Innovative and sustainable: the materials of the future according to the “Unstoppable woman” of science

Wood, new types of metal, reimagined plastics, even hemp and mycelium, which is the vegetative part of fungi. The construction materials of the near future will change the world of major infrastructure projects, in the name of durability and sustainability. Experiments that are commonplace on large construction sites, such as those of the Webuild Group, are working on green concrete mixes and other solutions, capable of ensuring important results like a 30% reduction in the environmental footprint of new green buildings.

«Studying the materials to be used in the construction of large infrastructures – explains Elza Bontempi, professor of Chemical Foundations of Technologies at the University of Brescia – means looking at sustainability as a fundamental pillar which, together with durability and performance, can guarantee not only the reduction of the environmental impact of the work itself, but also improve its energy efficiency and performance».

Professor Bontempi is at the forefront of this field, recognized as one of the most renowned scholars in the sector, having been placed by Stanford University for the fourth consecutive year among the 2% of the world’s most authoritative scientists. Bontempi is also a member of the “Unstoppable Women”, a group of Italian innovators leading change and looking toward the future, according to the Italian magazine Startupitalia.com.

How has the world of construction materials changed in the last 20 years?

«In history, technological innovation has always gone hand in hand with the introduction of innovative materials. Many eras have been named after the materials that characterized them technologically (Stone Age, the Iron Age, the Copper Age, and the Bronze Age). In more recent times, we can also recall the ‘Silicon Age’ and the ‘Plastic Age.’

In the last 20 years, the world of materials has undergone significant transformations, increasingly synergistic with technological innovation, driven by new environmental needs and global challenges, which have enabled technological advancements that have evolved in step with the development of new materials. It is also worth noting that in recent years we have been witnessing a crisis in the availability of raw materials, many of which, used in excessive quantities, are at risk of depletion. We are therefore living through a paradigm shift where we are no longer dependent on a single material, but on many materials, with significant consumption that must be reduced; otherwise, sustainability for future generations will be problematic».

What are the construction materials of the future in the world of large infrastructures?

«There are many interesting and sustainable construction materials geared towards energy savings. For example, concrete – which is the most consumed material in the world after water – can be replaced by materials with a smaller carbon footprint. Another interesting innovation is the possibility of using materials derived from waste reuse, which sequester CO2 and can have great advantages from both a functional and energy/environmental standpoint. One of the main innovations is the introduction of the Digital Passport for construction products, which will serve to track the environmental and technical characteristics of materials. This system will facilitate the identification and management of recycled materials, helping to promote more sustainable practices in the sector».

Can construction materials really change the environmental impact of railways, highways, or bridges?

«Innovative materials can certainly offer various opportunities to reduce environmental impact and improve the energy efficiency and durability of infrastructures. In the case of large works, the idea of recycling metals is already a reality, but demolition waste is also an issue that manufacturing companies are trying to solve by verifying whether it can be reused. There are high-performance innovative construction materials, such as composites with carbon fibers, that offer great strength, and consequently, an increase in performance both in terms of lightness and mechanical resistance. There are also materials designed to resist wear and so-called smart materials, those capable of self-repairing.

Aside from the material itself, modular design can also be helpful to ensure the longevity of infrastructure. For example, if a material loses its characteristics or has corrosion issues and needs to be replaced quickly, it should be easy to dismantle and reassemble. There are also materials for energy efficiency, particularly in acoustic and thermal applications, that come “from nature”. In fact, materials are beginning to be used that promote vegetation growth, which reduces not only visual impact but also temperature inside spaces and improves air quality, thereby reducing air pollution.

These innovative and sustainable construction materials are very important for large infrastructures, not only to reduce environmental impact but also to improve the life cycle, performance, energy efficiency, resilience, and longevity of infrastructures».

Is it possible to calculate the positive impact of using sustainable construction materials in construction in terms of CO2 emissions reduction?

«The impact can be measured not only in terms of CO2 but also in terms of noise, visual, and thermal pollution. This is why the concept of sustainability is very complex and includes many facets. To be sustainable, construction materials must have different characteristics throughout their entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials, to production, to disposal, recycling, and even transport».

What properties must construction materials have to be considered sustainable?

«There are several parameters to evaluate. The first characteristic is that they are produced with limited use of resources and reduced CO2 emissions. Additionally, they must be recyclable or reusable. To be sustainable, a construction material must also have long durability, whose definition obviously depends on the type of material used. If we are talking about infrastructure, materials must resist atmospheric agents for long periods before needing to be replaced, and they must be safe, contributing to fire resistance and not releasing toxic substances. Then, we must consider energy efficiency, the ability to provide insulation both in terms of reduced thermal losses in winter and cooling in summer. Sustainable construction materials must guarantee a reduced impact on soil and biodiversity. The definition of sustainability also includes transport; therefore, it would be important for materials not to come from too far away».

How does it feel for you to be one of the leading researchers in the field of Materials and one of the Italian women driving change?

«I am grateful to have been included in these lists because they represent important recognition for the work I have done over the years and for the commitment I have made to research activities. However, I also see this recognition as a responsibility towards the younger generations, particularly young women, because a career like this can inspire and motivate girls to pursue STEM paths like mine. We know that this is not just an issue in Italy, but here, the female presence is truly underrepresented. I would like my example to show that, with passion and dedication, it is possible to overcome any barrier and achieve significant results in complex fields traditionally dominated by men».

How significant is the gender gap in STEM disciplines?

«There is definitely a gender gap, in Italy as in other countries. Some countries may exhibit it more evidently, while others less so. In any case, it is important to talk about it and bring this issue more and more to the attention of public opinion. If we talk about horizontal segregation, meaning disparities in the participation of men and women in STEM disciplines, despite some progress, women are still underrepresented, but there is a trend towards improvement. Regarding vertical segregation, meaning career progression to higher levels, unfortunately, there is still a very strong disparity, making it difficult to find female leadership at executive levels. This is a real shame because valuable talents are lost that could instead make important contributions».