A new research project led by the University of South Wales (USW) is exploring how waste from the dairy industry can be transformed into sustainable materials for use in construction, helping to cut carbon emissions while creating new value for Welsh producers.
WHEY2BUILD, led by Dr Rhys Jon Jones from USW’s Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC), has secured funding from the SWITCH to Net Zero Buildings (SNZB) programme, part of the EPSRC Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA). The project is being delivered in partnership with First Milk, one of the UK’s leading dairy co-operatives.
The research will investigate natural biological processes that can convert dairy-processing whey waste into materials suitable for the construction sector. By redirecting waste streams into high‑value products, WHEY2BUILD aims to support the growth of a circular bioeconomy while addressing sustainability challenges faced by both the food and construction industries.
As well as advancing low‑carbon building technologies, the project offers a new opportunity for Welsh dairy producers to generate additional income streams from by‑products that are currently costly to manage. It represents a practical step towards making net‑zero construction more achievable at regional scale.
Professor Alan Guwy, Director of SERC, said:
“This award demonstrates the strength of the research pipeline we have built at USW. WHEY2BUILD is a perfect example of how ambitious, applied research can turn environmental challenges into real opportunities for industry and for Wales.
“By linking academic innovation with industrial collaboration, WHEY2BUILD showcases how research at USW is helping to drive sustainable growth, reduce waste, and support the transition to net‑zero.”
