With cement production responsible for approximately 7-8% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, we recognized the immense challenge but also the significant opportunities for transformation.

Kumar, S., Gangotra, A. & Barnard, M. Towards a Net Zero Cement: Strategic Policies and Systems Thinking for a Low-Carbon Future. Curr Sustainable Renewable Energy Rep 12, 5 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40518-025-00253-0

This paper emerged from dynamic discussions among researchers, policy analysts, and industry leaders, all united by a shared mission: driving the decarbonization of the cement industry through a systemic approach. By integrating expertise across engineering, policy, and industrial strategy, our collaboration provided a comprehensive perspective—bridging cutting-edge materials, innovative production technologies, robust policy frameworks, and global partnerships to accelerate meaningful change.

Connecting with Co-Authors and Industry Experts

Each of us came into this research from different perspectives. I have has long been engaged in engineering solutions for industrial decarbonization, while Ankita Gangotra specializes in climate policy, and Michael Barnard brings deep industry insights into sustainable technologies. Our interactions with cement producers, policymakers, and sustainability advocates further shaped our work.

Key discussions with industry leaders helped us appreciate the operational realities of cement plants, supply chain constraints, and the evolving role of technology in reducing emissions. We engaged with climate organizations such as the World Resources Institute (WRI) and industrial associations that are paving the way for a greener cement sector. This research became more than just an academic exercise; it evolved into a blueprint for actionable change.

Cement’s Critical Role in Achieving Net Zero

The cement industry is one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize because of its dependence on high-temperature processes and the inherent emissions from limestone calcination. Our study highlighted that 50% of emissions come from raw materials, 40% from fuel combustion, and the remainder from electricity and transportation. This means that solutions must be integrated across all levels of production, design, and usage to drive meaningful reductions.

Yet, despite these challenges, the industry is making significant strides towards sustainability. Companies are investing in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), alternative fuels like biomass, and electrification of heat to decouple cement production from fossil fuels. We explored how novel materials like supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)—including calcined clays, fly ash, and alkali-activated materials—offer a promising way to reduce clinker demand without compromising performance.

Integrating the Entire Workforce in the Decarbonization Effort

One of the key takeaways from our research was that every link in the cement value chain must be engaged to reach net zero. From raw material suppliers to cement plant operators, from construction companies to policymakers, each player has a role to play. For example:

• Cement manufacturers must adopt low-carbon processes and invest in cleaner technologies.
• Suppliers of SCMs and alternative fuels need to scale up availability.
• Builders and contractors should shift towards sustainable construction techniques, including green procurement policies.
• Governments and regulators must create policy incentives that drive the adoption of low-carbon materials.

The Role of Policies in Cement Decarbonization

Our work emphasized that technology alone is not enough—policy intervention is crucial to accelerate industry-wide change. We explored key policy mechanisms that create incentives and demand for low-carbon cement, including:

• Carbon pricing mechanisms like cap-and-trade systems and carbon taxes to internalize the cost of emissions.
• Government-backed research and development (R&D) grants that fund innovative technologies.
• Green public procurement programs that require low-carbon cement in public infrastructure projects.
• Advanced market commitments (AMCs) that create guaranteed demand for low-carbon materials.

Countries leading the way include Sweden and Norway, which are integrating renewable electricity into industrial processes, and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which is pushing manufacturers to adopt lower-carbon practices. In California, laws now require cement plants to cut emissions by 40% by 2035, setting a precedent for other regions.

The Future of Cement: Innovation and Collaboration

The cement industry is at a turning point. Emerging solutions, such as carbon mineralization, 3D-printed concrete, and biobased construction materials, are opening new frontiers in sustainable building practices. But these technologies require collaborative investment between industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to become mainstream.

A shift towards circular economy principles is also crucial—increasing recycling of demolition waste, reducing overdesign in construction, and optimizing material use can significantly lower emissions. The cement sector must not only adopt cleaner production methods but also rethink how materials are used in infrastructure projects.

Reflections and Moving Forward

Writing this paper reinforced our belief that cement can be part of the climate solution, not just the problem. While challenges remain, the momentum towards net zero is growing stronger, driven by technological advances, policy support, and industry-wide collaboration.

The next steps must include:

• Scaling up low-carbon technologies through public-private partnerships.
• Ensuring fair policies that support both developed and emerging markets.
• Investing in workforce training so that professionals across the cement and construction industries are equipped to implement sustainable practices.

We look forward to fostering impactful collaborations with industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to drive the transition toward a net-zero cement industry. For those interested in working together on this critical front, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Sanjeev Kumar at kssanjeev@nsu.edu. Let’s build a sustainable future together.