Engineers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) have unveiled a groundbreaking enzyme-powered building material that actively extracts carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, transforming it into solid minerals. This innovation promises a significantly cleaner and faster alternative to conventional concrete, potentially reshaping the construction industry’s environmental footprint.
The new substance, termed Enzymatic Structural Material (ESM), cures in mere hours and boasts properties of strength, repairability, and recyclability, starkly contrasting with concrete’s weeks-long curing process and substantial carbon emissions. This development arrives at a critical juncture, as the global construction sector faces immense pressure to decarbonize its operations and adopt more sustainable practices.
Globally, concrete production is a major contributor to climate change, accounting for nearly 8% of all CO2 emissions annually, according to reports from the International Energy Agency. The introduction of a material that not only reduces this output but actively sequesters atmospheric carbon presents a pivotal step towards achieving net-zero goals in urban development and infrastructure.
The science of carbon capture in construction
Under the leadership of Nima Rahbar, the Ralph H. White Family Distinguished Professor at WPI, the team engineered ESM using a specialized enzyme. This enzyme facilitates the natural process of converting gaseous carbon dioxide into stable mineral particles, which are then bonded and cured under gentle conditions, requiring substantially less energy than traditional cement kilns. This methodology is detailed in a recent study published in the high-impact journal Matter.
Rahbar emphasizes the material’s groundbreaking impact, stating, “What our team has developed is a practical, scalable alternative that doesn’t just reduce emissions – it actually captures carbon.” He further elaborated to ScienceDaily on January 21, 2026, that producing a single cubic meter of ESM sequesters over 6 kilograms of CO2, a dramatic improvement compared to the 330 kilograms emitted by an equivalent volume of conventional concrete. This makes ESM a truly carbon-negative building material.
The rapid curing time, measured in hours rather than weeks, is another significant advantage, allowing for faster construction cycles and reduced project timelines. This efficiency, combined with its environmental benefits, positions ESM as a viable contender for widespread adoption in various building applications, from residential to commercial structures.
Broad applications and economic potential
Beyond its impressive environmental credentials, ESM offers practical benefits for real-world construction scenarios. Its adjustable strength and full recyclability make it highly suitable for applications such as roof decks, wall panels, and modular building systems. The material’s ability to be repaired also promises to lower long-term maintenance costs and significantly decrease construction waste destined for landfills, aligning with circular economy principles.
The implications for addressing critical societal needs are also profound. Lightweight components that can be rapidly produced could support affordable housing initiatives, bolster climate-resilient infrastructure, and significantly aid disaster recovery efforts, where swift rebuilding is paramount. This low-energy manufacturing process, relying on renewable biological inputs, aligns perfectly with broader global efforts towards carbon-neutral infrastructure.
If even a fraction of the global construction industry were to pivot towards carbon-negative materials like ESM, the collective impact on mitigating climate change would be immense. As the world seeks innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, materials that actively pull carbon from the air offer a tangible path forward for a more sustainable future.
The emergence of Enzymatic Structural Material represents more than just an incremental improvement in construction technology; it signals a paradigm shift. By transforming atmospheric CO2 into a fundamental building block, WPI’s innovation provides a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, proving that the materials we use to build our world can indeed become part of the solution rather than the problem. Its widespread adoption could redefine sustainability standards for generations to come.
