NovusCrete and the Future of Sustainable Concrete
“What if the materials we use to build not only last but also regenerate the world around us?”
In the vast desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia, an idea has emerged that challenges everything we know about construction materials. NovusCrete, a groundbreaking initiative born from a collaboration between the Saudi Public Investment Fund and other industry leaders, is reshaping the future of concrete. By using desert sand, seawater, and recycled materials—resources that were once thought unsuitable for construction—NovusCrete is leading the way toward a more sustainable, regenerative approach to building.
This is the kind of work we celebrate through Celebrating the Ingenious—a program that honors those who ask "Why not?" and create solutions in harmony with nature’s laws. It’s not just about sustainability. It’s about revolutionizing an entire industry.
Let’s explore how NovusCrete embodies the Five Goods™—our framework for recognizing true ingenuity.
GOOD ENERGY™
Innovative, local, and regenerative
NovusCrete’s innovation isn’t just in the materials it uses—it’s in how it redefi nes the construction process. By harnessing desert sand and seawater, NovusCrete makes use of what was previously considered waste. This innovative approach not only meets the world’s growing construction needs but does so with minimal environmental impact. NovusCrete's materials are sourced locally, reducing the need for transport and cutting emissions, while also alleviating the pressure on natural sand reserves that are rapidly depleting.
GOOD MATERIALS™
Circular, efficient, and redefined
At the heart of NovusCrete’s design is the principle of circularity. By repurposing waste materials like demolition debris and industrial by-products, NovusCrete is redefining what we think of as "waste." Their process transforms materials that would otherwise be discarded into high-performance construction resources. With the use of treated desert sand,
NovusCrete unlocks a vast, underutilized resource, while reducing reliance on the environmental harm caused by traditional sand extraction.
GOOD WATER™
Conserving and respecting the Earth's most vital resource
Water is life, and NovusCrete understands that. By using seawater in concrete production, a practice once deemed impractical due to corrosion risks, NovusCrete eliminates the need for precious freshwater. This innovation is especially impactful in regions suffering from water scarcity, where every drop matters. Not only does this save freshwater, but it also reduces the energy costs associated with desalination.
GOOD ECONOMY™
Local, regenerative, and empowering
NovusCrete’s approach helps build local economies by sourcing materials locally and creating jobs in recycling and material processing. Rather than relying on costly, environmentally harmful transportation networks, NovusCrete builds infrastructure that thrives within its community. This model reduces costs, fosters job creation, and keeps wealth circulating within local economies. By empowering communities to build with sustainable, locally sourced materials, NovusCrete creates a new economic paradigm in construction.
GOOD LIVES™
Durable, sustainable, and community-driven
NovusCrete’s work is not only about building structures; it’s about building communities. Concrete made from sustainable materials like desert sand and seawater is more than just a resource—it’s an investment in the future. By extending the lifespan of infrastructure, NovusCrete reduces the frequency of repairs and rebuilds, lessening the environmental and social disruptions that often accompany construction. Their work supports stronger, more resilient communities that are equipped to thrive for generations to come.
What We Can Learn
NovusCrete shows us that innovation isn’t always about new materials—it’s about reimagining what we already have and using it more wisely. Through their innovative use of desert sand and seawater, they’re creating a future where construction is sustainable, circular, and regenerative.
This isn’t just good design—it’s design that is good. Good for the environment. Good for people. Good for the future.
We celebrate NovusCrete for leading the charge in transforming the construction industry. Their example challenges us all to think beyond the limits of traditional construction and to design a future that regenerates the world we build on.
