In this interview with Segun Adebayo, Dr. Suraj Rahmon, a globally recognized expert in construction materials and sustainability, discusses groundbreaking advancements in sustainable construction. Marking World Sustainability Day on October 26th, Dr. Rahmon highlights his extensive work at the University of Leeds, where his research on low-carbon cement is driving transformative changes in the construction industry and advancing the global transition toward sustainability. With decades of experience, he remains a leading voice in the field
Your work in sustainable construction materials has garnered significant attention. What inspired you to focus on this area?
Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of balancing infrastructure development with environmental sustainability. Construction, while essential for economic growth, often comes with a significant environmental cost. This deeply influenced my commitment to finding sustainable alternatives for the industry.
My academic and professional journey has been dedicated to addressing this issue. I earned an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and pursued advanced studies in the field, specializing in cement and concrete materials at Coventry University and the University of Leeds. Through these experiences, I’ve explored the untapped potential of alternative materials—such as industrial byproducts, abundant natural resources, and agricultural waste—to replace traditional cement.
These materials offer a unique opportunity to address global construction challenges, particularly in reducing carbon emissions and promoting resource efficiency. My goal has always been to create practical, scalable innovations that not only address immediate environmental concerns but also provide lasting benefits for humanity and the planet.
Could you explain how your research addresses some of the biggest challenges in construction today, particularly in Nigeria?
Construction in Nigeria faces unique challenges, including limited access to affordable materials, rapid urbanization, and the urgent need for infrastructure development. My research tackles these issues by identifying and utilizing locally available materials, such as agricultural waste and natural resources. For instance, agricultural byproducts like corncob, rice husks, and palm ash, which are abundant in Nigeria and many parts of the world, can be transformed into cementitious materials, reducing reliance on Portland cement. This approach lowers costs, reduces carbon emissions, and supports local economies by creating value from waste products.
Globally, the impact is equally significant. The techniques and materials I’ve developed can be adapted to various regions, providing scalable solutions for countries striving to meet their sustainability goals. In some of the projects I was involved in in the past in both Nigeria & UK demonstrated how innovations in low-carbon cement can deliver large-scale infrastructure with reduced environmental footprints.
How do you envision your work shaping the construction industry and promoting sustainability?
I see my work as a catalyst for transforming the construction industry into a more sustainable and self-reliant sector. By leveraging locally sourced materials, we can reduce the dependency on imported cement, which is often costly and carbon-intensive to produce. Additionally, using agricultural waste aligns with the country’s push for circular economy practices, turning environmental challenges into opportunities and creating a robust alternative to cement.
Moreover, these innovations will create jobs and stimulate economic growth. For instance, setting up facilities to process agricultural byproducts into cementitious materials could provide employment while addressing waste management issues. My hope is that these solutions not only reduce costs but also make sustainable construction accessible to a broader range of projects, from urban infrastructure to affordable housing.
What global implications do you see for your research?
Globally, my research addresses the construction industry’s urgent need to reduce its carbon footprint. Cement production is responsible for 8% of global CO₂ emissions, and transitioning to low-carbon alternatives is critical to meeting climate goals. The materials and methods I’ve developed provide a framework for this transition and it’s a game-changer applicable in most of the countries of the world.
In addition, these innovations can enhance resource efficiency worldwide. The use of excavated construction waste which was demonstrated with the H2S project I was involved can be adapted to infrastructure projects in other urban areas facing similar challenges. Agricultural waste repurposing also has significant potential in regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and North America, where such byproducts are plentiful. By creating solutions that are adaptable and scalable, I aim to contribute to a global shift toward sustainable construction practices.
What challenges have you faced in advancing these sustainable practices in Nigeria and internationally?
One major challenge in Nigeria has been the lack of infrastructure for processing and implementing these sustainable materials at scale. To address this, I’ve worked on creating partnerships with local industries and stakeholders to bridge the gap between research and application. Education is another hurdle—helping Engineers, builders, and developers understand the benefits of these materials and how they can integrate them into their projects.
On the international stage, the challenge has been demonstrating that these alternatives can meet stringent performance standards while being cost-effective. Rigorous testing and collaborations with industry leaders have been critical in overcoming this. This is an ongoing effort to push some of these innovations through International Standard Committee on cement and supplementary cementitious materials.
What impact do you hope your work will have on the future of construction?
I envision a future where construction practices are inherently sustainable, driven by local resources and innovative technologies. For Nigeria, this means creating an industry that not only meets its infrastructure needs but does so in a way that protects the environment and empowers communities. Globally, I hope my work contributes to reducing the construction industry’s carbon footprint, making low-carbon materials a standard practice. Ultimately, I aim to inspire a shift toward circularity, where waste materials become valuable inputs for high-performance, sustainable construction.
What’s next for you?
I will focus on scaling my innovations and demonstrating their adaptability across different regions. In Nigeria, I have showcased the feasibility of using agricultural byproducts to replace cement in real-world applications. Globally, I will be exploring how many of these materials can be optimized for specific projects and climates. Additionally, I’m collaborating with policymakers to establish standards and incentives that encourage the adoption of sustainable materials. It’s an exciting time, and I’m eager to see these innovations take root on a larger scale.
and then