Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542124
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 19 DECEMBER 2025 NEWS GOZO hosted the open- ing workshop of CSMS 2025 (Concrete Sustainability: Ma- terials and Structures), an in- ternational conference show- casing innovative solutions in low-carbon concrete technol- ogies, recycling strategies, and reuse of construction materi- als. Organized by the University of Malta's Construction Ma- terials and Structural Moni- toring Research Group in the Faculty of the Built Environ- ment, in collaboration with the International Federation for Structural Concrete (FIB), the conference brought to- gether researchers, engineers, and industry professionals. It focused on the latest de- velopments in both funda- mental and applied research in cement-based materials, ad- vanced construction technolo- gies, and sustainable structur- al design. Attending the event minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri high- lighted the environmental and technical benefits of revalu- ing materials once considered waste. "These materials, when combined to form concrete, now become high-value re- sources. Through intensive research by the University of Malta and international ex- perts, it is possible to create low-carbon concrete that us- es less energy while offering stronger and more durable characteristics, even in the Maltese environment," he said. "Continued research in con- struction materials is essential to integrate what we once con- sidered waste into sustainable building technologies." Professor Ruben Paul Borg, the conference organizer, noted that advanced research at the University of Malta demonstrates how low-car- bon concrete can significantly reduce environmental impact while using recycled materi- als. He emphasized the impor- tance of translating research into industrial applications to create larger, resilient, and du- rable structures. Global concrete expert Pro- fessor Kamal Khayat, known for pioneering self-consoli- dating concrete, shared his experience and insights, high- lighting how his work has fundamentally improved con- struction practices worldwide by enhancing safety, efficien- cy, and durability. The conference also featured Perit Edward Scerri from the Gozo Business Chamber, who spoke on the growing need for sustainable construction prac- tices. With a strong focus on re- ducing the environmental footprint of buildings, CSMS 2025—the fourth in Malta's CSMS conference series— presented innovative discov- eries and practical solutions in low-carbon concrete, re- cycling, and reuse strategies aimed at creating resilient and long-lasting structures. CSMS serves as a platform for sharing advanced research, exploring industrial applica- tions, and strengthening glob- al partnerships, supporting the transition toward more sustainable and resource-ef- ficient construction practices worldwide. Gozo workshop spotlights recycling and low-carbon innovations in construction Left to right: Conference organizer Professor Ruben Paul Borg and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri Attending the event minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri highlighted the environmental and technical benefits of revaluing materials once considered waste CSMS 2025 in Gozo highlighted how low-carbon concrete, recycling, and reuse strategies can reduce environmental impact while creating stronger, more durable, and sustainable construction