UK Concrete And Cement Industry Roadmap To Beyond Net Zero

Our roadmap explainedWhile the UK Government is aiming for net zero by 2050, the concrete and cement sector isaiming to go beyond net zero and become net negative, removing more carbon dioxide fromthe atmosphere than it emits each year.Our roadmap is a credible strategy todeliver beyond net zero and it draws oninput from all major UK concrete andcement manufacturers.The roadmap is based on acomprehensive review of theopportunities to decarboniseand a robust net zero modeldeveloped by the MineralProducts Association (MPA)using credible references andindustry expertise.Importantly, this model does not relyupon carbon offsetting or offshoringemissions but demonstrates a pathwayto beyond net zero through theapplication of a range of deployabletechnologies.In our roadmap, we optimise theapplication of existing and emergingmanufacturing technologies includingenergy efficiency, fuel switching, lowcarbon cements and concretes, andcarbon capture, use or storage (CCUS) todeliver net zero.This roadmap is not intended as a lifecycleassessment, but it does include someof the unique whole-life performancecredentials of concrete, in use and atend of life. This notably includescarbonation, the ability for concrete toabsorb carbon dioxide during its use,and the benefit of using the thermalproperties of concrete in buildings toreduce operational emissions.The UK concrete and cementindustry supports netzero domestic production,helping to boost economicvalue and jobs in the UKwhile meeting the highestenvironmental standards.We do not believe that theUK’s carbon budgets shouldbe met or partially met byimporting goods rather thanmanufacturing constructionmaterials in the UK.These natural, in-use properties ofconcrete reduce carbon and energy.When the carbon reduction of naturalcarbonation and thermal mass isaccounted for in the roadmap itdemonstrates how concrete andcement can go beyond net zero andbecome net negative.AssumptionsThis roadmap is based onthe UK’s current level ofproduction of cementitiousmaterials, which was 11.8million tonnes in 2018, anda concrete production of 90million tonnes in 2018.As with all roadmaps forcomplex and specificindustries, we have madea number of consideredassumptions in our model for2050. In the MPA beyond netzero model we assume: The electricity grid willbe almost decarbonisedby 2050. Transport will be almostdecarbonised by 2050. There will be sufficientzero carbon fuels includingbiomass waste andhydrogen for cementproduction. Carbon capture forcement production istechnologically deployable. The UK has appropriateinfrastructure for CO2transport, storage andutilisation.Not included in the model Concrete naturally absorbsCO2 throughout itslifetime, effectively actingas a carbon sink, due toa process referred to ascarbonation. This roadmapassumes the global averagerate of natural carbonationof 23%. The use of concrete’sthermal mass propertiescan reduce the energyrequired for heating andcooling buildings. Thisenergy reduction providesan indirect CO2 savinguntil energy supply is fullydecarbonised. MPA calculations showthat in 2018 thermal masshad the potential to resultin a 0.26% year on yearsaving of UK electricityconsumption. The buildingstock expected to be inuse without the needfor air conditioning willhave increased by 2050.Therefore, by 2050 thecumulative estimatedsaving will have grownto 14% of 2050 electricityconsumption. The model illustrates apotential pathway forthe decarbonisationof UK manufacturedconcrete and cement.Consequently, we haveexcluded emissionsfrom overseas importsof concrete and cementconsumed in the UK. The model does notinclude offsetting usinginternational credits orlocal action such as treeplanting. The tree plantingand habitat creationundertaken by MPAmembers is therefore anadditional environmentalbenefit. The model does notinclude an allocation forthe embodied carbon ofthe construction materialsused to build concrete andcement production plantse.g. steelwork and cabling. The model does notinclude an allocationfor the potential carbonsavings associated withadopting more efficientand lean design of concretestructures. For example,the use of visual concretereduces the volume ofconcrete needed andavoids the need for othermaterials. As the model is not alifecycle assessment, theemissions of the noncementitious constituentsof concrete, such asaggregates, reinforcingsteel and admixtures, arenot included. CO2 curing, which canbe used to acceleratethe natural carbonationprocess of concrete, is notincluded in the model. Product and designstandards allow for lowercarbon cement formulationsand these are adopted bythe market.Key takeaways16 TheUK concrete and cementsector is aiming to go beyondnet zero and become netnegative, removing more carbondioxide from the atmospherethan we emit each year.2The roadmap does not relyupon carbon offsetting oroffshoring emissions.3 TheUK’s carbon budgetsshould not be met or partiallymet by importing goods.7

Levers for changeThere are no silver bullets to mitigate climate change or achieve net zero emissions; decarbonising UKcementitious materials and concrete will require a portfolio of seven technology levers. Most of these will needto be supported by Government and local public policy over the long term and all will require concerted actionand investment.The following presentsthe emissions reductionpotential of deployingthese technology levers,with savings expressed asper tonne of cementitiousmaterial.Contribution to net zero from each technology lever by 2050Indirect emissionsfrom decarbonisedelectricityTransportLow carbon cementsand concretesFuel switchingCarbon capture,usage and /tCarbonationThermal mass390.97kgCO₂/tCO2 reduction-7%CO2 reduction-12%-16%-61%-12%-44%Decarbonising theelectricity grid encouragesthe electrification of theindustry. Decarbonisingtechnologies that requireelectricity include plasmaenergy and CCUS. Usingtechnologies such as thesecould increase electricityuse by 80% to 130%.Decarbonising deliverytransport is realisedthrough a move awayfrom petrol and diesel.Investment in newfleet and reducing roadtransport miles reducescarbon emissions.Innovations in concretemix design, to utiliselower emissionconstituents, are enabledby revisions to productand building standards.These low carbonproducts are adopted andused increasingly in ourbuilt environment.The availability of biomasswastes is sufficient togenerate over 70% ofthe heat used for cementproduction.UK investment ininfrastructure and successfulindustry research enables theuse of CCUS technologies.This transformativetechnology representsthe most significant andtechnically disruptiveinvestment in the roadmap.Carbonation, the processwhere concrete absorbsCO2 from the atmospherethroughout its lifetime,is recognised in UKaccounting of greenhousegases.Thermal mass is a propertyof heavyweight materialslike concrete and masonrywhere heat can be absorbed,stored and released, reducingthe energy needed to heatand cool buildings. The useof lifecycle assessment andpost-occupancy evaluationsdemonstrate the carbon andenergy savings from smartthermal mass contributingto the demand side responseto climate change.Advanced manufacturingtechniques, such asartificial intelligence (AI)and automation, willdeliver efficiencies in theoperation of concrete andcement plants.8Contribution to beyond net zeroThrough investment ininfrastructure, the industryhas increased its use ofrail freight, supportinga modal shift from roadto rail and a reduction intransport emissions.CO2 reductionResearch anddevelopment in clinkercontent, alternativebinders and cementformulations reducecarbon emissions.CO2 reductionUK investment in hydrogenproduction, deliverynetworks and successfulindustry research enablesthe use of hydrogen, plasmaor other new heatingtechnologies.CO2 reductionThe CO2 reduction of 61%enables the industry toachieve net zero manufactureby 2050. The use of CCUS andbiomass have the potential tomake a greater contributionto the roadmap and achievenet negative emissions.Further CO2 reductionWhen the global averagecarbonation rate of 23%is applied to the UKthis means that it cancontribute to a further 12%CO2 reduction. By 2050,techniques to optimiseand accelerate carbonationcould be used to increaseits contribution.Further CO2 reductionThe cumulative deploymentof concrete’s thermal massproduces a building stockwhich has an estimated14% saving of 2050 UKelectricity consumptionfrom avoided heating andcooling. This equates to 44%of 2018 concrete and cementemissions levels.9

Beyond net zero: our roadmap in numbersAbsolute 2050 CO2 emissionsreductions compared to 2018Delivering beyond net zero is not a linear process but we forecastthat seven technology levers will play an important and activepart in delivering beyond net zero for concrete and cement.250%200%Contribution to beyond net zero from each technology lever212%Where we were150%100%100%Where weare now-4%CO2 reduction-7%CO2 reduction-12%CO2 reduction50%-16%CO2 reduction-61%0% Net ZeroCO2 reduction-12%Further CO2reduction-50%Further CO2reduction-100%199010-44%2018Indirectemissions fromdecarbonisedelectricityTransportLow carboncements andconcretesFuel switchingCarboncapture, usageand storage(CCUS)CarbonationThermal mass11

Collaboration and partnershipRising to the challenge of net zero emissions will require significantbehavioural and technological changes across society. Economistsare confident that in the long term the cost of climate inaction willoutweigh the cost of action. Importantly though, this high-levelassumption does not consider that the short term costs couldconsiderably outweigh the short term benefits with consequentialimpacts on UK businesses and jobs.It is vital to ensure a ‘just transition’, whichmaintains the competitiveness of UKmanufacturing and jobs, and which is fair toconsumers and society. As part of this, it isalso important that UK territorial emissionsare not replaced by carbon leakage whereimported goods shift the environmentalissue abroad, driven by unequal carbon cost.Implementing the technological changesto decarbonise concrete and cementmanufacturing will require significant longterm action and investment by the sector.Underpinning this is the need for alignedinvestment in the infrastructure that isrequired to enable the decarbonisation ofconcrete and cement manufacturing andits value chain. This includes, for example,decarbonised transport, decarbonisedelectricity and energy, CO2 transport,storage and utilisation, as well as changesto codes and standards for concrete.As renewable energy has becomemuch more cost competitive thereshould be scope to refocus Governmentsupport for essential energy intensiveindustries, where deep decarbonisation,and the parallel investment in enablinginfrastructure, currently presentsunmanageable competitive orfinancial risk.There is a need for long term support forhard-to-abate sectors from Governmentsimilar in scale to the policy and financialsupport that has driven renewablesdevelopment and deployment.As a major consumer of mineral products,Government can also help to promotelocally produced construction materials,support local economies and exerciseprecautionary climate change adaptation.Government and industrywill need to work in closecollaboration, to build ashared understanding andpathway to net zero, onewhere policy, financial andinfrastructure enablers arecoordinated to support thesector’s decarbonisation andto manage a just transition.There are a number of actions required by Government and industry:Industry – technology and infrastructure acceleratorsGovernment – net zero enablersCO2 ProductdevelopmentProcessdevelopmentSet a national net zero goal onconsumption emissions, in additionto current targets for territorialemissions, to ensure net zero is notmet or partially met by closingUK manufacturing and importinggoods instead.Ensure that the UK electricity systemis regulated to provide decarbonisedelectricity at internationallycompetitive prices to industrialcustomers throughout the transitionto net zero.Provide financial support to assist energyintensive industries with transitionalsupport for research, innovation anddeployment of low carbon technologies,including:Support the creation of apublic and/or private UKCO2 transport and storage(T&S) network available toall cement producers andto underwrite the maincosts and risk of T&S.Work with stakeholdersand the supply chainto accelerate thedevelopment and useof standards to promotelower carbon cementsand concretes.Source and invest in newlow carbon raw materialssuch as pre-calcined rawmaterials to acceleratelow carbon productdevelopment.Investigatemodification of themanufacturing processto optimise application ofdecarbonised electricity,incorporate capturetechnology and switch tolow carbon fuels.Improve the accuracy of UK emissionsreporting by ensuring nationalgreenhouse gas accounting includesthe CO2 permanently captured andstored by the carbonation of concrete.Provide regulatory certainty inclimate change policy to create longterm visibility for company capitalinvestment programmes, which havelong payback periods.Require that CO2 emissions frombuildings and infrastructure areassessed over their whole-life andintroduce this principle into publicprocurement policy. Support the provision and use ofbiomass and waste biomass in directlyfired operations/industrial combustionactivities (equivalent to the supportoffered to boilers and heaters). Introduce a ‘Beyond Net Zero CementSupport Programme’ to finance acommercial scale UK cement industrywaste biomass fuelled carbon capturedemonstrator.Ensure that embodiedand operational CO2are never separated toensure that comparisonsare made on a whole-lifebasis.Develop lower clinkercements and concretes,alternative binders andcement formulations.Promote and facilitateuse of these innovativematerials. Announce a robust financial supportmodel for the capital and operationalcosts of carbon capture no later than2021, so that the technology can bedeveloped, deployed and become aninvestable proposition in the 2030s. Support for the development of CO2utilisation processes and markets forproducts consuming captured CO2 toenable emissions removals.12Support the developmentof a zero carbon gas(hydrogen/biomethane)network and market atcost competitive prices.Optimise the use of wastebiomass as a replacementfor fossil fuels to ensurethat the maximum valueis gained from wastebiomass and investigateinnovative energy sourcessuch as hydrogen andelectrification of heat.Key takeaways1Industry and Governmentmust work in closecollaboration to develop ashared understanding andpathway to net zero.2A ‘just transition’ to net zeroshould not compromisethe competitiveness of UKmanufacturing and jobs norexport emissions abroad.3Long-term investment fromGovernment will be requiredto support essential energyintensive industries todecarbonise.13

Measuring success and next stepsGlossaryThe UK concrete and cement industry’s journey to beyond net zero will be underpinnedby transparent reporting and proactive engagement with Government and stakeholders.Aggregates: the major componentof concrete by volume are aggregatesincluding gravel, sand and crushed rock.Most are naturally occurring and inherentlylow carbon products that require littleprocessing and are usually locally sourced.Secondary aggregates, which are typicallyindustrial by-products, may also be specifiedfor use in structural concrete. For example:china clay waste is a secondary graniteaggregate and blast-furnace slag aggregateis a by-product of the iron and steel industry.Robust UK greenhouse gasaccountingThe journey to beyond net zeroconcrete and cementThe MPA believes that for the UK toprovide a robust account of its progress tonet zero it needs to take responsibility foremissions from both materials and goodsproduced in the UK as well as those thatthe UK imports and consumes. As part ofthis, a significant shortcoming in UK netzero legislation is that emissions targetscan be met or partially met by simplyoffshoring emissions.The UK concrete and cement industryis already committed to transparencyand publishes reports detailing itsenvironmental performance, includingCO2 emissions, every year.The Office for National Statistics hasrecently highlighted the divergent trendbetween the UK’s territorial emissionsand consumption-based emissionsincluding the net import of goods. Thisdivergent trend highlights that the UK isincreasingly offshoring its environmentalresponsibility. For concrete and cementthis currently equates to 2.6 million tonnesof foreign manufactured cement and 1.85million tonnes of CO2 that the UK is nottaking environmental responsibility for.It is recognised that the UK concrete andcement industry represents a hardto-abate sector and this roadmap is asignificant milestone on the UK’s path tonet zero by 2050. Concrete and cementcan also make an immediate contributionby adopting a national carbonation factorinto UK greenhouse gas accounting.The MPA is working to demonstrate toUK Government the quantum of carbonabsorption provided by the carbonationof UK concrete to establish this nationalcarbonation factor.The changes needed to enable theindustry to meet our beyond net zeroemissions target will require a collaborativeapproach, working proactively with alllevels of Government and local policymakers as well as the wider construction,energy and transportation sectors.As an example, the MPA is currentlyworking collaboratively to develop, testand demonstrate low carbon multicomponent cements. Additionally, inpartnership with the Department forBusiness, Energy & Industrial Strategy(BEIS), the MPA is trialling innovative fuelmixes involving biomass, hydrogen andplasma technology to demonstrate thata ‘net zero’ fuel mix, with no reliance onfossil fuels, is possible.Moving forward, the industry willreport progress against the projectsand innovations that will enable thecarbon reduction contribution of thetechnology levers detailed in our roadmapto be realised.A net zero built environment –a concrete commitmentConcrete is the world’s most versatileconstruction material and is essential forour economy and our way of life, now andin the future. The whole-life performancecredentials of concrete, including being100% recyclable at end of life, meanthat concrete is an essential part of asustainable, circular, net zero economy.For well over a decade, the concreteand cement sectors have been working,alongside other constituent materialssuch as aggregates, admixtures andreinforcement steel, as part of the concreteindustry Sustainable Construction Strategy.The strategy reports on a number ofindicators associated with industryperformance including CO2, and to datehas focused on actions that are in the directcontrol of the industry.Through MPA The Concrete Centre, theindustry supports proactive engagement withclients and specifiers to provide technical bestpractice. This enables professionals workingacross the built environment lifecycle todesign in concrete and achieve the highestsustainability standards and meet designcodes. A key focus of this industry investmentis to promote the efficient use of concrete andcement as well as aid the construction of lowcarbon buildings and infrastructure.Moving forward, the 2020 revision of the UKConcrete Susta

UK concrete and cement carbon emissions UK concrete and cement currently account for around 1.5% of UK carbon dioxide emissions, five times lower than the global average where cement accounts for around 7% of emissions. Early action by the UK concrete and cement industry has resulted in emissions already being 53% lower than 1990.