Economic impacts of environmentally friendly blocks : the case of Nu-Rock blocks

V. W. Y. Tam, K. N. Le, I. M. C. S. Illankoon, C. N. N. Tran, D. Rahme, L. Liu

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

Abstract

There are numerous industry byproducts that have negative environmental impacts. Pond ash accumulated from coal power plants is one such byproduct that creates major environmental and social issues, especially with regard to decommissioning a coal power plant. Using pond ash in the block manufacturing process is a promising solution proposed by Nu-Rock. This research study evaluated the economic impact throughout the life cycle of Nu-Rock blocks. Nu-Rock block production use a technology called “Nu-creeting” in ash dams to prevent dust generation followed by the block manufacturing process using pond ash as a raw material. Nu-Rock technology can process approximately 250,000 tonnes of ash per annum and manufacture the equivalent of up to 330,000 tonnes volume of traditional building materials. This manufacturing process already generates jobs and pays tax and royalty fees to local governments, which is an added advantage. The total operating cost for 1 tonne of Nu-Rock blocks amounts to approximately AUD48, and the cost of a Nu-Rock block is AUD1.50–2.40, which is within the range of common bricks. Although there is a considerable initial cost to this process, it derives significant economic benefits in terms of manufacturing blocks using industrial byproducts, job creation and even tax revenue. Apart from these economic benefits, the Nu-Rock block manufacturing process generates environmental benefits through the reuse of pond ash from decommissioned coal power plants.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNanotechnology in Construction for Circular Economy, Proceedings of NICOM7, 31 October-02 November, 2022, Melbourne, Australia
PublisherSpringer
Pages483-490
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9789819933297
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
EventInternational Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction -
Duration: 31 Oct 2022 → …

Publication series

Name
ISSN (Print)2366-2557

Conference

ConferenceInternational Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction
Period31/10/22 → …

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