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Sustainable Cement: Paving the Way for Low-Carbon Construction

Written By
 Sam Reed

Gibson Watts is a leadership recruitment and executive search company that is shaping a sustainable future for businesses and the planet. To speak to someone please use our contact form or call us on:

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As the construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, sustainable or green cement has emerged as a crucial innovation. Traditional cement production is one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions globally, accounting for approximately 8% of total emissions. Green cement represents a pivotal shift toward more eco-friendly building practices, designed to minimize the carbon footprint while maintaining the strength and durability required in construction. 

 Green cement is produced using alternative materials and innovative processes that significantly reduce carbon emissions. These may include the incorporation of industrial by-products such as fly ash, slag, or silica fume, as well as the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Additionally, some green cements utilise lower temperatures during production or reduce the proportion of clinker, the most carbon-intensive component of traditional cement. 

Several major companies and startups are leading the charge in the green cement industry, each contributing to the development of more sustainable building materials: 

  • Material Evolution (MEVO): A UK based startup who leverages advanced materials science to develop new formulations and technologies that enhance the performance, durability, and sustainability of construction materials. 


  • LafargeHolcim: As one of the largest cement manufacturers in the world, LafargeHolcim has made significant investments in green cement, including the development of low-carbon products and the integration of carbon capture technologies. 
    CarbonCure Technologies: This innovative company has developed a process that injects captured CO2 into concrete during production, which not only reduces emissions but also strengthens the material.


  • Solidia Technologies: Solidia focuses on a technology that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 70% during cement production and cures concrete with CO2, effectively trapping the gas within the material. 


  • Cemex: Cemex has been actively developing and promoting low-carbon cements and concretes, including products that incorporate industrial by-products and recycled materials. 

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Challenges and future Outlook

  • Having spoken to numerous senior executives who work in this space, the green cement industry faces several challenges. One of the primary hurdles they all mentioned is cost. Green cement products can be more expensive to produce than traditional cement, which can limit their adoption, particularly in price-sensitive markets. Additionally, the industry needs to overcome technical challenges related to the performance and durability of green cement products, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards required for construction materials. 

    However, the future of the green cement industry looks promising. As technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of green cement is expected to decrease, making it more competitive with traditional options. Moreover, as global pressure to combat climate change continues to mount, the demand for sustainable building materials is likely to grow, driving further innovation and investment in the green cement sector. 

     

  1. Conclusion

     

  • The rise of the green cement industry represents a pivotal moment in the journey toward sustainable construction. By reducing the environmental impact of one of the most essential building materials, green cement is helping to reshape the future of the construction industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible built environment. As the industry continues to evolve, it will play an increasingly vital role in the global effort to mitigate climate change and protect our planet for future generations. 

     With my experience in both the construction and clean technology sectors, I am passionate about collaborating with innovative companies that are developing green cement solutions to contribute to a healthier planet. 

     

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References

  1. Benhelal, E., Zahedi, G., Shamsaei, E., Bahadori, A. (2013). Global strategies and potentials to curb CO2 emissions in cement industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 51, 142-161. 
  2. Scrivener, K. L., John, V. M., Gartner, E. M. (2018). Eco-efficient cements: Potential, economically viable solutions for a low-CO2, cement-based materials industry. Cement and Concrete Research, 114, 2-26. 
  3. Habert, G., d’Espinose de Lacaillerie, J.-B., Roussel, N. (2011). An environmental evaluation of geopolymer based concrete production: Reviewing current research trends. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(11), 1229-1238. 
  4. Van Deventer, J. S. J., Provis, J. L., Duxson, P., Brice, D. G. (2010). Chemical research and climate change as drivers in the commercial adoption of alkali-activated materials. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 1(1), 145-155.

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Gibson Watts is a leadership recruitment and executive search company that is shaping a sustainable future for businesses and the planet.

To speak to someone, please feel free to contact us via the form or on:
(+44) 20 3880 0894
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