This report from the European Environmental Bureau, Cement It Better: Unlocking Low-Carbon Concrete in Europe, argues that Europe already has many of the technologies needed to dramatically reduce emissions from cement and concrete production, but that outdated regulations and market barriers are preventing their widespread adoption. It highlights the potential of clinker substitution, low-carbon binders, recycled materials, greater material efficiency, circularity, electrification and, where necessary, carbon capture to transform one of Europe’s most carbon-intensive industries. The report stresses that the challenge is no longer primarily technological, but one of creating the right policy and market conditions for innovation to scale.
The report recommends a shift from prescriptive, recipe-based cement standards to performance-based standards that reward environmental performance, alongside stronger green public procurement, better support for circular construction practices, improved emissions reporting and greater engagement across the construction supply chain. It concludes that low-carbon concrete can move from a niche product to the industry norm if Europe aligns its standards, procurement policies and investment frameworks with the technologies that are already available today.
The report is available here.
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 