US: Icon Build has nearly completed the construction of the upcoming Wolf Ranch new neighbourhood in Georgetown, Texas, using its 14m-wide 5t Vulcan 3D printer. Denmark-based architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group designed the award-winning development, which will be entirely 3D printed using Icon Build’s high-printability Lavacrete concrete. CNN has reported that that the method of construction addresses on-going local labour and materials shortages.

Icon Build CEO Jason Ballard said "The US faces a shortfall of approximately 5m new homes, so there is a profound need to rapidly increase supply without compromising quality, beauty or sustainability, and that is exactly the strength of our technology.”

Australia: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has pledged to use low carbon concrete in all future government construction projects, where appropriate, reports Mirage News. This commitment is part of the 'Low carbon concrete policy', designed to cut emissions without significantly raising project costs. The implementation of this policy will begin on 1 January 2025 and will require that designers, engineers and builders provide options for using low carbon concrete options in government projects. This initiative is part of the broader 10-year ACT Sustainable Building Pathway, which aims to embed sustainable practices throughout the building lifecycle.

Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury said "Using low carbon concrete is a simple and effective way we can reduce these emissions while supporting local industry. Already in Canberra, we have started using low carbon concrete in significant projects like the new Canberra Hospital expansion and in preparation for Light Rail Stage 2A. This is a fantastic example of how seamlessly low carbon concrete can be integrated into our everyday building projects.”

Canada: Lakeshore Concrete is constructing a new premixed concrete plant in Essex County, set to create 30 to 35 jobs and begin operations in early 2025. The new premixed plant in Amherstburg aims to improve product consistency and reduce carbon emissions, distinguishing it from the typical dry mix plants found throughout Ontario and North America, according to John Vanderwerf, co-owner of Lakeshore Concrete. This plant, along with existing facilities in Tecumseh and Leamington, will allow the company to produce about 200m3/hr of concrete. Vanderwerf is awaiting final calculations on environmental benefits, including reductions in carbon emissions achieved by using electric motors for mixing concrete instead of diesel-powered truck drums.

Vanderwerf said "With the new employment coming and the growing population, we feel there's reason to be optimistic about this area and that's why we're investing now."

Germany: Cemex has acquired a majority stake in the Berlin-based recycling company RC-Baustoffe to enhance its circularity business Regenera. The company processes construction, demolition and excavation materials. The acquisition integrates RC-Baustoffe with Regenera, allowing the facility to process up to 400,000t/yr, which will be turned into repurposed aggregates for concrete production.

CEO of Cemex, Fernando González, said “With acquisitions such as this, Cemex continues to strengthen its commitment to circularity through Regenera as well as promoting the world’s transition to a more circular economy. Construction and demolition materials account for more than 30% of global ‘waste’ streams and reintegrating these materials into the construction value chain can reduce the use of virgin raw materials."