Accra:The NovusCrete Consortium has secured a significant achievement on the world stage by winning first place in the "Flatwork" category at the international American Concrete Institute (ACI) Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards. This prestigious event celebrates innovation and excellence in concrete design and construction across eight categories, with the "Flatwork" category specifically recognizing projects involving horizontal concrete surfaces such as pavements, parking lots, and runways.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the NovusCrete Consortium is led by the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) and includes a network of prominent local and international entities. These entities comprise the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), NEOM, Sika, ClimateCrete, Saudi Readymix Concrete Co, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), and King Saud University (KSU).
NovusCrete was established as a pioneering global initiative to drive innovation and promote sustainable development in the construction sector, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The consortium aims to reduce carbon emissions and water use in the construction industry, extend the lifespan of structures, lower production costs, and enhance local value chains by localizing advanced engineering technologies.
The consortium is committed to developing and promoting sustainable concrete solutions made from seawater and innovative local materials, such as glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars and recycled construction waste. Additionally, its members are working to expand the use of these applications across the construction sector, including efforts to develop national standards and building codes for the use of seawater concrete.