THE DECADE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN

2020 to 2030 – THE DECADE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN

In this key decade, we will accelerate our CO2 reductions through the following actions and initiatives:

• increased clinker substitution – including fly ash, calcined clays, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (ggbs), and ground limestone.

• fossil fuel reductions and increased use of alternative fuels

• improved efficiency in concrete production 

• improved efficiency in the design of concrete projects and use of concrete during construction, including recycling

• investment in technology and innovation

• CCUS technology and infrastructure development

In addition, we will strive for and collaborate in establishing a policy framework to achieve net zero concrete.

The LEILAC I (Low Emissions Intensity Lime And Cement) pilot.

2030 CO2 REDUCTION MILESTONES: (Compared with 2020 Baseline)

Concrete 25%

CO2 reduction per m³ of concrete by 2030

Cement 20%

CO2 reduction per tonne of cement by 2030

A comprehensive policy framework will need to be developed in this important decade, in order to achieve the shared goal of net zero concrete.

We will accelerate reductions over the course of this critical decade. With respect to clinker substitution – increased use of fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (ggbs) will still play an important role in this decade; ground limestone, recycled concrete fines and introduction of calcined clays and other new promising materials will also play an increasing role. 

Further reductions will mean limiting fossil-fuel use at every point in supply and production chains, as well as repurposing society’s waste as a smart and greener alternative. We are making progress on this important energy transition which, at the scale of the sector, is substantial.

Additionally, it is critical that in this decade we bring forward the required breakthrough technologies to be ready for commercial scale deployment by the end of it. Investing now in technologies and innovation that will come on stream in later years.

Our members are investing and researching into alternatives to Portland clinker cements. Whilst these may contribute to CO2 reductions, they will likely have a limited role because of the lack of raw material at the required scale.

Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) is an essential component of our Roadmap. CCUS pilots already have substantial momentum with live projects and announcements picking up pace in North America, China, India and Europe. This technology works, so we need to work with stakeholders such as policymakers and the investment community to help develop, de-risk and deploy the technology and infrastructure over this time to help transform the industry worldwide.

Whilst by no means straightforward, there are also relatively easier wins in the concrete production and concrete design and construction phases. Indeed not all changes require investment, and some can even reduce costs – reducing the quantities of raw materials through improved design processes, use of reprocessed and recycled material, through re-use of elements, and extending the lifetime of whole projects. Design efficiency and utilising the benefits and versatility of concrete can result in less material being used. This means viewing concrete and cement not only as products to be produced, but as crucial components in a circular economy. 

A comprehensive policy framework will need to be developed in this important decade, in order to achieve the shared goal of net zero concrete. This will need to be a joint endeavour by industry, policymakers and governments.

2030 MILESTONE: CARBON CAPTURE PROGRESS

Carbon capture technology is applied at industrial scale in 10 plants

to contribute to delivering net zero concrete