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.