Is the cement industry entering a new golden age that could transform the sector while decarbonizing it? As the most emissive component of cement, lowering the cost and carbon of high-emitting clinker remains a key priority for achieving net-zero targets. Our latest analysis shows that growth in the adoption of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and fillers in cement mixes could dramatically lower emissions profiles by 70 to 80% and increase global SCM revenues to $40 billion to $60 billion by 2035 from $15 billion to $30 billion today. Learn more about shifting cementitious markets and what it means as industry strives to meet growing global demand for building materials. #buildingmaterials #cement #sustainability #decarbonization #constuction
Excellent analysis and great point on domestic supply constraints. This is exactly the concern we are addressing for cement. We need new local sources of SCMs to decarbonize and meet global infrastructure demands while also catering to the new nationalistic policies coming out of governments today.
In addition the weight of buildings (from 650 - 1300 kgs/m2 - gross floor area ) is excessive. "Low carbon pathways for structural design" Catharine de Wolf - 2018 https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/111491 The comments by the Concrete Centre (2018) 11 at the European Commission (Levels); on the need of heavy constructions, to have 'a barrier to noise', is completely outdated. The IFD program in the NL has proved that two-layers construction of floors, with a weight of max. 350 – 450 kgs/m2 meets all the requirements (sound insulation ; fire-resistance of > 120 minutes). https://research.tue.nl/en/publications/industrial-flexible-and-demountable-ifd-building-technology-for-a ; encl ISARC 2003 Adaptable, multi-functional buildings have an extended lifetime of minimal 100 – 200 years and makes CSS, as well a doubtful solution. Experience Japan: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003018339-10/japan-act-concerning-promotion-long-life-quality-housing-kazunobu-minami Building high quality houses that can be relevant for a longer time. That way there will be a reduction in consumption of natural resources, environmental and waste problems in the future.
Extremely interesting and exhaustive analysis of cementitious materials potential. A first of its kind. To summarise the high quality of this article, there is an urgent need to leverage the SCM potential and to employ this technology at its full potential. Congratulations!
The 'golden age' for the cement industry and the reduction of carbonemissions can start from now ! Already In 2017 Mc Kinsey reported the potential productivity boost and in october 2023 in : "Empty spaces and hybrid places" ; the message that urban real estate around the world faces substantial challenges was the key-issue. The solutions which are missing - are mentioned below: Designers still make the mistake to apply a difference, between the design of commercial and residential applications, in spite of the message of the ACE in 2019 :'design for adaptability' The industry especially the cement and concrete, is now promoting; 'more recycling and CSS' (message COP 28 ). Recycling is a good option, however for concrete and cement, there are better and readily available solutions. Due to the 'overconsumption' of cement (up to 300 kgs/m3 concrete); a reduction of minimal 50 % is possible. Research has shown that 50 - 100 kgs per m3 concrete, are sufficient to meet the specifications.
The CONCRETE economy could enter a golden age, especially from countries like France, Belgium, Netherlands. Why is an interesting long story certainly open for debate. And how to take the Portland cement industry along is the big challenge. Little to do with product innovation, all with processes and system innovation, a culture change in construction.
Great study, raising some very relevant points. From cement to cementitious is indeed the transition we need to embark upon as soon as possible... Policies and standards should finally start to enable such shift, the technologies and economics underlying it are ready!
A fantastic report. I think it puts into light the great juxtaposition of the industries continued need to grow and support global urbanisation, whilst continuously reducing CO2 emissions. Not many appreciate just how innovative the industry has become whilst rising to this challenge.
Le ciment va se décarboner grâce aux fillers calcaires et aux bétons recyclés micronisés. Analyse très intéressante 👌
Industrial Policy Director
3wClinker substitution is important and is, as seen in our CEMBUREAU Roadmap, one of the 5 levers for decarbonization. It is the reason for the forecasted reduction of clinker production. Completely neglected in this article is the availability of SCMs. Concrete based on clinker is in all realistic scenarios the primary construction materials for the future. Limitations on the availability of the SCMs, especially granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash, will have consequences. Remarkable is the suggestion that standards can be changed easily and fast. Just push a button and its done? That is indeed the solution of some, but reality is that we need not only low carbon products, but also products for durable and sustainable constructions lasting decades or centuries. Just changing one material by another is taking risks that no one want to be responsible for. In the next 25 years we need to double the amount of SCMs used in a declining market of blast furnace slag and fly ash. Our industry is strongly involved in exploring and developing alternative sources but availability and scalability will be key. Conclusion is that this article and report of McKinsey doesn’t show the level of knowledge that you might expect. Pity.