This innovative approach addresses one of the most pressing environmental issues posed by the construction industry: high carbon emissions. The traditional process of producing cement, which involves heating limestone at high temperatures, releases significant amounts of CO₂. Cement production alone is responsible for approximately 8% of global human-made greenhouse gas emissions. This not only contributes to climate change but also puts immense pressure on industries to find sustainable solutions.
The new cement recycling method utilises electric arc furnaces (EAFs), commonly used in steel recycling, to recycle used cement. By substituting lime flux with used cement in the steel recycling process, the end product is recycled cement, which can be used to make new concrete. This process significantly reduces the carbon footprint of both steel and cement production, as it eliminates the need for fresh limestone and reduces the overall energy consumption. Moreover, if the EAFs are powered by renewable energy, the process can potentially produce zero-emission cement.
As urbanisation continues to grow, the demand for concrete is expected to rise, especially in developing regions. Cement recycling not only provides a scalable and cost-effective solution to meet this demand but also aligns with global efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, it supports the circular economy by repurposing waste materials, thereby reducing landfill usage and conserving natural resources.
Furthermore, the adoption of circular technologies like cement recycling can lead to significant economic benefits. Circularity in the cement industry could create financial net-value pools driven by reduced material costs and avoided landfill expenses. This economic incentive, coupled with regulatory support and rising carbon prices, can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in the construction sector.
United Kingdom · Startup
A spin-out from the University of Cambridge developing the world's first zero-emissions cement recycling process using electric arc furnaces (EAF).
Switzerland · Startup
Develops technology to permanently store CO2 in demolished concrete, effectively recycling it into a carbon sink.
One of the world's largest building materials companies.
Global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions.
United Kingdom · Startup
Uses AI and machine learning to create cement from industrial waste streams.
Develops an electrochemical process to produce low-carbon cement.
Article
Scientists say they can make zero-emission cementphys.org
Researchers on Wednesday said they were a step closer to solving one of the trickiest problems in tackling climate change—how to keep making cement despite its enormous carbon footprint.
Article
How recycling concrete could accelerate sustainable constructionarup.com
In the built environment to date, it has been cheaper and easier to knock things down and start again, despite the cost in CO2 emissions. We explore the potential to reuse concrete, and the benefits from saving CO2, to greater stability.
Article
Cement recycling method could help solve one of the world’s biggest climate challengescam.ac.uk
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a method to produce very low-emission concrete at scale – an innovation that could be transformative in the transition to net zero.
Article
Cambridge Electric Cementcambridgeelectriccement.com
Replacing today’s cement is one of the hardest challenges on the journey to a safe climate with zero emissions. There are many options to make cement with reduced emissions, mainly based on mixing new reactive cement (clinker) with other supplementary materials. However, until now, it has not been possible to make the reactive component of cement without emissions. Cambridge Electric Cement achieves this for the first time within the parameters of established industrial processes.
