Concrete is everywhere—from sidewalks to skyscrapers—but it comes with a heavy environmental cost. Cement production alone accounts for a large share of global carbon emissions. At UC Berkeley, the Science of Cementitious Materials group (SCiM) is taking on that challenge.
Led by Professor Franco Zunino in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, SCiM (pronounced “sci-em”) is reimagining cement and concrete for a sustainable future. The lab’s mission is twofold: decarbonize one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries and strengthen local supply chain resilience.
Innovation Meets Impact
SCiM researchers are exploring new formulations and alternative binders that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining durability and performance. Their work spans fundamental science, applied research, and collaboration with industry partners to help move innovations from the lab into real-world construction.
“Concrete is the most widely used manufactured material in the world,” says Prof. Zunino. “If we can change the way it’s made—even a little—the impact on global emissions could be transformative.”
Training the Next Generation
SCiM is not just about research—it’s also about education. The lab is deeply integrated into Berkeley’s undergraduate and graduate curriculum, offering students opportunities to learn cutting-edge science while contributing to urgent global solutions. From postdoctoral researchers to undergraduates, SCiM’s diverse team is gaining hands-on experience in shaping the future of infrastructure materials.
Looking Ahead
With climate change, resource scarcity, and aging infrastructure reshaping the built environment, innovations in cementitious materials are more critical than ever. UC Berkeley’s SCiM lab is positioning itself as a leader in this transition—developing sustainable, high-performance materials for the infrastructure of tomorrow.
Learn more about SCiM’s research, people, and facilities at scim.ce.berkeley.edu.
