saberian noted the significance of their research in addressing resource scarcity.
“We’re not only addressing waste management but also helping preserve this increasingly scarce natural resource that is vital for construction worldwide,” he said.
The team’s research has transitioned from laboratory trials to real-world applications within a year, with coffee concrete being used in Victoria’s Big Build projects and a world-first footpath trial in Gisborne.
The innovation is also featured in Germany’s Futurium museum as a model for sustainable construction.
RMIT has expanded its collaboration with industry and international partners, including Ambiolock in Australia and C-Green in Sweden, to develop high-durability, low-carbon biochar-based materials.
The university is also working with a commercialisation partner to explore the feasibility of bringing the technology to market in construction and agriculture sectors.
The study, titled “Transforming spent coffee grounds into a valuable resource for the enhancement of concrete strength,” was published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.
The research has been supported by several partners, including BildGroup, Major Road Projects Victoria, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Arup, Earth Systems, Reground, and Talwali Coffee Roasters.
