A newly released report underscores the critical need for swift action to decarbonize the cement industry amidst forecasts indicating a staggering 50% increase in demand by 2050. Titled “Fast-tracking Cement Decarbonisation,” the report delves into the urgent imperative to adopt low-carbon solutions to curb escalating emissions.
At present, the cement industry ranks among the most carbon-intensive sectors globally, responsible for a substantial 7-8% of total emissions. Central to this carbon footprint is the production of clinker, the cornerstone of cement and concrete manufacturing.
Clinker substitution emerges as a beacon of hope for decarbonization efforts, offering significant emission reductions in the short term without exorbitant costs. Coupled with innovative strategies like carbon capture, usage, and storage, this approach holds promise for revolutionizing the industry’s environmental impact.
However, the report highlights a crucial obstacle hindering the widespread adoption of low-carbon solutions: existing cement and concrete standards. These standards, operating within a prescriptive framework, impede the market entry of innovative materials and technologies. The transition to performance-based standards is identified as a pivotal step to unlock the potential of low-carbon cement and concrete solutions, potentially halving industry emissions.
Europe, with its robust cement sector, leading research institutions, and abundant clinker substitutes, is positioned to lead the charge in clinker substitution. By embracing a performance-based standards approach, the EU can emulate successful models observed in other regions, accelerating progress towards ambitious climate targets.
In conclusion, the report urges stakeholders to seize the opportunity to fast-track cement decarbonization, emphasizing the critical role of policy frameworks and standards in enabling swift and effective transition towards a sustainable future.
More information and the actual report and summary can be found here: From underperforming to performance-based standards. | Alliance for low-carbon cement & concrete (alliancelccc.com)
*News and image sourced from https://alliancelccc.com/
—
Do You Want to Explore the Future of Sustainable Building? Join Our Key Industry Events.
Find out more about the future of building sustainably. Discover the latest in cement industry innovations, best practices, and decarbonization efforts at our upcoming events – join us to shape a greener world!
Dive into our calendar of events, featuring CarbonZero Global Conference and Exhibition 2024 in Madrid, Spain; Women in Cement and Construction International Congress and Sustainability and ESG International Summit 2024 in Madeira, Portugal.
Sign up to our newsletter on industrylink.eu to receive the latest news and future events info as well as exclusive discounts.