Lower carbon dioxide cements and concretes: bringing new materials into UK industrial use

Cement and concrete are essential for global development. However, cement manufacture is responsible for around 7–8% of global greenhouse gas emissions with significant growth anticipated. Beyond efficiencies in cement manufacturing, other strategies to use less cement in construction through applying the principles of efficient design, circular economy and reuse also have the potential to reduce emissions. A further option is to move towards cements with different compositions and inherently lower embodied carbon. This paper focuses on these materials and the challenges to their widespread adoption; it draws mainly on applied research, trials and standardisation activities conducted in the UK and EU. In addition to modification of standards, basic technical and practical information such as strength development curves, durability, site considerations and a shared broad body of evidence are key for specifiers to consider using any new cement. The paper describes the role of standards and specifications and the underpinning information (applied research, published case studies and experience) essential in getting any new cement adopted. It also shows how a range of evidence from research and application can feed into a simple conceptual model and evidence base.