This project will develop an enhanced concrete using a graphene additive that will result in a revolutionary construction material capable of vastly streamlining virtually all construction projects whilst halving their carbon footprints.

This will be achieved through proven strength enhancements of at least 50%, reduced concrete quantities, improved early age crack resistance, and the elimination of large quantities of steel reinforcement. Successfully rolling out these breakthroughs on an industrial scale has the potential to transform the UK construction industry.

From extensive successful testing already completed by Nationwide Engineering Group, the relevant technology for optimally dispersing graphene within concrete to maximise end performance has been achieved and we now need to progress with the next steps of scaling up these laboratory results onto a live site test.

Concrete is the world's most widely used material, the production and use of which contributes towards 8-10% of the global carbon footprint, with global cement production projected to increase by more than 5 billion tonnes per annum. Major clients such as Network Rail and Government Departments are under significant pressure to reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions, with Network Rail committing to an 11% CO2 output reduction within 5 years. This is a huge challenge and can only be met by the rapid commercialisation of new and innovative products such as graphene enhanced concrete.

At present, the construction industry relies on concrete designs that have not evolved for decades which has stifled innovation. With an annual UK concrete consumption of 40 million tonnes pa alone, the potential for GEC to facilitate a step change reduction in quantities of material required is substantial.

Nationwide Engineering Group have formed Concretene Ltd as a specialist company to develop and bring graphene enhanced concrete to the global market. Working together with world leading centres of expertise in graphene production and structural engineering research, our vision is to exploit the full potential of GEC, revolutionise current practice, and place the UK at the global forefront of construction technology for many years to come. Please visit [www.concretene.co.uk][0] to discover more.

[0]: http://www.concretene.co.uk/