The product
ROBOVOID void formers are 3D geometric shapes that are placed within concrete structures. Their use reduces concrete mass and the corresponding carbon emissions. Traditional void formers are made from a range of virgin materials including polystyrene. The ROBOVOID solution uses 100% plastic waste which would otherwise end up in landfill. The void formers can be used in a broad range of construction applications.
The ROBOVOID solution can typically achieve carbon emission savings of 50%. It reduces the amount of concrete and steel needed. It creates voids that can be insulated. It is easier and quicker to install than standard concrete solutions. It can also be stacked, meaning fewer deliveries than with other void formers. It turns waste into a resource and adds to its original value.
At end of life, the void formers can be separated from the demolished concrete structure and recycled for reuse.
The product has been demonstrated in several commercial applications. This includes on Victoria's Big Build,
The need
ROBOVOID developed its void formers in response to two fundamental societal and environmental concerns:
- carbon emissions generated through traditional concrete construction methods
- increasing amounts of plastic waste to landfill
Population growth will drive more residential and commercial construction. There is also a global push to improve energy efficiency of existing buildings. Combined, these factors will see many buildings not suitable for retrofit being demolished and rebuilt.
Concrete construction generates approximately 8 to 10% of global carbon emissions. As an industry, construction is the third largest emitter, triple that of aviation. In addition, plastic waste is a major problem globally and in Australia. Only about 13% of plastic waste is recycled in Australia.
To meet our carbon emissions targets, we must use less carbon-heavy alternatives. Not only for the construction process (embodied CO2), but for future energy efficiency (operational CO2).
