Clean concrete: Cementing construction sustainability

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 3, 2025

Insight summary

Concrete production is a major source of carbon emissions, but new materials and carbon capture technologies are helping to reduce its environmental impact. Companies and researchers are developing alternatives that replace carbon-intensive ingredients, recycle old concrete, and use waste materials to lower emissions. As demand for sustainable construction grows, businesses, governments, and investors are adapting to new regulations, shifting market preferences, and emerging economic opportunities in cleaner concrete solutions.

Clean concrete context

Clean concrete is emerging as a crucial solution in the construction industry’s effort to reduce its environmental impact. Traditional concrete production is responsible for approximately 8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, largely due to the high energy demands of cement manufacturing and the release of carbon dioxide during the process. According to the Global Cement and Concrete Association, global concrete demand is expected to grow from 14 billion cubic meters in 2024 to 20 billion cubic meters by mid-century. To address this surging demand, companies and researchers are developing cleaner formulations, integrating recycled materials, and adopting carbon capture technologies to mitigate emissions.

One of the leading approaches involves replacing or reducing the use of clinker, the most carbon-intensive component in cement. The Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) method, for example, replaces a portion of clinker with calcined clay and ground limestone, cutting emissions by around 40 percent. Researchers at the University of Cambridge are also exploring a technique that recycles cement paste from demolished buildings, potentially reducing emissions by up to three gigatonnes annually. Additionally, US-based company Brimstone is pioneering a cement production process using calcium silicate rocks instead of limestone, which not only eliminates process emissions but also captures atmospheric carbon due to the magnesium content in these rocks.

Investment in clean concrete startups has also surged in recent years, with companies securing hundreds of millions in funding from climate-focused investors. CarbonCure Technologies, a Canada-based firm, raised USD $80 million in 2023 to scale its technology that injects captured carbon into fresh concrete, reducing emissions while improving material performance. Other companies like Cemvision and Sublime Systems are piloting fossil-free cement solutions using industrial waste and electrochemical processes instead of traditional high-temperature kilns. Meanwhile, large-scale projects, such as the carbon capture facility at Heidelberg Materials' cement plant in Norway, demonstrate how industrial players are incorporating emission-reduction technologies. 

Disruptive impact

As cities adopt lower-emission materials, new housing and infrastructure projects may become more sustainable, reducing long-term environmental damage. Buildings made with cleaner concrete could offer better air quality due to reduced emissions during construction, benefiting those living in urban areas. There may also be an increase in jobs that support these clean solutions. However, transitioning to sustainable materials may increase the upfront cost of housing and renovations, making affordability a challenge for some buyers and renters.

Companies in manufacturing, logistics, and waste management may find opportunities in recycling concrete or developing alternative cement blends. However, traditional cement producers may face financial risks as regulations tighten and customers shift to lower-carbon options. Those that fail to adapt may struggle with declining market share as climate-conscious investors and clients favor companies prioritizing sustainability.

Meanwhile, governments may need to update regulations and incentives to encourage cleaner construction practices. Some cities may introduce building codes requiring lower-carbon materials, while others may invest in carbon capture technology for large-scale infrastructure projects. Countries reliant on cement exports may experience economic shifts if stricter climate policies reduce demand for conventional cement. To stay competitive, policymakers may need to support research into alternative materials and provide funding for companies transitioning to cleaner production methods.

Implications of clean concrete

Wider implications of clean concrete may include: 

• Construction firms integrating carbon capture in cement production, leading to new revenue streams from selling stored carbon credits.
• Governments enforcing stricter emissions standards for concrete manufacturers, increasing compliance costs but reducing national carbon footprints.
• The rise of cleaner concrete creating demand for specialized engineering roles, shifting workforce training requirements in construction and materials science.
• Cities prioritizing lower-emission concrete in infrastructure projects, influencing urban planning decisions and long-term sustainability goals.
• Homebuyers factoring in the environmental impact of building materials, influencing real estate market preferences and property valuations.
• Cement companies partnering with tech firms to develop artificial intelligence-driven quality control for lower-carbon concrete production.
• The cement industry facing potential trade disputes as countries with stricter environmental laws impose tariffs on high-emission concrete imports.
• Developing nations adopting lower-carbon cement alternatives at a slower pace due to higher costs, widening the sustainability gap between regions.
• Waste management companies expanding operations to process and repurpose construction debris for cleaner concrete production, creating new business opportunities.
• Climate-focused investment funds increasing their stake in sustainable concrete startups.

Questions to consider

• How could the use of cleaner concrete in new buildings impact the cost and quality of housing in your area?
• What steps could local governments take to encourage businesses and homeowners to adopt lower-carbon construction materials?