Cement industry must move to low-carbon cement

At a scientific symposium in Paris on Nov. 9 and 10, leading materials scientists called on the cement industry to begin producing low-carbon cement as a matter of urgency. This switch is necessary to significantly reduce CO2 emissions - now accounting for 8% of the world total - by 2030.

The group of scientists, including Doug Hooton of the University of Toronto and Johann Plank of TU Munich, explain that current low-carbon cement technologies make it possible to significantly reduce emissions. This while cement demand is expected to increase by 45% through 2050. The deployment of these technologies is the most effective pathway to meet the international climate target of no more than 1.5°C warming.

The scientists stress that the necessary technology is available and no longer involves high costs. They point to the success of alternative materials replacing clinker in cement, such as at Irish producer Ecocem, where ACT technology promises a reduction of 70% in emissions. The urgency for action is high and the cement industry can play a key role in tackling climate change globally.