International Conference on Eco-Materials Underway in Cuba

Havana, Nov 26, (RHC-ACN).— The 4th International Conference on Eco-Materials started in eastern Granma province with the participation of experts from 21 nations who will tackle the necessity to recycle materials, the use of local resources and the elimination of bureaucracy in the construction process.

Fernando Martirena, director of the Structures and Materials Research and Development Center (CIDEM), described the ecological elements as a versatile solution, where the technologies used have no cultural, political, social or technical barriers.

Such practices have proved their economic, environmental and social sustainability; therefore this kind of forum join the alternative international movement that claims for their introduction in the formal housing market, he added.

Meanwhile, Colombian Alejandro Salazar recalled the impacts of climate change and that, after water, concrete is the most used element in construction, a fact that demands to guarantee stability to it to avoid its disappearance.

He reiterated his aspiration to turn all the waste products into construction materials and mentioned some examples of what is being done in his country.

Several experts agreed on the need of integrating knowledge in the training of specialists and on the creation of multidisciplinary teams in order to face the current and future challenges in construction.

The conference, which will wind up this Friday, will analyze over 70 papers from scientist, politicians, construction workers and researchers.