PATHWAYS TO NET ZERO
Sector
Cement
Function
A binding agent in concrete: a mix of cement, aggregates and water that is a basic construction material
GHG emissions
11Mt of CO2eq (Process emissions about 60%, energy use emissions about 30%, with the remainder from transport and operations). Approximately 1.5% of Canadian emissions.
Options for decarbonization
Switch from fossil fuel to net zero energy supply, carbon capture and storage, low carbon cement mixes and alternative cement chemistries, reduction in demand/efficient use
Stage of transition
Early emergence
Current obstacles:
Decarbonisation technologies are capital intensive, some are immature, while others face regulatory policy barriers. Weak demand for low carbon cement and high building sector sensitivity to material prices; cumbersome codes and standards processes slow to adopt innovations; competitiveness concerns
Economic/social opportunities
Job creation while developing and implementing new technologies, reduction in air pollution and associated health risks; climate adaptation/resilience applications
Industrial policy/competitiveness
Cement production in Canada is dominated by multinational parent companies; international collaboration can accelerate decarbonization
Priorities for action
Public investment in demonstration and commercial applications of viable low carbon cement technologies; government procurement of low carbon cement and support for material-efficient design; movement to performance based codes and standards; research and development on novel technologies.
Longer-term issues
Alternative cement chemistries; alternative building materials
Indicators of progress
Per cent change in GHG emissions from cement manufacture; market penetration of low carbon cement
Assessement table: Cement
Alternative fuels
Biomass and/or waste
Electrification of heat
Hydrogen
Hybrid approaches
Low carbon cements
Substitution of clinker
Changing cement chemistries
Carbon capture, utilization and storage
Carbon capture, utilization and storage
