New York Construction Report staff writer
C-Crete Technologies says it has poured the world’s first granite-based concrete, entirely free of Portland cement and CO2 emissions. This groundbreaking event took place on July 8 at 270 Park Avenue, Manhattan, the new global headquarters of JPMorgan Chase, designed by architectural firm Foster + Partners.
The pour included 12 cubic yards of granite concrete used for a topping slab in the upper lobby of the supertall structure, which stands among the tallest skyscrapers in the world.
“This achievement not only highlights C-Crete’s commitment to sustainable building materials but also marks a pivotal moment for reducing the carbon footprint of concrete in urban construction,” the company said in a recent news release.
C-Crete’s granite-based concrete utilizes granite, a non-carbonate rock primarily made up of silicon, aluminum, and calcium—elements that are abundantly available in the Earth’s crust. This contrasts sharply with Portland cement, the traditional binder for concrete, which is responsible for approximately 8 percent of global CO2 emissions during its production.
By using granite and other sustainable feedstocks like zeolite and basalt, C-Crete’s technology eliminates these emissions, setting a new standard for eco-friendly building materials.
The performance of this new concrete is impressive, boasting a compressive strength exceeding 5,000 psi while maintaining similar workability, setting time, and surface finish to conventional concrete. Independent third-party testing has verified that it meets ASTM International standards for mechanical and durability properties.
Moreover, it achieves this high performance without a cost premium, making it an economically viable option for the construction industry.
“The successful pour at 270 Park Avenue represents a crucial shift in how we approach concrete production,” said C-Crete Technologies’ CEO. “As the construction industry looks for solutions to mitigate climate impact, our granite-based concrete offers a path forward that combines sustainability with performance and affordability.”
This project builds on C-Crete’s previous successes with other concrete formulations, paving the way for broader adoption in urban environments and beyond. With a focus on reducing the heavy reliance on carbon-heavy limestone-based concrete, C-Crete Technologies is not only innovating but also inspiring a movement toward greener building practices in one of the world’s most iconic cities, the statement says.
“As the construction industry continues to evolve, C-Crete’s granite-based concrete stands at the forefront of sustainable innovation, challenging conventional methods and contributing to a greener future.”
