Cement substitution with secondary materials can reduce annual global CO2 emissions by up to 1.3 gigatons

Population and development megatrends will drive growth in cement production, which is already one of the most challenging-to-mitigate sources of CO2 emissions. However, availabilities of conventional secondary cementitious materials (CMs) like fly ash are declining. Here, we present detailed generation rates of secondary CMs worldwide between 2002 and 2018, showing the potential for 3.5 Gt to be generated in 2018. Maximal substitution of Portland cement clinker with these materials could have avoided up to 1.3 Gt CO2-eq. emissions (similar to 44% of cement production and similar to 2.8% of anthropogenic CO2-eq. emissions) in 2018. We also show that nearly all of the highest cement producing nations can locally generate and use secondary CMs to substitute up to 50% domestic Portland cement clinker, with many countries able to potentially substitute 100% Portland cement clinker. Our results highlight the importance of pursuing regionally optimized CM mix designs and systemic approaches to decarbonizing the global CMs cycle.

Automated summary

Population and development trends will drive the growth of cement production, but the availability of traditional secondary cementitious materials is declining. By maximizing the use of these materials to substitute for cement clinker, a significant reduction in CO2 emissions can be achieved. Most cement-producing countries have the potential to locally generate and use these materials as substitutes for cement clinker.