In northern India, a recently completed school building constructed from Sugarcrete has become the first full-scale prototype of this emerging low-carbon material. Sugarcrete, developed by the University of East London (UEL) in collaboration with Chemical Systems Technologies (India) Pvt. Ltd., is produced using bagasse—the fibrous by-product of sugarcane processing—combined with sand and mineral binders. The material is intended as a more sustainable alternative to conventional bricks and concrete blocks, with a reported carbon footprint six times lower than that of traditional clay bricks.

Pilot Project for Real-World Evaluation
Completed in September 2024, the building is located on the campus of Panchsheel Inter College and functions both as a school and as a testbed for Sugarcrete in practical use. The structure also serves as a Skill Development Hub, with performance monitoring being conducted by researchers from UEL and the University of Delhi School of Architecture and Planning. The focus of the evaluation includes insulation properties, moisture control, acoustics, and long-term durability in local climate conditions.

Local Production and Broader Applications
Beyond its use in educational infrastructure, the Sugarcrete project is exploring broader applications, including affordable housing. Because sugarcane is widely cultivated in India and other regions, the project emphasises the potential for local production of construction materials. According to CST, India produces over 400 million tonnes of sugarcane annually, creating a significant amount of bagasse as a raw material source. The use of such locally available agricultural waste could reduce reliance on imported, high-carbon construction materials.

Research, Testing and Performance
The Sugarcrete material has been developed through a partnership between UEL’s MArch Architecture programme, the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), and industry partners including Tate & Lyle Sugars. Research at UEL’s laboratories has involved testing the material in accordance with international standards, including fire resistance (ISO 1716:2021), compressive strength (ASTM C39), thermal conductivity (Hot-Box method), and outdoor durability (BS EN 927-6). The results suggest that Sugarcrete is suitable for use in a range of applications, such as insulation panels, interior and exterior blockwork, load-bearing walls, and lightweight floor and roof structures.

Open Access Development Model
One of the notable aspects of the Sugarcrete initiative is its open-access approach. The material is not patented, allowing for broader dissemination and adaptation by local manufacturers, particularly in sugar-producing regions in the Global South. The project team indicates that this model may help support decentralised production, reduce transport emissions, and contribute to more regionally adapted, low-carbon building solutions.

Plans are in place to explore further pilot applications in countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Mexico, where sugarcane is widely grown. Each location may allow for testing in different climatic and regulatory contexts, expanding knowledge about Sugarcrete’s performance and feasibility in diverse environments.

Continuing Research and Development
As the school project in India continues to be monitored, the Sugarcrete team is focused on refining the material’s formulation, improving production processes, and assessing long-term suitability for different building types. The research contributes to broader efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector and increase the availability of regionally sourced, low-carbon building materials.

You can find Sugarcrete in our collection, here.

Source: University of East London
Photos: University of East London