Ireland has positioned itself at the forefront of public policy for cement decarbonisation in Europe with the recent mandate for green procurement requirements for low carbon cement. This landmark decision, announced on May 28th, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards a net-zero carbon society by 2050, as outlined in the national policy position.
Cement production is a major contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for almost 5% of Ireland’s total national emissions and about 8% globally. With clinker responsible for over 90% of these emissions, and Ireland’s cement currently comprising nearly 85% clinker, this new mandate represents a crucial shift. It signals a clear directive to the construction industry to invest in low carbon products.
Implications for the Construction Industry
Ecocem, a pioneer in advocating for low carbon solutions in Ireland’s cement and concrete sector, has welcomed the new mandate. The requirements stipulate a 30% clinker substitution in concrete for all government and public works projects, alongside the phase-out of high clinker cement. This initiative not only aligns with the ambitious targets of the Climate Action Plan 2024 but also encourages industry innovation towards lower carbon limits.
Key Objectives of Green Procurement Requirement
The green procurement requirements focus on four key objectives:
- Utilize less concrete and cement by improving design, specification, and on-site management.
- Specify lower carbon concrete.
- Specify lower carbon cement.
- Implement broader Carbon Management systems for large infrastructure projects.
The Role of GGBS and Low Carbon Cement Technologies
Ecocem’s flagship product, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), plays a pivotal role in meeting these new standards. GGBS is currently the best available technology for reducing clinker levels in concrete, significantly lowering embodied carbon emissions. By incorporating GGBS into concrete mixes, the overall target of reducing embodied carbon in construction materials by at least 30% can be achieved. With government support, Ecocem is poised to lead in supplying low carbon cement solutions that meet these new procurement requirements.
The next phase of this procurement strategy will impose carbon limits on concrete, further reducing carbon per cubic metre. Ecocem’s next generation scalable low carbon cement technology, ACT, has recently received European Technical Approval (ETA) and will be commercially available from 2026. This will provide the concrete industry with a new solution to meet future government requirements.
Building a Sustainable Future
The establishment of the Cement and Construction Sector Decarbonisation Working Group by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) reflects a cohesive and rigorous approach to implementing these ambitious goals. This initiative will unite public sector stakeholders to drive practical steps in reducing embodied carbon emissions through innovative procurement approaches.
As momentum builds, Ecocem remains committed to investing in research, innovation, and the commercialization of new low carbon materials and ACT technology. The opportunities presented by the Green Procurement Requirements are promising. By embracing these changes and continuing to innovate, a greener, more sustainable construction industry can be realized. Ireland is set to lead by example, setting the standard for low carbon cement solutions and driving towards a future where sustainable construction is the norm.
Susan McGarry, Director of Public Affairs and Sustainability at Ecocem, stated, “The cement sector, responsible for almost 5% of Ireland’s emissions, has a major role to play in decarbonizing the construction industry. Public procurement requirements for low carbon cement are essential to ensure the sustainable delivery of Ireland’s infrastructure. At Ecocem, we have long advocated for the mandatory use of low carbon cements, which have enormous potential to reduce emissions at scale. The government’s mandatory target of a 30% reduction in clinker is a solid start on which we as an industry can build. Low carbon cement technology is available to be deployed immediately, offering a scalable, cost-efficient solution to cement and concrete’s carbon problem. The responsibility now lies with public sector decision-makers to engage with the private sector in efforts to reduce the carbon impact of construction.”
*this news has benn sourced form the ecocemglobal.com website: original link here
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