Environmentally Solid Foundations
Three diverse applications of ECOncrete solutions are showcased in the most recent volume of Engineering With Nature’s (EWN) Atlas. This atlas from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) highlights innovation, cutting-edge design and projects around the world that can work symbiotically with the environment to preserve the beauty of nature and natural habitats.
Shark River Island
The shoreline of Shark River Island in Neptune, New Jersey, at the Atlantic Coast is constantly pounded by waves, boat wakes and flooding. This was exacerbated by severe damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The Homeowner’s Association sought out ECOncrete to produce a long lasting and environmentally conscious solution to their challenges that was both economically feasible and would protect their critical shores from erosion, while also respecting the marine environment. We assessed the site and used our concrete block mattresses, developed with BESSER, to control and protect against erosion, as well as a berm with vegetation to prevent erosion during extreme weather.
Infrastructure built with our technology offers both international standard shoreline protection and marine habitat creation. In this case study, 19 biological species have already colonized the mattresses.
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Project
EWN Atlas Entry
Newlyn Bay Coastal Armoring
Newlyn, a coastal town in Cornwall, England, lies on the shore of Mount’s Bay. This seaside town has long relied on seawalls and breakwaters to defend itself against floods and water damage. The Newlyn Coastal Research and Development Project, a partnership project between the Environment Agency and Kier and Atkins, sought to “shore up” these barriers. ECOncrete, along with three other companies, were chosen for the project. The goal was to increase biodiversity while simultaneously strengthening the breakwater. The ECOncrete armor units have lower carbon emissions compared to standard concrete and are a nature-positive solution, creating habitats for marine life. This project was awarded the Concrete Society’s Devon & Cornwall Region Sustainable Concrete Award in 2022.
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Project
EWN Atlas Entry
Port of Málaga
At the Port of Málaga, a premier superyacht marina in Spain, ECOncrete’s technology has been applied to construct a vertical breakwater. The port’s local contractor seamlessly integrated ECOncrete into the standard casting and construction process, using our admixture, surface agents, and nature-based design for the blocks’ exterior. In less than nine months, the blocks developed diverse live cover, with various species settling on the new substrate, elevating the entire port’s ecosystem.
This addition enhances both the structural integrity and ecological longevity of the marina, ensuring it can withstand harsh marine conditions. ECOncrete’s innovative design promotes durability and resilience through bioprotection, a living layer of sessile organisms that colonizes the concrete, reducing maintenance needs and extending the infrastructure’s lifespan. The textured surface also fosters biodiversity, improving nearby water quality and supporting a healthy surrounding ecosystem.
ECOncrete’s goal is to foster a symbiotic relationship between the built environment and nature. This commitment was recognized when the project received the IGY Málaga Marina Award and the International Prize “Premios Excelencias Turísticas Azul 2021” for its dedication to marine environmental sustainability.
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Project
EWN Atlas Entry