Every day, people live and work in buildings solidified by concrete foundations without recognizing the potential that material has in not only creating a more sustainable industry, but a more sustainable world. Concrete is the second most used material on earth due to its durability, resiliency, and cost-efficiency—it also makes buildings better able to withstand the devastating impacts of climate change—and can play a role in reducing emissions through the latest innovations in manufacturing and mixtures. Greenhouse gases and global warming impact all aspects of society, and the construction material industry could use new approaches and solutions when working with cement and concrete to lower their carbon footprint, while continuing to deliver long-lasting infrastructure.
The Portland Cement Association, which represents America’s cement manufacturers, is developing a roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050 that encompasses the entire value chain of cement and concrete: clinker, cement, concrete, construction, and the use of concrete as a carbon sink. This approach recognizes that each link in the chain has a specific role to play in addressing the reduction or avoidance of greenhouse gases, and that no individual link should be considered in isolation. Ultimately, the material produced at the cement plant will be used for roads, bridges, and buildings. While it is important to lower emissions at the cement plant, it is equally essential to optimize how cement is used to create environmentally responsible structures.