The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has launched international definitions for low-carbon cement and concrete at COP29.
The definitions use the environmental product declaration (EPD) accounting method that is well established in the construction value chain for products, and designed to be used with local benchmarks and targets to reflect different challenges, opportunities and rate of decarbonisation.
They are seen as crucial to providing a key reference point for anyone that wants to be able to identify and buy green cement and concrete across the world.
Robert Habeck, Germany Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, said, “This is a big step forward towards delivering a greener built environment and a greener global economy.”
“Lead markets for low carbon basic materials are an important component of the policy landscape to support decarbonisation of sectors such as cement and concrete.”
Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the GCCA, whose members represent 80% of cement production capacity outside of China, as well as a number of leading Chinese manufacturers, said concrete and its key binding ingredient cement are the most used materials on the planet after water and essential to the modern world.
He said, “We now call on policymakers, governments and the private sector to procure green cement and concrete and provide the key signals to our sector to accelerate decarbonisation.”
The GCCA targets a 20% reduction of CO2 per metric tonne of cement and a 25% reduction of CO2 per cubic metre of concrete by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.
Cement is particularly difficult to decarbonise because it directly releases carbon dioxide (CO2) in chemical processes during its production.
Novel solutions are emerging, from new applications of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) in clinker production to innovative materials and other cementitious solutions.
Other than moving away from clinker entirely, CCUS is the only known technology that addresses the process emissions in clinker production; in theory, CCUS could even help produce clinker with Net Zero emissions.
“For cement players looking for a place in a Net Zero future, low-carbon offerings will be key to success,” notes McKinsey.
“Many clinker producers are already focused on implementing CCUS, but these technologies often come with a high price tag and remain unproven at scale in the industry.”
“CCUS is generally economically viable only in select areas that have access to storage capacity or outlets for captured carbon (for example, applications in which mineralised carbon is used), government support, and affordable renewable energy, which is particularly important for clinker production.”
Emerging players can offer end-to-end CCUS capabilities, from technology and operation of carbon capture units to CO2 storage and transportation to sinks.
