Fortera Contributes Low-Carbon Cement to Simpson University’s New Business, Technology, and Engineering Building

• Fortera’s ReAct™ green cement will be used in the footings and slab, providing a foundation for the building that will house STEM education and the new Veterans Success Center
• The project will require 18 metric tons of ReAct mixed with ordinary cement to make 650 cubic yards of concrete, enough to fill 65 concrete mixers

REDDING, Calif. – Investing in local science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and veterans services, green cement manufacturer Fortera is providing 18 metric tons of ReAct™ to Simpson University for the new Business, Technology, and Engineering Building, which will be home to the Maurice & Marianne Johannessen Veteran Success Center (VSC) and STEM program facilities, including new engineering and technology labs. ReAct, a low-carbon “green” cement made from industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, will be mixed with ordinary cement at a 10% blend and used in the concrete for the VSC’s slab and footings. The use of Fortera’s ReAct product in this project will result in a reduction of nearly 13 tons of embodied CO2. Fortera’s ReAct product supplied for this project was produced at the Redding ReCarb® Plant, Fortera’s pioneering commercial facility that directly captures carbon emissions from cement production to make ready-to-use green cement. 

“Partnering with Simpson University—a valued institution in the community—to support both their STEM and veterans outreach programs is a tremendous honor for us,” said Ryan Gilliam, CEO of Fortera. “It’s especially meaningful that this first pour is happening in Redding, where our plant has been five years in the making. We’re committed to making a positive impact in our own community and proud to contribute to the foundation—both figuratively and literally—of education, veteran success, and sustainable infrastructure.”

Simpson University is the only private university between Sacramento and Eugene, Oregon. The new VSC will provide crucial resources to veterans as they transition from military service to student and civilian life. The VSC will offer admissions and enrollment assistance to prospective students, veteran-specific benefit navigation, supportive veteran community spaces, study resources, and mentoring. Approximately 10% of Simpson students are veterans or their dependents. With the new space and expanded programming, the University will be able to increase the number of veterans served, and it expects to double its annual reach in the next 5-10 years. 

“We are grateful that the new building and the Veteran Success Center have brought together the alignment of environmental stewardship and community impact,” said Ken White, Dean of Advancement at Simpson University. “By providing low-carbon cement for our project, Fortera is supporting both STEM workforce development and expanded services for our veteran community. This is a significant win for Northern California and Southern Oregon, bringing vital resources to historically underserved communities. This project’s environmental and educational benefits will create a lasting positive impact in our region.”

Simpson University broke ground on the project in May 2024 and has raised $8M for its construction. The University needs $1M during its final fundraising phase to complete the building, which is expected to open for the 2026 fall semester. To make a contribution, visit simpsonu.edu/centennial.  

This project was also supported by Redding concrete company Shasta Redi-Mix, which supplied the concrete for the project. To learn more about how Fortera is paving the way to zero-CO2 cement and supporting local communities, visit forteraglobal.com. 

About Fortera

Fortera is a pioneering green cement manufacturer with production in Redding, California. Fortera’s groundbreaking ReCarb® technology transforms industrial CO2 into ready-to-use low-carbon cement with 70% fewer carbon emissions. ReCarb® seamlessly integrates with current cement facilities, leveraging the entire production framework, from machinery to feedstocks, to ensure a globally scalable solution for sustainable cement manufacturing. The resulting product, Fortera’s ReAct® green cement, is market-ready, meets regulatory standards, and can be blended with or used as a substitute for ordinary cement. For more information on how Fortera is paving the way to zero-CO2 cement, visit forteraglobal.com. 

About Simpson University

Founded in 1921, Simpson University is California’s only WASC accredited Christian university north of Sacramento and south of Eugene, Oregon. As a Christ-centered learning community, it is dedicated to developing students in mind, faith, and character, preparing them for meaningful work and service worldwide. Offering over 25 liberal arts and professional degrees, graduate programs, and adult studies, Simpson serves more than 1,000 students annually. With deep roots in the Christian & Missionary Alliance, Simpson emphasizes spiritual growth alongside academic excellence.