cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/21314742
At Panchsheel Inter College in Uttar Pradesh, students now study inside a new school wing built not from concrete or traditional brick, but from sugarcane. The innovation was born at the University of East London (UEL) and its creators argue it could reshape how buildings are made and how the planet pays for it.
Sugarcrete combines the fibrous residues of sugarcane, called bagasse, with sand and mineral binders to produce lightweight, interlocking blocks. Lab tests show that Sugarcrete has strong fire resistance, acoustic dampening, and thermal insulation properties. It’s been tested to industrial standards and passed with flying colors. In terms of climate impact, the material is a standout. It’s six times less carbon-intensive than standard bricks, and twenty times less than concrete, by some estimates.
Yet the real excitement doesn’t only come from what Sugarcrete is, but how it’s made and used. It is purposely ‘open access’ in order to establish partnerships to produce new bio-waste-based construction materials where sugarcane is grown. Unlike conventional building materials locked behind patents, Sugarcrete can be made by anyone with the right ingredients and basic manufacturing tools. That choice decentralizes construction innovation, allowing small-scale producers — especially in the Global South — to lead.
Termites?
I’ll stick to earth blocks, thanks.
There are plenty of timber houses in FNQ already, and plenty of termites; I don’t see why the new material would be more appealing to them.
Thought this could be interesting for FNQ.
FNQ?
Far North Queensland
So, do you actually know how it is specifically useful for Far North Queensland or did you just pipe the Google answer?
I tend to prefer not using phrases like “I’m not trying to offend” or “Don’t take it the wrong way” before putting up sentences that might feel like so, because I don’t go on assuming that others are being a “dick” if their sentence feels a bit like that.
And I expect others to not assume that I am “being a dick”. I also understand that I am wrong for expecting others to think that someone on the internet replying to a comment trying to be helpful, is not trying to offend the previous commenter, but that will not change my expectation.
When in doubt - I am not being a “dick”.
If you think I will doubt you - No need to clarify, I will assume that you are not being a “dick”.Assuming they mean because of all the sugar cane production in Queensland.
There’s some strong sugar cane industry in FNQ. Also bear in mind that this instance is Australian so some context is assumed to be common-ish knowledge for the local reader.
Ahh, thanks. Now I get it.
I had googled FNQ before asking that and felt like it didn’t make sense, because it showed the name of a place instead of some org or a topic.
Now it does
welp, I don’t even know which state has the most sugar-cane production in my own country
aussie.zone rules:
1. Golden rule - don’t be a dick. If you wouldn’t say it in front of your grandmother, don’t post it.
2. No bigotry - including racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, or xenophobia.
3. Be respectful. Everyone should feel welcome here.
4. No porn.
5. No Ads / Spamming.
6. Nothing illegal in Australia.You appear to have broken rule #1. Mind your manners and work out who your replying to. I was explaining the FNQ acronym.
Sorry, your username really made me feel like you were being playful and I answered accordingly
It sounds delicious.
Well, kids licking sugarcrete walls is a step up from the lead paint of old.
One day we will make gingerbread houses reality.
