10004469COP26 Installation - 3D Printed Geopolymer Concrete Modular Landscaping ComponentsClosedStudyInnovate UKConcrete is the second most commonly used material in the world after water, and second biggest producer of carbon dioxide (CO2) after fossil fuels. The global constuction industry currently consume 40% of all raw materials, producing 39% of global CO2 emissions and 40% of solid waste in a linear take, make and dispose model of production. Through the use of advanced digital technologies, industrial symbiosis and circular economic models of production we can protect our finite natural resources, reduce emissions and waste and produce stronger, more durable construction materials. Geopolymer is an inorganic polymer binder which can be synthesised through the alkali activation of by-product and waste materials with high aluminosilicate content, widely available elements which make-up more than 75% of the earth's crust. These materials are easily sourced as by-products and waste from a wide range of industrial, agricultural and power generation activities. When combined with by-product and waste aggregate materials it can be used to produce rapid-setting concrete with exceptional strength, durability and chemical resistance. In November 2021 Glasgow will host the biggest event in it's history, The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). The climate talks will bring together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change. Action such as the decarbonsiation of our construction and foundation industries - cement, paper, glass, ceramics, metals and chemicals. Our project will demonstrate a technology which can deliver on those objectives in addition to nine of the sixteen UN Sustainable Development Goals. It involves the development of a novel, high-performance, low-carbon geopolymer concrete using local by-product and waste materials to 3D print modular concrete components for land-based and floating landscape installations at the Glasgow Science Centre, co-hosts of COP26\. These components, inspired by the hexagonal basalt columns that link Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway with Scotland's Fingal's Cave will serve as seating, planters and shelter as part of the upcoming landscaping works to the Centre's public spaces. They will serve as an iconic backdrop to COP26 demonstrating the use of advanced digital technologies such as material characterisation, inorganic polymer synthesis, parametric modelling and 3D printing to produce high-performance, low-impact building components and as a model for the decarbonsiation of the construction and foundation industries.