University of Hertfordshire researchers have developed a building coating that uses bacteria to protect and self-repair against erosion.  

The innovation is a pioneering new lime wash that contains non-pathogenic bacteria, which increases the amount of CO2 that a building surface can absorb through photosynthesis. 

This, in turn, generates additional calcium carbonate that forms a more robust barrier against erosion, as well as encouraging self-repairing mechanisms. 

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Believed to be the first of its kind, a pre-production prototype is now being developed by the team, based on research by the Hatfield University’s zero carbon lab and the manufacturing expertise of UK Hempcrete, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) through the Design Exchange Partnership programme. 

Both organisations are partnering with whisky makers Whyte & Mackay Ltd, who have agreed to trial the prototype at their distillery on the Isle of Jura off the west coast of Scotland. 

Currently, wind-driven rain on the island damages the building surfaces of the distillery, resulting in the need for annual re-coating.

This not only disrupts production and tourism but increases the company’s carbon emissions, as they transport materials to the island and carry out maintenance works. 

The new, more robust self-repairing surface is expected to lower the frequency of maintenance, reduce disruption to the distillery and to tourism, and lower carbon emissions caused by frequent maintenance, whilst also actively absorbing carbon - supporting Whyte & Mackay’s zero-carbon commitments. 

Over time it will improve the carbon absorption of the building surface, strengthening the outer layer and reducing maintenance requirements. 

Professor Ljubomir Jankovic, professor of advanced building design and founder of the university's zero carbon lab, said:"We are excited to see the potential impact that our research will have on the resilience and maintenance of the distillery.

"Along with supporting Whyte & Mackay’s zero-carbon aims, we also intend to give local community, trade and homeowners the opportunity to use the product, to lower traditional maintenance costs, support environmental goals and the local tourism economy.” 

                                                                                                        

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Jamie Muir, Jura Distillery manager for Whyte & Mackay, said: “This partnership will deliver a pilot, which we believe could make a significant impact across the Scotch Whisky industry and beyond.” 

The team is aiming to have the prototype in place by July for a three-to-six-month testing period.