MANILA (ANN/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER) – Researchers from Don Honorio Ventura State University in Pampanga have unveiled an innovative method to repurpose spent coffee grounds (SCG) as a sustainable ingredient in concrete hollow blocks (CHB).
The study, titled “Spent Coffee Grounds as Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregates in Concrete Hollow Blocks,” revealed that SCG-enhanced blocks exceeded the Department of Public Works and Highways’ minimum compressive strength requirement of 4.14 MPa (600 psi). This breakthrough could significantly impact the Philippines’ construction industry and sustainability efforts.
As one of the countries in the “Bean Belt,” a group of 50 coffee-producing nations, the Philippines generates large amounts of coffee waste. Typically, SCGs contribute to greenhouse gas emissions by releasing carbon dioxide and methane in landfills, with the added risk of spontaneous combustion. Repurposing coffee grounds for concrete production not only addresses these environmental risks but also provides an alternative raw material for high-quality construction.
The use of SCG in construction could help reduce the Philippines’ carbon footprint while advancing its sustainability goals. “This innovative solution supports the local coffee and construction industries while paving the way for more eco-friendly practices,” the researchers stated.
The global potential of SCG in construction is also being explored. A study by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Australia demonstrated the potential of turning SCG into biochar through pyrolysis. This biochar, used as a replacement for 15% of the sand in concrete, produced blocks 30 per cent stronger than conventional ones and reduced cement usage by up to 10 per cent.
“These exciting findings offer an innovative way to greatly reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfills,” said Dr. Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch, a postdoctoral research fellow at RMIT.
As this research progresses, the potential applications of coffee waste continue to expand. From improving construction materials to aiding reforestation efforts, coffee grounds may prove to be a key resource in global sustainability initiatives.
To learn more about the Filipino study, refer to the International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas, and Innovations in Technology.
