Eco-efficient cements: Potential economically viable solutions for a low-CO2 cement-based materials industry

Calcined clay limestone cements (LC3)

The use of cement and concrete, among the most widely used man-made materials, is under scrutiny. Owing to their large-scale use, production of cement and concrete results in substantial emission of greenhouse gases and places strain on the availability of natural resources, such as water. Projected urbanization over the next 50–100 years therefore indicates that the demand for cement and concrete will continue to increase, necessitating strategies to limit their environmental impact. In this Review, we shed light on the available solutions that can be implemented within the next decade and beyond to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cement and concrete production. As the construction sector has proven to be very slow-moving and risk-averse, we focus on minor improvements that can be achieved across the value chain, such as the use of supplementary cementitious materials and optimizing the clinker content of cement. Critically, the combined effect of these marginal gains can have an important impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% if all stakeholders are engaged. In doing so, we reveal credible pathways for sustainable concrete use that balance societal needs, environmental requirements and technical feasibility. Concrete is one of the most widely used man-made materials and is critical for the ongoing urbanization of the global population. However, owing to its widespread use, concrete can have a negative impact on the environment. This Review provides medium-term and long-term solutions to address the environmental concerns surrounding concrete production.

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Environmental impacts and decarbonization strategies in the cement and concrete industries

Carbon dioxide reduction potential in the global cement industry by 2050

Investigation of the calcined kaolinite content on the hydration of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3)

Assessing the environmental and economic potential of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement in Cuba

This paper aims at assessing the sustainability of replacing conventional OPC/PPC by Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) in Cuba. Authors conducted an eco-efficiency (E-E) analysis supported by E-E ratios, which in turn are rooted on the environmental assessment (Life Cycle Assessment, LCA) and the economic analysis (Economic Value Added, EVA). Taking case studies in Villa Clara province capital district, three construction methods were compared and further conclusions emerged with regard to economic and ecological criteria. A square meter of built area was employed as functional unit. According to main results, Grand panel technique appears to be the benchmarking method, followed by Forsa system and, finally, concrete block technique. LC3 blend outperforms OPC/PPC from both economic and environmental perspective. Furthermore, productive efficiency potentials were found on the field of material selection and raw material procurement. Authors provided decision-makers with some policy recommendations in order to contribute enhancing the sustainable use of LC3 in Cuban construction sector.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/323/1/012129/pdf

I.R. Sánchez Machado

Papers

Assessing the environmental and economic potential of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement in Cuba

Eco-efficiency assessment of conventional OPC/PPC replacement by LC3 in Cuban residential buildings