The Department of Construction Engineering, and the Career Center, at the American University in Cairo (AUC), in collaboration with Cemex Egypt, a global leader in building materials, successfully concluded the Construction Sustainability Competition 2025, an academic-industry initiative dedicated to advancing sustainability-driven innovation in the built environment.

The competition, co-designed by the Career Center, the Construction Engineering department and Cemex, was conducted exclusively for AUC Construction Engineering graduating seniors as part of their Fall 2025 thesis projects. A total of 23 undergraduate students, organized into six groups, participated in the competition, addressing pressing sustainability and resilience challenges facing the construction sector in Egypt and beyond.

Students were encouraged to propose forward-looking materials, systems, and design concepts that integrate environmental considerations, resource efficiency, and constructability. Projects were evaluated by an academic-industry jury based on four key criteria: Innovation and value-driven Sustainability, Practicality and Feasibility, Technical Merit, and Presentation and Communication.

The student projects addressed a diverse set of themes reflecting both global and local priorities in sustainable construction, ranging from deconstructable housing using biodegradable materials for emergency shelters, and the design of civilian-safer buildings under conflict through lighter structural systems and shockwave-informed urban design, to eco-concrete solutions and the enhancement of concrete sustainability through basalt and waste incorporation, as well as advanced construction technologies such as 3D robotic arm concrete printing, and the development of fully sustainable green roof systems and supporting slabs tailored to the Egyptian context.

“This competition demonstrates how undergraduate research can meaningfully engage with real-world sustainability challenges while remaining grounded in technical rigor and feasibility” Said Ezzeldin Yazeed, Chair of the Department of Construction Engineering at AUC.

The competition culminated in an awards ceremony where the top projects were recognized. The winning project is titled “Returning to Nature: Deconstructable Housing with Biodegradable Materials for Shelters”, by students Kareem Mostafa, Mohamed Batah, Mohamed Shatat, and Youssef Khairy.

The Second place went to Zeina Ali, Malak Eid, Moustafa ElSokary, and Omar Abdelrahman for their project titled “Enhancing Concrete Sustainability Through Basalt and Waste Incorporation in Portland Cement Concrete”.

The Third place went to Nour Elserwi, Ahmed Fereg, Tia Tamer, and Rokaia Elbagoury for their project titled “The Circular Revolution: Giving Waste a Second Life in Concrete”

“This initiative highlights the value of academic-industry collaboration in preparing future engineers to address sustainability challenges with practical, innovative, and impactful solutions.” Highlighted Ibrahim Abotaleb, Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Construction Engineering, AUC.

“Through this partnership, AUC and Cemex reaffirm our shared commitment to promoting value-driven sustainable and innovative solutions in the construction sector,"Said Zeinab Hegazy, Communication, Public Affairs & Sustainability Director for Cemex Egypt & UAE, "By equipping the next generation of engineers, we encourage approaches that balance environmental responsibility with practical, cost-conscious implementation—driving meaningful impact across Egypt and beyond."

“These initiatives exemplify AUC’s collaborative spirit and commitment to experiential, impactful learning that bridges research and academia with industry—empowering our students with the skills, exposure and experience that enhance their employability and readiness for the world of work.” Leidya Boutros, Employer Engagement Director, AUC.

About the Department of Construction Engineering, AUC
The Department of Construction Engineering at the American University in Cairo is committed to excellence in education, research, and industry engagement, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

About Cemex
Cemex is a global construction materials company that is building a better future through sustainable products and solutions. Cemex is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through relentless innovation and industry-leading research and development.