Remarkable longevity of Roman concrete could build sustainable future

A recent study published in iScience explores the remarkable longevity and sustainability potential of ancient Roman concrete, which has endured for over two millennia in structures like aqueducts and bridges. Researchers compared Roman concrete recipes—using locally sourced rocks, volcanic pozzolan, and recycled rubble—with modern concrete formulations that mix sand, gravel, and limestone. While Roman concrete did not significantly reduce carbon emissions or energy demand compared to modern concrete, it notably lowered emissions of air pollutants such as nitrogen and sulfur oxides by 11% to 98%. Additionally, its exceptional durability means it requires less maintenance and repair, potentially reducing the environmental impact over time by prolonging the lifespan of concrete structures. The study highlights that modern concrete production contributes approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions and 3% of total energy demand, driving the search for greener alternatives. Although simply adopting Roman concrete recipes today may not substantially cut emissions, the research suggests that combining ancient Roman techniques with modern innovations could lead to more sustainable construction materials