Israeli cleantech company ECOncrete was chosen as one of a dozen international 2021 BNEF Pioneers by research company BloombergNEF, which covers disruptive technologies driving the transition to a low-carbon economy.

BNEF Pioneers are chosen for their potential in optimizing long-haul freight, making sustainable materials, tracking greenhouse gases, valuing carbon sinks and reducing energy and chemical use.

The competition received about 250 applications from 36 countries. Candidates were judged on three criteria: the potential impact on greenhouse gas emissions and the planet; the degree of technology innovation and novelty; and the likelihood of adoption.

ECOncrete was the only Israeli winner and one of just four from outside the United States. Its environmentally sensitive concrete products promote marine biodiversity while increasing the structural stability, longevity and aesthetics of urban waterfronts and coastal structures.

“Concrete is the second-most consumed material in the world, is responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions, and is used in about 70% of our coastal infrastructure,” said Ido Sella, CEO, ECOncrete.

“As we adapt to rising seas and increased coastal development under more resource stress, ECOncrete provides accessible technology to simultaneously protect assets and revive marine ecosystems. ECOncrete provides an unprecedented opportunity to build environmental solutions into traditional infrastructure by creating habitat, doubling biodiversity, and storing carbon dioxide.”

In February, ISRAEL21c included ECOncrete among 10 high-tech solutions to make construction smart and safe. The following month, the company’s multi-award-winning cofounder, Shimrit Perkol-Finkel, tragically was killed by a truck while she was riding an electric scooter in Tel Aviv.