GCP Applied Technologies' Research on Sustainable Concrete

Dr. Elizabeth Burns, Senior Principal Scientist at GCP Applied Technologies, recently presented research on how to reduce the environmental impact of concrete manufacturing at the Spring 2019 Polymer Symposium at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the top-ranked polymer program in the United States. Over 140 scientists and industry professionals from around the world attended the event.

Dr. Burns, an industry expert on synthetic polymer chemistry, presented “The Role of Polymers in the Sustainability of the World’s Most-Used Building Material: Concrete.” Her research shows how polymers can reduce the amount of water and cement required for concrete production and allow for the use of more sustainable materials. As cement production accounts for 5% of the world’s carbon emissions, the research presented by Dr. Burns could have a significantly positive impact on the environment.

“Our products help to create safer, more durable structures whether it be a home, office, school, road, or bridge,” explained Karen Ethier, GCP’s Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety and Quality. “Sustainability is a key focus area for GCP, and we are committed to help improve the environmental impact of producing construction materials.”

GCP’s products offer environmental benefits such as: reduction of energy and water usage with CONCERA® admixtures, minimization of waste and extension of quarry reserves with CLARENA® additives, and decreased use of fuel, cement and materials with the VERIFI® in-transit concrete management system.

Over 300 employees work at GCP’s Cambridge headquarters on Whittemore Avenue.