5th Edition – Brussels, Belgium. With a Visit to Holcim Go4ZERO Cement Plant in Obourg, Belgium
Alternative Fuels, Alternative Raw Materials and low‑carbon innovation continue to define the global transition to NetZero. Now entering its 5th edition, CarbonZero 2026 reinforces its position as the leading international platform dedicated to decarbonizing cement, construction, and heavy industries.
Taking place in Brussels, Belgium from 27–29 October 2026, the event brings together C‑level executives, senior decision makers, environmental leaders, technology developers, researchers, authorities and global think tanks. The program is designed to offer a 360‑degree perspective on the pathways, technologies and strategies that accelerate the shift to a low‑carbon future.
A special highlight of this edition is the exclusive technical visit to Holcim Belgium GO4ZERO plant, offering participants a first‑hand look at cutting‑edge decarbonization initiatives and industrial-scale innovation.
An overview of the previous edition in 2025 is available here: https://industrylink.eu/carbonzero-2024-pioneering-sustainable-solutions-for-cement-construction.
Event Dates: October 27 – 29, 2026 – Brussels, Belgium
CarbonZero: Redefining Decarbonization in Cement and Construction
After four consecutive sold-out editions across Romania, Spain, France, and Portugal, the 5th Edition of the CarbonZero: Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials Global Conference and Exhibition is moving the needle even further.
This isn’t just another industry gathering; it is a high-level business networking forum with a tailored, unique approach. Here, the focus is on the people behind the progress—where professionals meet to build the change of tomorrow, moving beyond just corporate presence to foster genuine collaboration.
The Mission: Turning Today’s Waste into Tomorrow’s Assets
The industry is at a crossroads. CarbonZero focuses on tangible solutions that give new life to old resources, moving beyond theory to implement:
- Alternative Fuels:Â Accelerating the transition away from fossil energy.
- Clinker Alternatives:Â Reducing the carbon footprint at its core.
- Circular Economy:Â Utilizing alternative raw materials to close the loop in construction.
Exclusive Technical Visit: Holcim Go4ZERO
In a landmark addition to this year’s program, delegates will gain firsthand insight into the future of the industry. The 5th edition includes an exclusive visit to the Holcim Go4ZERO plant in Obourg, Belgium, showcasing world-class innovation in decarbonization and large-scale industrial transformation.
An Elite Forum for Change-Makers
We curate a diverse mix of stakeholders to ensure every conversation has the potential to spark a revolution. This event is strictly for decision-makers and C-level executives from:
- Cement and Building Material Manufacturers
- Construction Leaders & Technology Providers
- Innovation, R&D, and Environmental Specialists
- Leading Academia and Regulatory Authorities
Secure Your Spot
Take advantage of our compounding discount structure to maximize your ROI:
- Early Bird Rates:Â Secure the lowest price by booking early.
- Group Discounts:Â Save more when your leadership team attends together.
- Newsletter Perks:Â Apply exclusive subscriber codes on top of existing discounts.
Register now to join the vanguard of industrial decarbonization. Email us at contact@industrylink.eu for full event brochure. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive 20% off the rates to each event on www.industrylink.eu/#signupnow.
Why participate?
The program will feature top experts to discuss the latest developments and challenges in product manufacturing and technology applications, with specific case studies from international key
markets. We welcome presentation suggestions and topics as well as reputed professionals who should be leading the panel discussions on site.
Want to have a presentation and/or exhibition space? See the Sponsorship brochure and discuss with an Industry Link team member to help you decide which package works best for you. Ask for your copy of the file at contact@industrylink.eu.
Industry Link gives the conference participants the quality of venue and participants they require for a C+ event, time to actually network, learn and discuss, building genuine connections and business acumen with the relevant professionals they need to meet.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Platinum, Gold, Panel and Program sponsorships are available, with dedicated rates for producers and suppliers.
Speaking opportunities for suppliers are limited to 6 slots and are selected and tailored to fit the program.
For tailored rates: contact@industrylink.eu
For sponsorship packages: carbonzero@industrylink.eu
AGENDA
October 27 – Plant visit, 25 seats only, first come-first served basis, only VIP ticket holders
Core Technical Focus:
Alternative Fuels • Cementitious Materials • Low-Clinker Cement • Circular Economy • Industrial Decarbonization
DAY 1 October 28 – Alternative Fuels, Energy Systems & Kiln Technologies
Opening Keynote
Alternative Fuels: Driving the Net-Zero Cement Transition
- Global substitution benchmarks and regional constraints
- Energy security, fuel economics, and emissions impact
Panel 1: Scaling Alternative Fuels in Cement Kilns
- Transitioning from pilot projects to sustained high substitution
- Fuel portfolio design: RDF/SRF, biomass, biofuels, hazardous waste
- Kiln operability, clinker quality, and emissions integrity
- Long-term feedstock security and supply risk management
Technical Session: Kiln & Energy Systems Innovation
- Burner, calciner, and kiln configurations for flexible fuel use
- Latest machinery and equipment innovations for high AF rates
- Electrification, hybrid thermal systems, and hydrogen readiness
Technical Session: Alternative Fuel Handling & Process Optimization
- Fuel handling machinery, storage solutions, and dosing equipment
- Managing complex and variable fuel streams
- Safety systems for alternative fuels
- Digital monitoring, advanced process control, and AI-driven optimization
Panel 2: Circular Economy, Waste Valorization & Critical Mineral Recovery
- Integration of industrial, municipal, and construction waste
- Recovery of critical minerals from alternative fuels and industrial residues
- Industrial symbiosis, traceability, and quality assurance frameworks
Industry Case Studies: Alternative Fuels at Industrial Scale
- Cement plants achieving sustained high substitution rates
- Lessons from large-scale deployment, permitting, and community engagement
Panel 3: Â Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS) in Cement
- Integration of CCUS with alternative fuels and low-clinker systems
- Oxy-fuel, post-combustion, and emerging capture technologies
- COâ‚‚ utilization: mineralization, curing, and material reuse
- Transport, storage, and scale-up to commercial deployment
- Direct Air Capture
DAY 2 October 29 – Cementitious Materials, Low-Clinker Cement & Climate Resilience
Opening Keynote
Beyond Clinker: Transforming Cementitious Materials for Net-Zero Construction
- Innovation in cementitious materials to meet decarbonization targets
- Industrial strategies for low-clinker and performance-based cements
- Optimize fly ash, slag, and natural pozzolans to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly infrastructure
Panel 4: Cementitious Materials Innovation & Raw Material Strategy
- Clinker substitutes and SCM availability
- Industrial by-products and secondary raw materials used in green buildings and road construction
- Calcined clays, natural pozzolans, and emerging binders and additives
- Carbon-storing and COâ‚‚-mineralized cementitious materials
Technical Session: Low-Clinker Cement Design, Processing & Quality
- Low-clinker cement formulations
- Performance-based specifications and standards compliance
- Grinding, activation, and homogenization of SCMs
- Testing, monitoring, and quality control systems
Technical Session: Mitigation & Adaptation Through Cement and Concrete
- Emissions mitigation through SCMs, alternative fuels, and CCUS integration
- Climate-resilient cement and concrete mix design
- Long-life and durable concrete for extreme environments
- Lifecycle performance and supply chain adaptation
Panel 5: Standards, Policy & Market Readiness
- Standards enabling alternative fuels and new cement types
- Green innovative public procurement and performance-based specifications
- Carbon accounting, CBAM, and digital compliance
- Accelerating market acceptance of innovative materials
Panel 6: Financing & Commercialization of Low-Carbon Cement
- Financing models, green bonds, and blended finance
- Investment readiness and commercial viability
- Scale-up of low-carbon cement technologies
CEO & Executive Roundtable
Leading the Transition to a Competitive, Climate-Resilient Cement Industry
- Strategic integration of alternative fuels and cementitious innovation
- Supply chain transformation and risk management
- Collaboration across energy, waste, and construction sectors
- Roadmaps toward 2030–2050 decarbonization targets
Closing Session
From Innovation to Deployment: The Future of Cement & Construction
CarbonZero 2026 Awards
Recognizing excellence in industrial decarbonization and leadership across alternative fuels, circular raw materials, and low-carbon cement solutions.
Award Categories:
- CarbonZero Industrial Decarbonization Project of the Year
- CarbonZero Decarbonization Leadership Award
Jury-awarded· Presented during CarbonZero 2026.
Submit your project in a transfer archive at mariana.gheorghe@industrylink.eu to include
- Name of project
- Project Coordinators
- Location
- Photos (5 -10 photos, 300dpi, max.2MB/photo)
- Description of Project (max. 500 words)
- Impact
Explore Our Full Calendar
Explore our full calendar of international events, including the Cementitious Materials TechTrade Congress, Industry 5.0 Conference, Sustainability & ESG Summit, CarbonZero Global Conference, and Women in Cement & Construction Congress, and stay updated on speakers, topics, and exclusive offers by subscribing to our newsletter.
Other events in 2026:
Women in CemCo International Congress Americas 2026 – 12-13 March, at the Hilton Anaotole in Dallas, TX, USA
The Women in Cement and Construction International Congress Americas 2026 is a unique platform where professionals, leaders, and advocates come together to champion the essential role of women in these fields. Through inspiring stories, collaborative sessions, and strategic discussions, we aim to show women how they can find a career in the industry and to help the industry advance profitability by empowering women to lead and innovate. The only executive-level, cement- and concrete-focused women’s leadership congress in the Americas.
Cementitious Materials International Congress Americas 2026 – 12-13 March, at the Hilton Anaotole in Dallas, TX, USA
The Cementitious Materials International Technical and Trade Congress Americas is the finest industry event for SCMs, the premier gathering of US cement traders, industry experts, and professionals passionate about the latest advancements and limitless opportunities in the field of cementitious materials including ashes, slags, artificial and natural pozzolana, fumes, clays and construction and demolition waste used as alternative raw materials.
ESG and Sustainability International Summit and Industry 5.0 Conference and  Exhibition – June 10-11, 2026; Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
A premier regional platform for industry leaders to discuss sustainability, ESG strategies, and regulatory advancements in cement and construction. This event brings together thought leaders and corporate professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends in sustainable finance, legal frameworks, and industry innovations.
We are also including panel discussions on Industry 5.0 to discuss how AI and Automation and other smart solutions are contributing to the decarbonization of the cement & construction industry.
The event is designed to inspire, educate, and empower corporate attendees to drive sustainable progress and create a positive impact on our planet and society, previous editions were held in Madeira, Portugal and Cairo, Egypt in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
CarbonZero Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition 2026 to include Cementitious Europe – Congress, 27 – 29 October 2026; Location: Brussels, BelgiumÂ
This premier global platform, CarbonZero brings together senior decision-makers to accelerate the transition to Net Zero in cement and construction. The conference will explore green alternatives—ranging from alternative fuels and raw materials to clinker substitutes-alongside emerging technologies, carbon capture, financing and investment strategies, policy developments, and industry standards. This C-level gathering convenes leaders from cement manufacturing, construction, technology, research, academia, and regulatory institutions—united in shaping actionable and sustainable solutions.
Women In CemCo EMEA TBA
Cementitious Materials International Congree MENA TBA
Sign up to our newsletter on industrylink.eu to receive the latest news and future events info as well as exclusive pricing. Follow our LinkedIn page for news and insights for the next events.
