Code from: Structural design to mitigate concrete GHG emissions

The concrete industry currently contributes an estimated ~8% of global
anthropogenic GHG emissions annually. Reducing emissions from this
industry is a critical step in meeting emissions goals. In our study, we
investigate near-term mitigation strategies that can significantly reduce
global GHG emissions from concrete production. The manufacturing of
cement, an essential ingredient in concrete, is the primary contributor to
GHG emissions from concrete production. This model’s primary focus is on
the efficient use of cement, a key strategy for reducing emissions. Based
on projected global population growth and material saturation levels, we
estimated the global cement demand from 2015-2100. We quantified estimates
for current GHG emissions from the production of cement-based materials
and the potential reduction in GHG emissions that could be achieved
globally if four mitigation strategies are implemented. These strategies
are: (1) implementing changes to cement manufacturing, such as improving
the energy efficiency, using low-carbon fuels, and switching to
lower-emissions electricity grids; (2) increasing use of supplementary
cementitious materials to lower the amount of high-emissions components of
cement and concrete; (3) utilizing concrete strength and steel
reinforcement ratios to optimize concrete structural members; and (4)
elongating the service life of concrete structures to reduce future cement
demand.