Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) have developed a new building material that removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it produces. The advance, reported in the high-impact journal Matter, describes a material called enzymatic structural material (ESM). It is designed to be strong, long-lasting, and recyclable, while requiring far less energy to make than traditional construction materials.
The project was led by Nima Rahbar, the Ralph H. White Family Distinguished Professor and head of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering. His team created ESM using an enzyme that helps turn carbon dioxide into solid mineral particles. These particles are then bonded together and cured under gentle conditions. The process allows the material to be shaped into structural components within hours.
Conventional concrete must be produced at very high temperatures and can take weeks to fully cure. In contrast, ESM forms quickly and leaves a much smaller environmental footprint.
Cutting Emissions by Capturing Carbon
“Concrete is the most widely used construction material on the planet, and its production accounts for nearly 8% of global CO2 emissions,” said Rahbar. “What our team has developed is a practical, scalable alternative that doesn’t just reduce emissions — it actually captures carbon. Producing a single cubic meter of ESM sequesters more than 6 kilograms of CO2, compared to the 330 kilograms emitted by conventional concrete.”
Built for Real-World Use
ESM combines fast curing with adjustable strength and full recyclability. These qualities make it well suited for practical applications such as roof decks, wall panels, and modular building systems. The material can also be repaired, which may lower long-term construction costs and significantly reduce how much waste ends up in landfills.
“If even a fraction of global construction shifts toward carbon-negative materials like ESM, the impact could be enormous,” added Rahbar.
Broad Potential Across Industries
Beyond standard construction, the material could support affordable housing, climate-resilient infrastructure, and disaster recovery efforts. Lightweight components that can be produced quickly may help speed rebuilding after extreme events. Because ESM relies on low-energy manufacturing and renewable biological inputs, it also supports broader goals tied to carbon-neutral infrastructure and circular manufacturing systems.
