Climate change is a critical issue for our planet, and one of the contributing factors is the cement industry.

Concrete, despite being one of the most used materials worldwide, has a significant environmental impact due to the large amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) generated during its production. 

In fact, it is estimated that this industry contributes between 4% and 8% of global CO₂ emissions, ranking just behind fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. However, there are initiatives aimed at reducing this impact, showing that it is possible to work together to protect the environment. 

 

What Is the Carbon Footprint? 

The concept refers to the various greenhouse gases (GHGs), especially CO₂ emissions, generated because of human actions and activities, as well as business operations. 

As an indicator, its purpose is to calculate global GHG production, making it a valuable tool for understanding the dynamics of greenhouse gas generation and its consequences on climate change. 

That’s why calculating and disclosing carbon footprints is a basic sustainability measure in the various processes carried out in construction—an industry among the most polluting in the world. 

CO₂ Emissions in Concrete Production 

Concrete is a fundamental material for urban development due to its effectiveness and adaptability to different projects. However, its production generates a large amount of CO₂ emissions, which negatively impact the environment. 

Given its importance in urban development, reducing its carbon footprint is becoming increasingly relevant, especially since the chemical process used to manufacture is known to produce high levels of GHGs. 

The construction industry faces both a major challenge and a great opportunity: to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the entire project lifecycle, increase efficiency and circularity in resource use, and promote the widespread adoption of sustainable and resilient construction practices. 

Sustainable Measures with Positive Industrial Results Include: 

  • Automation and plant control to achieve energy efficiency 
  • Replacing fossil fuels with waste material incineration 
  • Work programs based on sustainable practices aligned with the Paris Agreement 
  • Production of low-carbon cement 

GHGs and Their Sources 

All our activities—whether productive or consumer-based—generate gases that contribute to global warming, with CO₂ being the most harmful due to its ability to remain in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, and even longer in the oceans. 

On the risk scale, CO₂ has significantly contributed to radiative forcing (the difference between solar radiation received by Earth and the radiation it emits back into space)

 

Sustainability Measures to Reduce the Carbon Footprint in Concrete Manufacturing 

In the business sector, the carbon footprint should be calculated annually to ensure that resources are being used appropriately. This allows companies to generate reports documenting their actions in response to climate change. 

This analysis can also be applied to the various activities within the construction industry. 

It facilitates automation and resource control, as well as better selection of raw materials, offering competitive advantages in the market and keeping environmental impact under control. 

Automation and Control: The Future of Construction 

Reducing the carbon footprint associated with concrete production is a fundamental challenge, especially considering the various sustainability measures that can be applied in construction. 

Some companies have already begun implementing sustainable practices. For example, CarbonBuilt has modified its chemical formulas so that carbon dioxide forms minerals within the concrete, permanently locking it in—thus absorbing CO₂ and minimizing the carbon footprint generated during production. 

These environmental initiatives in the construction industry go beyond modifying processes and formulas—they also involve incorporating technological tools that enable greater efficiency and environmental responsibility. 

By adopting sustainable technological solutions, we can move toward a more efficient and environmentally responsible construction industry. 

Understanding this need, technological tools like Arkik help reduce the impact of construction activities by controlling material waste and optimizing production.