Green Cement Surges as Giants Adopt Sustainable Construction

The green cement industry is experiencing growth as major construction companies and cement manufacturers worldwide shift towards more sustainable practices.

According to The Business Research Company, the global market intelligence firm, the green cement market will grow from US$30.15bn in 2023 to reach US$47.32bn by 2028.

It is no secret that adopting sustainable practices is challenging for the construction industry, as it is faced with complex regulations and the need for specialised materials and technologies.

Yet green cement is budding as a sustainable solution for companies throughout the construction supply chain, as it is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cement that significantly reduces carbon emissions in construction. 

It's produced using renewable energy, low-emission manufacturing processes and sustainable materials like heated clay, unburnt limestone and industrial waste, lowering cement production's carbon footprint by up to 70% whilst maintaining strength and durability.

Now, The Business Research Company says that major construction and cement firms including Holcim, Cemex and HeidelbergCement, are investing in innovative technologies.

From carbon capture methods, to the use of supplementary cementitious materials to reduce CO2 emissions, significantly contributing to sustainable construction practices worldwide.

Green cement market growth: key players, technology and collaborations

With roots tracing back to the early 2000s, green cement has evolved from a niche product to a crucial component in the fight against climate change. 

According to The Business Research Company, as well as carbon capture technology, recent developments include significant investments, such as the launch of ultra-low clinker (a product that provides strength and durability to concrete), cement products and ambitious emission reduction targets set by industry leaders.

The expansion the industry has seen is driven by increasing demand for sustainable construction materials and stringent environmental regulations worldwide.

Holcim

Holcim, a global leader in building materials, has partnered with Svante to implement carbon capture technology at its cement facilities in Europe and North America. 

Svante develops carbon capture technology using solid adsorbents and creates filters and machines to remove CO2 from industrial emissions and air, aiming to reduce carbon footprints in emissions-intensive industries.

Holcim also utilises ECOPact, its green concrete range, offering up to 90% lower carbon emissions while maintaining full performance and its ECOPlanet range of global low-carbon cement that offers at least 30% lower carbon footprint.

Cemex

Similarly, Cemex, a multinational building materials company, has teamed up with Carbon Clean, who specialises in carbon capture technology for industries. 

Partnered with Cemex, the collaboration aims to develop cost-effective carbon capture solutions, to help produce net-zero CO2 concrete products by 2050. 

Their goal is to also capture CO2 at less than $30 per ton, making sustainable cement production more economically viable.

HeidelbergCement

Meanwhile HeidelbergCement, another major player, has introduced a new low-carbon concrete that incorporates recycled construction and demolition waste. 

This innovation not only reduces the carbon footprint of cement production but also addresses the growing issue of construction waste management.

Green cement market trends and emerging players 

While established companies dominate the market, emerging players are making significant strides. 

For example, CarbonCure Technologies, a Canadian cleantech company, secured US$20mn in funding in Q1 2024 to expand its carbon capture and utilisation technology for green cement production.

Throughout the world, the market is also seeing a trend towards regional expansion and product diversification. 

For instance, Cemex has supplied architectural and Vertua lower-carbon concrete (which is Cemex's sustainable concrete offering significant CO2 reductions), for the construction and renovation of venues in Paris for the Olympic Games, including the Olympic Aquatic Centre, the Grand Palais and the Athlete’s Village.

CEO of Cemex, Fernando A. González, says: “We’re proud to provide high-quality, more sustainable building solutions for the world’s premiere venues and events.”

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