Inciner8-2-Net0 | Research project launch

A groundbreaking multinational project funded by Innovate UK is underway to transform processed incinerator bottom ash* (IBA) into a valuable material for the construction industry. This innovative programme will repurpose waste in both the UK and Singapore, reducing the strain on landfill and lowering the embodied carbon in cement and concrete mixes.

The challenge
The UK produces a staggering 3 million tonnes of processed incinerator bottom ash (IBA) annually from waste incineration. In Singapore, the only landfill, Semakau, is nearing capacity, which underscores the growing global pressure on waste management. While reducing overall waste production remains the long-term objective, finding circular solutions for this byproduct in the near term is crucial.

IBA is already used as a lightweight aggregate in some concrete, formulations or mixes, providing advantages like reduced weight and enhanced thermal insulation. However, concerns about its long-term stability and the presence of contaminants have hindered its wide-scale adoption in the construction industry.

The innovation
Led by Akerlof and a consortium of global partners—including Blue Phoenix, Carbon Upcycling Technologies, Marshalls, Nanyang Technological University, PanUnited, PCE, Recycl8, and The University of Manchester—the Innovate UK-funded Inciner8-2-Net0 project will pioneer a method to accelerate carbonation, a natural process that turns CO2 into a solid form for use in construction materials, effectively locking away carbon. Developed by The University of Manchester CREATES team, this approach will involve the use of waste water and CO2 from flue gas. This combination will enable the permenant storage of CO2 in processed IBA, while improving its stability and making it suitable for construction application purposes.

The UK and Singapore academic partners (The University of Manchester and Nanyang Technological University) will focus on developing a technical solution that is more consistent, less harmful and of better quality. Industry partners (Blue Phoenix, Carbon Upcycling Technologies, Marshalls, Nanyang Technological University, PanUnited, PCE, Recycl8) will work to establish a commercially viable pathway to enable widespread adoption. By making processed IBA a viable material for concrete formulations, the project aims to reduce landfill waste and contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, thereby enhancing the sustainability of the construction sector.

The road ahead
At the heart of this project is a vision to embed circular thinking and lower carbon solutions into the construction materials sector. Through significant collaboration between partners, a commercially viable and technically sound processed IBA could be used at scale to produce lower carbon concrete. The transfer of knowledge between these two countries will help to advance the construction industry’s transition to a circular economy, reducing both waste and emissions on a global scale.

*Processed Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA): This refers to Incinerator Bottom Ash that has been treated to recover ferrous and non-ferrous metals for recycling and to produce aggregate material. This is commonly known as Incinerator Bottom Ash Aggregate (IBAA).

 

Commenting on the project, John Handscomb, Partner at Akerlof said:

The Inciner8-2-Net0 project exemplifies the power of multinational collaboration in solving complex global challenges. By turning waste into a resource, we’re not only addressing immediate environmental concerns but doing so in a way that is both impactful and scalable.

Nick Jowett, Technical Director at Marshalls said:

As we work towards continuing to reduce our carbon to achieve our recently validated SBTi near-term and long-term net zero targets, we’re proud to be a partner in the Inciner8-2-Net0 project. This initiative aligns with our commitment to driving sustainability in construction and is a key step in advancing circular economy practices and lowering the carbon footprint in the built environment. We’re excited to deliver a real carbon benefit through this partnership, which is just one of several initiatives we’re working on to significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

Neil Nolan, Technical Director UK at Blue Phoenix said:

The Inciner8-2-Net0 consortium is a critical step in decarbonising the construction industry. Carbon Upcycling is proud to collaborate on the initiative and contribute our expertise in transforming CO2 and industrial waste into valuable, low-carbon materials. The collaboration is a testament to our commitment to cementing the foundation for a circular, low-carbon future.

Juliane Kniebel-Huebner, Chief Operating Officer at Carbon Upcycling Technologies said:

The Inciner8-2-Net0 project is a great opportunity, it will provide a thorough and detailed evaluation of how IBAA can further advance the development of lower carbon construction products. Industry experts and academia combining their knowledge to develop a sustainable solution and to further enhance future low carbon construction.

Dan Gallagher, Head of Business Development at PCE said:

Innovation is in our DNA at PCE. We’re thrilled to collaborate with a team that shares our vision of advancing sustainability in construction. By joining forces with like-minded partners, we’re unlocking exciting opportunities to reduce construction’s carbon footprint whilst encouraging an efficient and effective circular economy. This collaboration has the potential to drive meaningful change not just in the UK or Singapore, but globally, setting new benchmarks for sustainable construction practices.

Mark Gillespie, CEO at Recycl8 said:

We are delighted to be a partner in this exciting project, supporting the construction industry to reduce their waste and CO2 without having a negative impact on their business. Our own values strongly align with the objectives of the project, guiding industries towards a circular economy and Net Zero.

Cise Unluer, Chair Professor of Engineering Net Zero at The University of Manchester said:

We will harness the potential of incineration bottom ash to turn waste into a valuable resource, helping the UK meet its Net Zero goals. By reducing reliance on virgin materials, sequestering CO2, and stabilising harmful elements, this approach supports a circular economy and lowers embodied carbon, making a direct contribution to the industry’s transition to low-carbon practices.

Meini Su, Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering at The University of Manchester said:

Utilising incineration bottom ash in construction is a significant step towards reducing the environmental burden of waste. By transforming this byproduct into a functional material, we not only conserve natural resources but also support more sustainable construction approaches.

 

Notes to editors

Akerlof is a specialist consultancy that helps organisations in the built environment to deliver better, not just goods. Responding to contemporary challenges with creativity and clarity, we work with ambitious leaders in both public and private sectors to offer fresh and objective thinking on how to deliver economic, environmental and social value through ESG, Cost Management and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

This Innovate UK-funded project involves a collaboration of global leaders in sustainability, construction, and academia, including:

  • Akerlof
  • Blue Phoenix
  • Carbon Upcycling
  • Marshalls
  • Nanyang Technological University
  • PanUnited
  • PCE
  • Recycl8
  • University of Manchester

For more information contact: John.Handscomb@akerlof.co.uk

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Jamie Hillier

Partner
Contact
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jamie.hillier@akerlof.co.uk
07791 718 377

With a penchant for tweed and jackets with leather arm patches, Jamie began his career as a quantity surveyor, before climbing the ladder to lead major projects for a Tier 1 contractor.

Eventually expanding his book collection beyond copies of SMM7, Jamie has interest in a broad range of subjects linked to delivering better outcomes for society and the environment.

His strategic insights on MMC and behavioural science have made their way into numerous government, industry and academic publications, including the Construction Playbook, Transforming Infrastructure Performance Roadmap to 2030, the Platform Rulebook and the RIBA DfMA Overlay.

John Handscomb

Partner
Contact
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john.handscomb@akerlof.co.uk
07305 486 581

Construction is in John’s blood. Learning from his father who was a planner and project manager, John began his career by working on some iconic projects in both the public and private sector.

As a procurement expert and integrator of new ways of working, John has pioneered the integration of platform principles, DfMA processes and supply chain within over £5bn projects in the last 15 years, for some of the largest building programmes in the UK. Despite his considerable expertise, John keeps it simple, communicating complicated ideas with ease and helping to equip the industry with new knowledge and skills.

Outside of Akerlof, John enjoys his executive role with technology start-up ScanTech Digital, spending time with his family, taking trips down the football, playing a bit of golf with friends and the odd pint. 

Our name is shared with George Akerlof, a Nobel Prize-winning economist.

His seminal paper, Market for Lemons, demonstrated the devastating consequences of making decisions under the conditions of quality uncertainty and unequal information between buyers and sellers, increasing the chance of buyers ending up with a ‘lemon’.

This 50-year-old concept continues to retain parallels within the construction industry.

Through our insight and experience, we can rebalance this information asymmetry on behalf of our clients, levelling the playing field to deliver better outcomes.