Bio-active coating for buildings loaded with bacteria to reduce erosion and carbon emissions

Brief

Learn about a new protective limewash coating developed by the University of Hertfordshire and UK Hempcrete that contains CO2-absorbing bacteria, which creates a barrier against erosion by the elements. The limewash will be tested at the Whyte & Mackay whisky distillery on the Isle of Jura, reducing the need for regular maintenance and carbon emissions.

Insight

Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire have developed a new protective coating for buildings that is bio-active and loaded with bacteria, which absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and produce a barrier against erosion by the elements.

The protective limewash contains harmless bacteria that use photosynthesis to absorb carbon dioxide and create a layer of calcium carbonate, which acts as a buffer against erosion.

The coating is being developed in partnership with UK Hempcrete and will be tested at the Whyte & Mackay whisky distillery on the Isle of Jura, off the coast of Scotland, where buildings require a new coat every year due to the harsh weather conditions.

The team hopes the limewash will reduce carbon emissions by reducing the frequency of re-coating buildings and actively absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. If successful, the prototype will be applied to the distillery buildings by July, and a test run will be conducted for three to six months, after which the team hopes to scale up the technology for commercial use.