Takeaways

• Cemex Egypt has awarded top honors to an AUC student team for a low-carbon, modular housing project.
• The winning design cuts embodied carbon by up to 50% while also reducing costs by 40%.
• The initiative highlights how student innovation can deliver practical solutions for sustainable construction.

Cemex Egypt has announced the winners of the Construction Sustainability Competition 2025, recognizing a standout student project from the American University in Cairo (AUC) that focuses on low-carbon, practical solutions for the construction sector.

The first-place award went to a team of four AUC engineering students, Kareem Fouad, Mohamed Batah, Mohamed Shatat, and Youssef Khairy, for their senior thesis titled “Returning to Nature: Deconstructable Housing with Biodegradable Materials for Shelters.” The project was selected for its strong focus on sustainability, affordability, and real-world application.

At the heart of the winning design is a modular shelter system that can be easily assembled, taken apart, and reused at different locations. This approach reduces construction waste and allows materials to have a longer life cycle. By using biodegradable materials, the students were able to cut embodied carbon by an estimated 40–50%, while also reducing overall project costs by around 40%.

Read More: What are the Benefits of Sustainable Development?

The project demonstrates that sustainable construction does not have to come at a premium. Instead, it shows how thoughtful design and material choices can deliver both environmental and economic benefits. The shelter concept is particularly relevant for temporary housing, disaster relief, and rapidly growing urban areas where flexibility and low impact are critical.

“This competition highlights how the next generation of engineers is ready to deliver smart, sustainable, and affordable solutions that serve communities and contribute to a better future for all,” said Zeinab Hegazy, Communication, Public Affairs & Sustainability Director for Cemex Egypt & UAE. She added that the company is proud to support initiatives that promote low-carbon practices and designs that are environmentally, socially, and economically responsible.

The Construction Sustainability Competition 2025 was organized by AUC’s Career Center and Construction Engineering Department in partnership with Cemex Egypt. It brought together 23 senior students across six teams, all working on thesis projects aimed at addressing major sustainability and resilience challenges in construction.

By supporting academic initiatives like this, Cemex Egypt continues to strengthen its role in advancing sustainable construction practices in the region. The collaboration with AUC also highlights the growing importance of industry-academia partnerships in preparing young engineers to tackle climate and resource challenges.

Also Read: What Are The Challenges Of Sustainability In Business?

As the construction sector faces increasing pressure to cut emissions and reduce waste, projects like this highlight the role of student innovation in shaping more sustainable building practices for the future.

Follow more news and views via our Climate & Environment and Featured Articles sections, and stay updated on the top ESG events to attend in 2025 for industry insights and networking.

If you're looking for suitable ESG and Sustainability providers to share customized solutions specific to your business needs, you can check out KnowESG's Solutions page.

If you are an ESG provider looking to get your organization listed on our portal, visit this page.

Source: ZAWYA