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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Environmental impacts and decarbonization strategies in the cement and concrete industries

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Author(s):
Habert, G. [1] ; Miller, S. A. [2] ; John, V. M. [3] ; Provis, J. L. [4] ; Favier, A. [1, 5] ; Horvath, A. [6] ; Scrivener, K. L. [5]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Swiss Fed Inst Technol, Dept Civil & Environm Engn, Chair Sustainable Construct, Zurich - Switzerland
[2] Univ Calif Davis, Dept Civil & Environm Engn, Davis, CA 95616 - USA
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Construct Engn, Escola Politecn, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] Univ Sheffield, Dept Mat Sci & Engn, Sheffield, S Yorkshire - England
[5] Ecole Polytech Fed Lausanne, Lab Construct Mat, Lausanne - Switzerland
[6] Univ Calif Berkeley, Dept Civil & Environm Engn, Berkeley, CA 94720 - USA
Total Affiliations: 6
Document type: Review article
Source: NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT; v. 1, n. 11, p. 559-573, NOV 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 18
Abstract

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. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/50948-3 - INCT 2014: advanced eco-efficient technologies in cementitious products
Grantee:Vanderley Moacyr John
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants