Cement Energy & Environment

8 Sustainable Pathways for Decarbonizing Cement and Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Review Mrinmoy Chakraborty, M.Sc Applied Geology, PG Diploma in Environmental Law (NLSIU) ABSTRACT: Cement production is responsible for about 8% of global CO 2 emissions[1], and demand is rising as population and urban infrastructure expand[2]. This review examines strategies to reduce carbon output in the cement and concrete sectors. Conventional measures (energy efficiency improvements, fuel switching, supplementary cementitious materials) can yield modest cuts (single-digit to ~20%)[3][4]. More aggressive reductions come from innovative binders: limestone–calcined clay cements (LC³) and other blended clinkers can cut 40–55% of emissions[5], while experimental cements (e.g. carbonatable calcium silicates) may sequester CO2during curing[6]. Electrification of kilns and hydrogen fuel, if powered by renewables, offer near-complete decarbonization[7]. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) can abate up to ~90% of point-source emissions[7]. We find that a combination of approaches — including improved materials design, process innovation, and full- chain policies — is required. Effective climate policy (carbon pricing, green procurement, R&D funding) is needed to deploy these technologies. Key findings are illustrated by Figures and Table summarizing emission sources, abatement potentials,andscenarios. This integratedapproach, if supported by policy, could align the cement and infrastructure industries with climate targets. KEYWORDS: cement; carbon emissions; decarbonization; supplementary cementitious material;infrastructuresustainability;climatepolicy INTRODUCTION Cement is the essential binder in concrete, underpinning modern infrastructure. World production of Portland cement (PC) is about 4.5 billion tons per year[8]. Its carbon footprint (~1.57 billion tons CO 2 in 2023[9]) is significant. Currently, about 70–80% of greenhouse emissions