The Université de Sherbrooke launches a centre of excellence to decarbonize the concrete industry
Sherbrooke, le 28 avril 2026 – The cement and concrete industry is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the world. How can we reduce the environmental footprint of the most common building material on the planet? The Université de Sherbrooke has devised a sustainable solution by creating a place for the best talent in research and development, businesses, and infrastructure owners to come together to work on this issue.
The Centre of Excellence for Low-Carbon Concrete, directed by professor and distinguished researcher Arezki Tagnit-Hamou, is a true hub for key stakeholders and industry expertise that brings together major partners whose support will accelerate the use of low GHG concrete. Researchers at the centre will develop novel cementitious materials and compositions while playing a central role in standardizing new technologies in this field.
Innovation has come up against some resistance in the cement and concrete industry. The low cost of traditional concrete, well-established practices, and slow changes to standards are some of the factors preventing the switch to more environmentally friendly materials. But that could change quickly.
A bridge between scientists, industry, and policymakers
“We need a paradigm shift to definitively transform the cement and concrete industry and reduce its environmental footprint by not only taking advantage of technological advancements but also applying the principles of sustainable development and social acceptability,” said the centre’s director, Arezki Tagnit-Hamou.
As he also explained: “Our centre’s approach connects basic and applied research and draws from interactions between science, the industry, and policymakers. We are creating a forum that truly includes all key stakeholders in the construction sector: manufacturers, scientists, governments, accreditation bodies, and organizations.”
With this centre, Sherbrooke is looking to become a world leader in the reduction of GHG emissions for the cement and concrete industry. It will create links between a number of research groups, world-renowned experts, and about twenty partners from municipalities, the industry, and governments in Quebec, Ontario, and Europe.
“The Université de Sherbrooke has advanced the integration of its sustainable development practices to such a degree that it can play an influential role in research. Whether for concrete or other areas of specialization, our expertise has a stimulating effect. We are proud to serve as a model alongside partners who are just as motivated as we are to adopt greener technological solutions,” said Jean-Pierre Perreault, Rector of UdeS.
A savvy mix of disciplines
UdeS’s leadership in sustainable development and its networked expertise have provided a solid foundation for this centre of excellence.
“At UdeS, our civil engineering researchers have been developing greener concrete for three decades. The challenge is now to convince the industry to adopt these new materials. To make this large-scale project a reality, Arezki Tagnit-Hamou and his team will work with specialists in chemistry, management, economics, and applied politics,” said Nathalie Roy, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
The centre’s team will work closely with the mining sector to find new uses for byproducts in a circular economy approach. Given that the production of cement—one of the components of concrete—generates greenhouse gases, these byproducts could replace some of the cement in new types of concrete.
On top of working with the industry and infrastructure owners, the centre’s team will help train the next generation through experiential learning and technology transfer based on real field conditions.
Centre research team
Director
Arezki Tagnit-Hamou, Department of Civil and Building Engineering
Researchers from UdeS
- Department of Civil and Building Engineering: Ammar Yahia, Fabien Georget, Mourad Ben Amor, Radhouane Masmoudi, Richard Gagné, William Wilson
- School of Applied Politics: Annie Chaloux
- Department of Chemistry: Jérôme Claverie
- School of Management: Sofiane Baba
Researchers from other universities
- Polytechnique Montréal: Anne de Bortoli and Marcelin Joanis
- McMaster University: Ousmane Ahmat Hisseine
Partners
Artelia, Groupe Bellemare, Clayson Ecomineral, Colas, Ecocem, EcoRock, Englobe, Hydro-Québec, MAPEI, Nemaska, Prodexim, Ville de Laval, Ville de Montréal, Ville de Sherbrooke
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Information:
Geneviève Lussier, Media Relations and Public Relations
Communications Department | Université de Sherbrooke
819-821-8000, extension 65472 | medias@USherbrooke.ca