Low carbon magnesium based binders

Make Cement A Carbon Sink

Make Cement a Carbon Sink, represents a strong commitment to a greener, more sustainable future in construction. By using magnesium-based cement binders, we aim to turn cement from a large source of carbon emissions into something that can actually absorb carbon. This change not only helps fight climate change but also keeps the strength and durability needed for modern buildings. This simple yet powerful idea addresses environmental concerns and opens the door to more sustainable ways of building.

Our Projects

Meet The Teams

Recent News

Empa team presents advances in MgO-based Cement at RILEM Spring Convention 2025

March 22-28, 2025

RILEM Spring Convention 2025
Mendrisio, Switzerland

A small team from Empa participated in this year's RILEM Spring Convention, held in Mendrisio. During the session on innovative cementitious composites, the group presented their latest research on MgO-based cement.

Exciting Participation at the 12th ACI/RILEM International Conference - ICCM 2024

ICCM 2024 Conference
Toulouse, France

June 23-26, 2024

We are excited to announce our participation in the 12th ACI/RILEM International Conference on Cementitious Materials and Alternative Binders for Sustainable Concrete. Our team presented the latest research on low-carbon Mg-based binders. We delivered scientific presentations, received positive feedback, and engaged in meaningful discussions.

Beyond Zero: Innovating Carbon-Negative Building Solutions

January 11, 2024

EMPA
Dübendorf, Switzerland

The Beyond Zero unit promotes promising CO2-reduced and CO2-negative innovations in the building sector and shows whether and how buildings can act as carbon sinks. The unit uses innovative building materials developed at Empa, such as concrete or insulation material, Mg-based binder, Mg-based clay bricks, insulating materials made from biochar and concrete enriched with biochar, which can bind carbon.

Upcoming events

  • 1st International Conference on Mg-based cements

    10th-12th Feb 2026

    Centre Loewenberg

    Murten, Switzerland

    Learn more