From theory to practice: Development of low-carbon concept to enrich students’ learning experiencein construction materials taking green concrete production for example and contribute to a carbonneutral future for construction-related industries

The proposed teaching start-up grant (TSG) will introduce Problem-Based Learning (PBL)for undergraduate civil engineering students in the context of sustainable materials and lowcarbonconcrete technologies. The primary aim of this program is to equip civil engineeringstudents with practical knowledge and innovative problem-solving skills, particularly indeveloping and applying low-carbon concrete. By bridging the gap between theoreticalconcepts and hands-on experience, this initiative promotes a deeper understanding ofsustainable construction practices in line with global efforts to combat climate change.Given the construction industry's significant carbon footprint, particularly in cementproduction, which generates 0.895 kg of CO2 for every 1 kg of cement produced, thisprogram offers a timely focus on developing alternatives to reduce these emissions. Key lowcarbonstrategies involve the incorporation of recycled concrete waste, ground granulatedblast furnace slag (GGBFS), and fly ash (FA)other advanced materials, which can partiallyreplace traditional cement in concrete mixes.The proposed program emphasizes PBLproblem-based learning and integrates researchelements to provide students with tools to tackle real-world environmental challenges.Courses such as CA2674 Construction Materials and GE2329 Green Buildings: Discoveryand Innovations will be at the heart of the program, providing students with a blend oftheoretical knowledge and practical skills, with an emphasis on innovative materials science.In addition to traditional teaching methods such as only lectures, students will work in teamson case studies to solve real industry challenges related to reducing carbon emissions in theconstruction industry. This approach allows students to actively engage in multidisciplinaryproblem-solving while developing creativity and technical skills.Through PBL, students will gain hands-on experience in developing low-carbon concretesolutions using recycled concrete waste, ground blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and otheradvanced materials, which are the most used supplementary materials in Hong Kong. Thesecase studies will simulate real industrial situations and allow students to evaluate theenvironmental impact of various construction methods and materials. The program is alignedwith the framework of CityU's Discovery Enrichment Curriculum (DEC), which encouragesinnovative designs and solutions. By combining research elements, students will analyze thecarbon footprint of their proposed materials and contribute to the global effort to minimizecarbon dioxide emissions from buildings.Other than that, a key component of the program is the combination of competition,presentation, and the development of a final technical report. ItThis report will train studentsin all-round aspects and will require students to analyze the environmental benefits ofutilizing waste materials in concrete production and quantify the reduction in CO2 emissionsachieved through these innovations. By calculating the percentage of cement replacementand the corresponding decrease in emissions, students will gain insights into how sustainablematerials can lead to measurable environmental improvements.Ultimately, the teaching project aims to train a new generation of engineers who are not onlyskilled in concrete technology but also have a strong commitment to sustainability. Byproviding students with a comprehensive understanding of low-carbon concrete solutions viaPBL, the teaching program helps students make a meaningful contribution to achievingcarbon neutrality in construction-related industries worldwide.