Oluchukwu Okonkwo is a biomaterials researcher at Sugarcrete®, a pioneering project developed by the Sustainability Research Institute and ACE, the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, at the University of East London. Focused on creating sustainable construction materials from agricultural waste, Oluchukwu uses her architectural background to develop innovative solutions to the environmental challenges posed by traditional building materials. With a passion for community empowerment and sustainability, her work aims to revolutionise how we approach building materials and waste, offering a new path toward more eco-friendly construction practices.
“What makes Sugarcrete® so appealing is that it’s not just about solving an environmental issue — it’s also about creating jobs and empowering communities.”
The road to research
My journey into the world of sustainable materials began with architecture. I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture at the University of East London, graduating last year. I had always been drawn to the creative process, but as time went on, I realised that my true passion was for research — particularly materials.
During my master’s programme, I started exploring the use of agricultural waste in construction, and that’s where my interest in biomaterials truly took root. In 2021, I became part of the Sugarcrete® project, a collaboration that aimed to create innovative building materials from sugarcane waste. It started as a concept during a university project and has since evolved into an ongoing research project where I now play an active role.
Turning waste into opportunity
Sugarcrete’s main focus is on transforming sugarcane waste into high-performing building materials. But when we talk about using agricultural waste, we must first change the way we view it. Too often, waste is seen as something to discard without considering its potential. But this mindset needs to shift. Just like in the fashion industry, where ‘pre-loved’ is now a common term, the term ‘waste’ needs to be reconsidered.
For me, one of the biggest challenges in working with agricultural byproducts is shifting this mentality. We’re not just repurposing waste — we’re turning it into something of value. This has the power to help communities by solving local environmental problems, such as the burning of sugarcane waste in places like India, which contributes to air pollution and health issues.
Our goal is to show that agricultural waste is not waste at all — it’s a resource waiting to be utilised. By using sugarcane waste, we are creating materials that are not only functional but also sustainable, reducing the environmental impact that traditional building materials have. Sugarcrete offers a new way to build that benefits everyone: the planet, the communities involved, and the future.
Turning waste into something that benefits the communities that produce it
One of the common concerns people have when it comes to using agricultural waste, especially sugarcane, is its fire resistance. I understand this concern, as it’s similar to how people once viewed timber as unsafe due to its flammability. But just like timber, we’ve found ways to make sugarcane waste materials safe. By combining sugarcane fibres with mineral or silica-based binders, we can create a material that’s both fire-resistant and sustainable.
Sugarcrete® isn’t just about creating an alternative material; it’s about creating a solution that tackles pressing environmental issues. If we don’t use these waste materials, they’ll continue to pile up and cause harm to the environment. But with Sugarcrete®, we can turn this waste into something that benefits not only the planet but also the communities that produce it.
Sugarcane is often seen as a byproduct of the agriculture industry, yet it holds significant potential for creating building materials that are not only efficient but eco-friendly. By harnessing its fibres and transforming them into durable products, Sugarcrete is setting a new precedent in how we view resources.
Recognition for Sugarcrete®
Being part of the Sugarcrete® project has been an incredible journey, and receiving the prestigious Times Higher Education Knowledge Exchange Award 2024 has been a deeply emotional milestone. I feel particularly proud because I had the honour of presenting the Sugarcrete® project to John Gill, editor at Times Higher Education, when he visited our university on 9th May this year. This recognition feels like a reassuring tap on the shoulder — a sign that we’re on the right track and motivation to keep pushing forward.
The judges’ comments about our open-access approach and commitment to collaboration are a testament to what makes Sugarcrete® so special:
“The UEL team’s open access approach is refreshing and should be commended. They have championed collaboration and, through this, are helping put the technology and the ability to make use of it, where it is needed most.”
Winning this award is not just a validation of our work but also a reminder of Sugarcrete’s potential to create meaningful, lasting change.
More than just another building material
Sugarcrete® is not just another building material — it’s a concept that could revolutionise the construction industry. What makes it so unique is its versatility. By adjusting the ratios of sugarcane and other ingredients and applying different levels of pressure during production, Sugarcrete® can be transformed into a variety of products, from insulation boards to load-bearing bricks to acoustic panels.
This adaptability means we could one day build entire houses using only Sugarcrete® materials. Imagine a home constructed entirely from sugarcane waste: blocks, insulation and even acoustic panels, all made from agricultural byproducts. It’s a future where construction is sustainable, dynamic and ultimately better for the planet.
With its potential to replace traditional materials like concrete, Sugarcrete® offers a sustainable solution that reduces carbon emissions and creates more eco-friendly construction processes. It’s exciting to think about how Sugarcrete® can change the way we build homes, schools and other structures.
Spreading the word around the world
Convincing stakeholders to embrace sustainable alternatives like Sugarcrete® is not always easy, but we’ve been fortunate to attract interest from around the world. Our open-source strategy encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange, allowing us to work with diverse partners to implement Sugarcrete® globally.
What makes Sugarcrete® so appealing is that it’s not just about solving an environmental issue — it’s also about creating jobs and empowering communities. In the global South, where many agricultural byproducts are wasted, Sugarcrete® provides an opportunity to create sustainable, year-round employment for families, particularly women.
Through partnerships with local communities and organisations, we’re not just promoting a product — we’re creating an ecosystem of sustainability that empowers people on a global scale.
A catalyst for change within society
As I look ahead, I’m excited about the impact Sugarcrete® can have on the construction industry and the communities that need it most. I want to be part of a movement that doesn’t just provide sustainable building materials but empowers people to think differently about how we build and live. In my view, architecture is about more than just creating buildings — it’s about improving the quality of life for the people who live in them.
For me, Sugarcrete® is more than a product, it’s a new vernacular. It’s a way of thinking about materials that’s both practical and sustainable. The future of construction is here, and it’s made from what we already have — right in front of us, ready to be transformed into something incredible.
I see Sugarcrete® as a catalyst for change, not only within the industry but within society. It’s a way to address the challenges of waste, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation — all while creating a positive, lasting impact on the people who need it most.
