Germany: The German Cement Works Association (VDZ) has published a study entitled ‘Decarbonising cement and concrete: a CO2 roadmap for the German cement industry,’ detailing the planned transformation to cement industry-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.
The study says that a decarbonisation scenario based on conventional reduction measures would cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 36% between 2019 and 2050. Chief executive officer (CEO) Martin Schneider said that the sector is already “reaching the limits of its potential for any further reduction in the volume of CO2, particularly as the process-related emissions specifically associated with clinker production cannot be lowered by employing conventional means." As such, the association proposed a “completely new approach to the production of cement and its use in concrete” in order to realise full climate neutrality. It proposes that cement producers help to reduce concrete’s clinker factor, capturing the remaining CO2 from necessary cement production.
Schneider said, "We have placed the decarbonisation of cement and concrete at the heart of our activities. It will be essential to achieve an integrated approach, incorporating the entire construction value chain.” In order for this more radical scenario to work, he added, “Another essential factor will be to involve society as a whole in this process."
