The Expansion of Green Cement Technology Tracker to Include Calcined Clay Kilns: An Essential Step Towards Decarbonization in the Cement Industry

The cement and concrete industry plays a critical role in the global construction sector, however, its production significantly contributes to CO2 emissions. In an effort to monitor and reduce these emissions, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) have developed the Green Cement Technology Tracker.

Originally established to monitor carbon capture projects, the tracker has now been expanded to include the use of calcined clays in cement production. Calcined clays, also known as metakaolin, offer a promising solution for reducing CO2 emissions in the cement industry due to the lower energy requirements of their manufacturing process.

The expansion of the tracker’s scope demonstrates a commitment to transparency and sustainability in the cement industry. It aims to provide comprehensive tracking of investments in low-carbon cement production, empowering industry professionals and policymakers alike. With the inclusion of calcined clays, the tracker now monitors two of the newest technologies for decarbonizing cement plants – CCUS and calcined clays.

According to the GCCA’s Concrete Future 2050 Net Zero Roadmap, the use of calcined clays in cement production could lead to an 11% reduction in emissions during the production process. This roadmap represents the industry’s first clear commitment and plan on how to decarbonize, setting a precedent for other heavy industries.

Experts such as Karen Scrivener, a Professor at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, have emphasized the importance of utilizing readily available materials like calcined clays to reduce CO2 emissions. The development and integration of these materials offer an exciting opportunity to make significant strides towards sustainable construction.

It is essential to note that the Green Cement Technology Tracker only includes information from public sources and does not encompass any confidential projects related to carbon capture in the cement and concrete sector. The tool supports the cement industry in meeting its commitments and progressing towards net-zero emissions, engaging stakeholders such as producers, researchers, policymakers, and investors.

By incorporating calcined clays into cement production, the industry is taking a vital step towards achieving its climate goals. The expansion of the Green Cement Technology Tracker to include calcined clay kilns aligns with the broader effort to monitor and reduce emissions in the cement industry, bringing us one step closer to a more sustainable future.