Concrete industry seeks to curb emissions in pursuit of net-zero targets

The global cement industry, a major CO2 emitter, is adopting new technologies and materials to reduce emissions and move closer to carbon neutrality by mid-century.

Christian Schwägerl reports for Yale Environment 360.

In short:

• Cement production contributes 5-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from heating limestone to form clinker, the key ingredient in cement.
• Germany’s Holcim plant aims to be carbon-neutral by 2028, using carbon capture, alternative fuels and renewable electricity to reduce emissions.
• Emerging alternatives, such as carbon-free silicate rock and recycling methods, could cut emissions, though carbon capture remains essential to net-zero goals.

Key quote:

“We should build a circular carbon economy and use CO2 as much as possible as a resource.”

— Sven Weidner, director of Carbon2Business project at Holcim

Why this matters:

With cement foundational to global infrastructure, decarbonizing its production is critical to meeting climate targets. Carbon capture and innovative materials could reshape this industry, though balancing economic feasibility with meaningful emissions reductions remains a challenge.

Related: California startup launches innovative cement technology to cut carbon emissions