Going Green With Green Cement

The Green Cement is a revolutionary initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of the world. The Cement Industry, alone, is responsible for the emission of around 5% of global carbon-dioxide gas, one of the prime gasses causing global warming. As per a study by Columbia University Earth Institute, concrete, made up of cement, is World’s second most consumed substance, post water. the study further states that the average annual growth on concrete is 2.5%, and at this rate annual production will rise to 4.4 billion by end of 2050. It also shows average annual per-person consumption is 3 tons.

Production of Cement leads to both, the direct and indirect release of greenhouse gasses. Limestone heating, burning of fossil fuels, and heating of kiln, all are crucial steps to produce cement and involves the emission of C0₂ gas in abundance. Green cement, on the other hand, is a substitute for original cement with additional features of less energy consumption and be more environmentally friendly. Hence, green cement is a better and greener alternative to ordinary cement.

Ordinary Cement and Environmental Threat

Ordinary Cement leads to the emission of an enormous amount of CO₂ gas. The process of calcination, breakdown of limestone’s calcium carbonate into calcium oxide, and carbon-di-oxide, alone results in 50% emission of CO₂ directly in the atmosphere, of the industry. The burning of fossil fuel to heat Kilns further adds to the account of CO2 production. CO2 is a greenhouse gas, which heats the Earth’s temperature as a result of the absorption and emission of radiant energy.

Increasing human carbon footprint in the world has severely threatened the existence of species on Earth. The Paris climate agreement aims to indulge countries in a pledge to decrease the global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. Further, the agreement also plans to halt the burning and usage of fossil fuels before 2050. Moreover, the agreement involves each country to sustainably manage forests and their enhancement. The rising world population is another threat to the environment.

Green Cement Features

Green Cement is a reliable and sustainable solution for any ordinary cement. Initially produced in  Denmark, this cement lasts longer. Furthermore, concrete made of green cement, generally referred to as green concrete, is non-corrosive. This means structure made out of this cement withstand pollution and longer life. Green cement also has fire-resistance property. The study claims that green concrete can survive as high as 2400 F temperature.

Green cement also requires less energy. Particularly, fly-ash based cement which is a byproduct of another industrial product. Further, owing to its temperature resistance property, green cement also reduces the cost of temperature regulators for the inhabitants. Of all, green cement reduces CO2 emission of the cement industry. Research shows that the production of green cement reduces CO2 emission by about 80%. Moreover, the adaptability of green cement to be used in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, and others makes it a more appealing alternative. 

Residential Use Dominates the Demand for Green Cement

It is predicted that demand for green cement for the construction of residential buildings dominates the market and is expected to rise at exponential growth. The increasing World’s population is the prime reason behind the surge in this demand. As per a report by the United Nations, the world population will rise to 9.8 billion by the year 2050.  Also, India and China will be the leading countries contributing to this population. Thus, leading to surging in need for residential buildings for habitation. Growing disposable income and reduced borrowing costs will further drive the demand for residential buildings.

Along with the growing population and want for a residential location, the need for commercial structures, such as educational institutes and healthcare centers, will drive the demand for green cement in the commercial sector. The industrial sector, as well, is anticipated to show a noteworthy growth in the predicted timeframe.

Fly-Ash Based Green Cement to Dominate the Market

By product type, fly-ash based cement is widely preferred over other types of green cement. It is generally used along-side Portland cement or plastic concrete to increase durability and strength. However, inhalation or ingestion of fly-ash can cause severe lung, kidney, gastrotential, or nerve disease/ illness leading to a person’s change in behavior, nervous function, or cognitive defects.

Granulated Blast furnace slag cement as well is predicted to show a noteworthy growth owing to increased awareness about its benefits. This type of cement has high CSH and is highly cementitious. In addition to its strength and durability, concrete from this cement is quite appealing in appearance. The GFBS cement can also be used along with Portland cement or with other pozzolanic materials for construction.

Geographical Insights

The dominant user of this market in North America, which burgeoning investment in green buildings. The governments are also promoting and mandating the construction of green buildings. The United States Environmental protection Agency (EPA), for instance, implemented strict regulations regarding greenhouse gases emission. This in turn increased the demand for green cement in the country. The European region is also expected to show significant growth in the market.

The Asia Pacific is predicted to be the fastest-growing region in the World. The rising population leading to a rise in demand for residential spaces and commercial buildings is the prime factor driving the market. Moreover, rising CO2 emission is a reason of concern for the government, who now is promoting greener, environmental products such as green cement. This further boosts the market size. Africa and the Middle East region as well are expected to show notable growth. The rising focus of institutions towards increasing carbon footprints will drive the demand for green cement.

Covid-19 Impact

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be segmented on time base scale. In the short run, particularly during the pandemic, the demand for green cement contracted due to national lockdown and shutdown of construction and related work. To curb the spread of the virus, governments imposed shutdowns of work, leading to a halt in construction. FLSmidth, for instance, recorded a 22% decrease in cement order in the year 2020, impacting the firm operationally and financially.

Though in the long-run, the market for green cement is forecasted to expand, looking at raised awareness and steps to decrease human carbon footprint on the environment. The Singapore government has set a target to convert 80% of its buildings into green buildings by the end of 2030. This opens opportunity for the companies producing green cements to revive from the pandemic. This will further drive the market growth along with sustainability.