Events

Full Details

Time:
UK – 16:00hrs-17:00hrs
Doha -18:00hrs – 19:00hrs

The IHE Middle East Branch would like to invite you to their technical CPD webinar on Tuesday 20th May 2025. 

Details

Concrete is fundamental to global infrastructure development, yet it remains a major contributor to climate change, responsible for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions. With projected increases in construction activity worldwide, particularly in rapidly urbanising regions, the need for sustainable, low-carbon alternatives within the concrete sector is urgent and pressing.

This webinar is designed to equip practising engineers, construction professionals and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the innovations in concrete technology driving carbon reduction and enabling decarbonisation in the built environment. The session will provide a detailed overview of current and emerging solutions for reducing the embodied carbon of concrete and the overall carbon footprint of construction.

The presentation will cover:

1) Overview of carbon emissions from the construction sector and the role of concrete in global emissions
2) Technological pathways for carbon reduction, including:

• Use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs)
• Alternative binder systems such as Geopolymer and Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3)
• Recycled aggregates and advanced mix design strategies
• Carbon dioxide mineralisation technologies in Concrete

3) Integration of carbon assessment tools, alongside updates on standards and policy frameworks
4) Analysis of real-world applications from infrastructure and commercial projects demonstrating the practical feasibility of low-carbon concrete
5) Discussion of challenges and future opportunities to the adoption of low-carbon technologies across the construction sector

The session will feature case studies, research insights and practical implementation strategies, showcasing both performance outcomes and scalability. This webinar contributes to the broader objectives of net-zero targets and sustainable development in the construction and infrastructure sector.

Presenter – Dr Zunaira Naseem

Dr Zunaira Naseem is an academic researcher and professional in the Civil and Structural Engineering field. She holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from Monash University, Australia and brings five years of professional experience in industry. In her role as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at UNSW Sydney, Dr Naseem led an industry-collaborated research project. Her interdisciplinary research spans materials science, nanotechnology, sustainable construction materials, decarbonisation technologies, artificial intelligence and industrial waste valorisation aimed at developing low-carbon, nano-engineered composite materials aligned with circular economy principles and global net-zero targets. Dr Naseem has publications in high-impact journals and presented her work at national and international conferences. Her achievements include the prestigious UNSW ENG Early Career Academic (ECA) Start-up Fellowship and the Postgraduate Publication Award (PPA) from Monash University. She has actively contributed to academic committees and forums at Monash University and UNSW. Currently involved in mentorship programs at both institutions, Dr Naseem supports early-career professionals in navigating research pathways and transitioning from academia to industry. She is passionate about bridging academic innovation with practical application through industry partnerships and the commercialisation of sustainable technologies.