In the urgent mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Malaysia and the world, the spotlight is increasingly turning to industries that often go underexamined like cement production. 

Although cement may seem mundane, it is the foundation of modern infrastructure and construction, vital to our cities, bridges and homes. However, cement is also responsible for about 8% of carbon emissions, making it one of the most significant industrial contributors to climate change. 

The good news is that technology, innovative materials and forward-thinking companies are showing that the nation and the world can indeed imagine a world with greener cement.

At the recent 26th Asean Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) Technical Symposium and Exhibition, AFCM president Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng said the federation is committed to finding new ways to reduce carbon emissions and work towards net-zero targets by 2050.

“AFCM has prioritised sustainability in our agenda. Our members actively adopt low-carbon technologies and improve energy efficiency. To achieve net-zero by 2050, supportive government policies and green investment incentives are crucial. We are committed to working closely with governments and stakeholders to promote sustainable construction and ensure that the regulatory landscape empowers innovation and progress,” she said.

The carbon challenge in cement production

Cement's carbon footprint is largely due to two processes, namely the calcination of limestone and the energy-intensive production. In the traditional production of cement, limestone (calcium carbonate) is heated to high temperatures, releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a byproduct. And cement kilns require extreme heat, usually provided by fossil fuels, leading to additional CO₂ emissions.

The vast scale of cement use and the associated emissions make it clear that reducing the carbon footprint of this industry is critical to achieving global climate goals. One approach to decarbonising cement is to reduce reliance on traditional Portland cement and instead turn to alternative materials. The good news is that there are a number of ways to decarbonise cement.

These can include producing blended cement by mixing supplementary materials like fly ash, slag or silica fume to reduce emission. These industrial byproducts reduce the amount of clinker (the high-carbon component of cement) required.

Another method is using calcined clay and limestone as supplementary cementitious materials to produce Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3). Not only does it reduce CO₂ emissions but it also provides an affordable and more sustainable option for lower-income regions.

Alternatives also include using geopolymers to replace traditional cement entirely, relying on materials such as fly ash and slag, which can bond similarly to cement but with a much lower carbon footprint.

Sadly, adoption has been relatively slow due to lack of awareness, market availability and regulatory challenges in ensuring these new formulations meet safety standards.

Cutting emissions at the source

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is another promising solution for making cement production greener. In a CCS system, CO₂ emissions are captured at the factory and then either stored underground or utilised in other processes. Companies like HeidelbergCement and LafargeHolcim have launched pilot CCS projects at cement plants across Europe and North America.

There is also a growing interest in carbon capture utilisation (CCU), where captured carbon is recycled into other products, creating a circular carbon economy. For example, some companies are working on integrating captured CO₂ into the concrete itself, which can strengthen the product while also locking in emissions.

Innovative manufacturing techniques

Beyond carbon capture and alternative materials, the industry is exploring innovations in manufacturing. These include:

• Electric kilns: Replacing fossil-fuel-fired kilns with electric versions powered by renewable energy is one possible path, though it is still in the early stages of development.
• Hybrid technology: Some producers are exploring low-emission hydrogen and biofuels to power kilns, which could significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
• 3D-printed concrete: In cutting-edge construction, 3D-printed concrete uses only the exact amount of material needed for each structure, minimising waste and resource use. This approach could potentially reduce emissions by decreasing the total volume of concrete needed.

The shift toward decarbonised cement cannot happen in isolation. Government policies, financial incentives and regulatory frameworks play an essential role in encouraging green cement solutions.

For instance, the EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS) places a price on carbon emissions, which pressures cement producers to reduce their carbon footprint or face penalties. In North America, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) incentivises the use of alternative fuels in cement production.

Public funding, along with private investments, also plays a critical role in scaling green cement technologies. As of recent years, investments in low-carbon concrete and cement solutions have increased significantly, with funding pouring into companies exploring new formulas, carbon capture technologies and energy-efficient production methods.

Market adoption needs a roadmap

For green cement to become mainstream, the industry needs a roadmap that addresses costs, regulations and public awareness. With the right marketing strategies, construction firms and real estate developers can highlight the use of green cement as a value-add for consumers and stakeholders who increasingly prioritise sustainability.

To facilitate market adoption, building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) can incentivise the use of low-carbon cement by awarding points for sustainable construction materials. This, combined with government procurement policies that prioritise sustainable materials, could accelerate the adoption of green cement across the board.

Decarbonising the cement industry is not just about reducing emissions but also about reshaping the sector into one that actively contributes to sustainable development. Imagine cities and structures built on low-carbon foundations, in which each building stands as a testament to innovation and environmental stewardship. Achieving this vision will require ongoing collaboration between industry leaders, scientists, policymakers and consumers.

The road to a decarbonised cement industry is challenging but the stakes have never been higher. With the urgency of climate change, now is the time to push beyond the grey of traditional cement and embrace a future where the industry is aligned with sustainable, low-carbon standards. The transformation of this essential material will require groundbreaking ideas, perseverance and a willingness to rebuild from the ground up, but the rewards—a more sustainable planet and resilient future—are well worth the effort.

Stay ahead of the crowd and enjoy fresh insights on real estate, property development and lifestyle trends when you subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.