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Researchers from UCLA's Institute for Carbon Management have developed a method that could eliminate nearly all of of the carbon dioxide emitted during the process of cement production, which accounts for about 8% of global atmospheric CO 2 emissions.

In a new study published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, the researchers describe how the new approach could be easily incorporated into existing cement-production processes, providing a more affordable alternative to existing solutions to decarbonize the industry.

Cement and concrete: An enormous carbon footprint

Ordinary Portland cement, the most common type of cement, is a foundational material used as the binding agent for almost all modern concrete—the world's most-used material after water. This cement is made using limestone, an abundant and cost-effective natural source of lime.

However, the traditional method of cement production, which involves heating limestone in a fossil fuel–powered kiln to break its chemical bonds, leaves an enormous carbon footprint, resulting in nearly 1 kilogram of carbon dioxide emitted per kilogram of cement produced.

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