Developed by researchers at the University of East London (UEL), a low-carbon building material has set a new benchmark in fire resistance after surviving one of the construction industry’s toughest safety trials, opening the door for its use in high-risk and safety-critical building applications.

Sugarcrete, a material engineered from sugarcane by-product bagasse combined with sand-mineral binders, has been developed as a low-carbon alternative to traditional bricks and concrete blocks. Early assessments indicate a carbon footprint up to six times lower than conventional clay brick, while still delivering robust in-service performance.

Recent full-scale fire resistance testing at the AFITI Laboratories in Spain subjected Sugarcrete wall assemblies to internal furnace temperatures reaching 1,100°C. Throughout the 240-minute (four-hour) test, the external face of the wall remained at just 26°C, and the structure maintained its integrity for the full duration.

Independent assessors confirmed that Sugarcrete achieved an EI 240 fire resistance rating in accordance with EN 13501-2:2023. This classification verifies that the material successfully prevented fire penetration (E) and restricted heat transfer (I) for the entirety of the test period. Its performance exceeds that of standard clay brick and concrete block constructions, and aligns with specialist fire partition systems typically specified for high-risk applications.

These results demonstrate that Sugarcrete, developed by the University of East London’s Sustainability Research Institute, is a credible option for safety-critical built-environment uses, including industrial fire walls, protected escape routes, data centres and petrochemical facilities.

Already recognised for its sustainability benefits, Sugarcrete provides the construction sector with a viable pathway to reduce embodied carbon without compromising on fire safety or long-term durability. The latest findings reinforce its potential to deliver dependable performance where the highest levels of protection are required.

Alan Chandler, co-creator of Sugarcrete and associate within the SRI at UEL, explained: “This is a defining moment. To hold back fire at over 1,000 degrees Centigrade for four hours proves Sugarcrete is not only sustainable, but also safe and resilient enough for the most demanding environments.”

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