10181825Use of sewage sludge derived char as carbon negative bricksClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThis project transforms sewage-sludge, a by-product of wastewater treatment, into sustainable, carbon-negative building materials such as bricks, brick-slips, and tiles. UK construction accounts for roughly 25% of national emissions, and traditional clay bricks contribute significantly to embodied carbon due to energy-intensive production. Our approach uses pyrolysis to convert sewage-sludge into stable biochar, destroying harmful contaminants like PFAS and locking carbon permanently away from the atmosphere. The resulting biochar is incorporated into construction materials that sequester more carbon than they emit, helping homes and buildings become carbon sinks rather than carbon sources. For example, a standard brick produced from our biochar stores -2.1 kg of CO2, while traditional bricks release carbon. The project will assess material performance, safety, and regulatory compliance, ensuring these waste-derived products meet UK standards for construction. We are collaborating with water companies, pyrolysis partners, and testing labs to validate the technology and supply chain feasibility. Beyond environmental benefits, this project creates economic and social value: * Circular economy: Diverts sewage sludge from disposal or land application into high-value construction materials. * Green jobs and regional impact: Supports low-carbon manufacturing and installation in the UK. * Carbon reduction: Reduces embodied carbon in buildings by over 50% and stores carbon in the built environment. * Innovation leadership: Provides a replicable model linking the water and construction sectors, demonstrating how waste can become a sustainable asset. If successful, our project could transform a significant waste stream into a scalable, low-carbon material, helping the UK meet net-zero targets while creating new revenue streams for utilities and supporting sustainable construction practices.