Dresden Professor Curbach receives Nobel Prize for sustainable carbon concrete!

Dresden Professor Curbach receives Nobel Prize for sustainable carbon concrete!

On October 18, 2025, it was announced that Prof. Manfred Curbach from the Technical University of Dresden would be awarded the prestigious Nobel Sustainability Academic Award 2025. The award is presented by the Nobel Sustainability Trust (NST) in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and recognizes people and organizations that are committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Curbach received the honor in the “Leadership in Implementing Sustainability” category for his groundbreaking work in the field of carbon concrete.

Carbon concrete is a sustainable alternative to conventional reinforced concrete that makes a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions in construction. It is produced with a concrete volume reduced by around 80% and energy consumption during production that is around half, which drastically reduces the need for cement. The innovative material already has practical applications, such as the carbon concrete house “CUBE” at the TU Dresden, which serves as a demonstration project.

Awards and prize money

The Nobel Sustainability Academic Award is endowed with up to 1.3 million Swedish crowns, which corresponds to around 118,000 euros. In addition to Prof. Curbach, Prof. Paul Hebert from the University of Guelph for outstanding research in the field of biodiversity and the Global Observatory of Healthy and Sustainable Cities (GOHSC) for smart urban solutions will also be honored. The awards ceremony will take place on December 5, 2025 at the 5th NST Summit in Miami, which will focus on the importance of innovation and collaboration for a sustainable future.

Peter Nobel, Chairman of the NST, emphasizes that such awards underline the important role of research and technological development for a sustainable future. Prof. Curbach expressed his gratitude for the award and emphasized the essential role of his team and the TU Dresden in the development of carbon concrete.

Reactions and significance for Saxony

The Rector of TU Dresden, Prof. Ursula Staudinger, praised Curbach's commitment to sustainable construction and underlined the importance of his innovations for future generations. Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow also congratulated and described the award as confirmation of the sustainable strategy for Saxony as a science location.

The awarding of the prize is not only a personal honor for Curbach, but also a sign of the importance of sustainable construction and innovative materials in today's world. Prof. Curbach has shaped the Institute for Solid Construction at TU Dresden for over three decades and is recognized for his tireless commitment to sustainable research.

This award could serve as an impetus for further projects in the field of sustainable development and architecture in Germany and worldwide, and bring the well-being of the environment into focus.