Figures released by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI) on 12 July 2010 show a further reduction in CO2 emissions intensity per tonne of cement produced.

Data made available by 46 companies, with over 900 production facilities globally, show a 3.8 per cent reduction in specific net CO2 emissions since 2005 and a 14.3 per cent reduction since 1990.
As well as showing a reduction in CO2/t of cement produced, the data also reveals a reduction in absolute CO2 emissions from companies reporting to the CSI database. These dropped for the first time since data has been gathered, from 596Mt in 2007 to 577Mt in 2008. This reduction reflects the impact of the economic downturn and global slowdown in construction activity.

 The figures are encouraging because they demonstrate that modern blending methods, alternative fuels and the improved energy efficiency of new cement kilns are providing a reduction in the amount of CO2 emitted per tonne of cement produced.

The CSI stressed that the important aspect of the findings are the specific, not absolute reductions. “Building and infrastructure projects, particularly in developing countries, will continue to increase demand for concrete – of which cement is the key ingredient. Independent predictions show that this demand will see cement production almost double in the next 20 years.” explained Dr Howard Klee, program director at the CSI.

China, which is responsible for almost 50 per cent of cement produced globally, has reduced net emissions significantly, thanks to an ongoing program of kiln replacement.

The latest data covers cement production in 2008. There is a one year embargo on data release to comply with anti-trust regulations.