Industry comes together for roadmap towards net zero-emissions in concrete & cement

[LONDON] Major concrete companies and cement plants, including Heidelberg, Cemex and Holcim, join architects, engineers, and construction firms in a collective acknowledgement for action. Mission Possible Partnership (MPP) have developed the new strategy with industry input, setting out milestones and commitments needed by government, industry and investors over the next 25 years to make net zero emissions concrete and cement a reality.

• First strategy developed with concrete & cement industry & anchored in granular economic modelling
• Three main levers to enable net zero by 2050 and stay within the sectoral 1.5°C carbon budget
• High cost increase for production, but typical building increase limited to 3%

Concrete is the world’s most widely used material after water, and with cement, it is an essential part of the global economy, critical to buildings, transportation, and other infrastructure. The sector currently generates 8% of global CO2 emissions: more than aviation and shipping combined. The challenge of increasing emissions is becoming more urgent as production of concrete and cement is increasing to meet global needs. Without efficiency gains, demand for cement is projected to increase by 50% by 2050.

‘Making Net Zero Concrete and Cement Possible’ shows, through its Net Zero scenario, how the sector can reach net zero GHG emissions and comply with a 1.5°C target if urgent action is taken across all three levers:

• 22% emissions reduction can be achieved on the demand side through efficiency improvements in construction and design reducing the volume of concrete needed without compromising safety or durability.
• 25% reduction can be achieved in process emissions on the supply side by deploying Supplementary Cementing Materials (SCMs) to decrease the use of clinker; whilst bringing alternative chemistries to commercial stage.
• 53% of emissions can be reduced, eliminated or captured through a combination of fuel switch, power sector decarbonisation and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS).

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