The US Needs to Lower Cement Emissions — ‘Blended Cement’ Can Help

This case study by the World Resources Institute examines the high emissions intensity of cement production in the United States compared to global averages. It argues that the U.S. can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase economic competitiveness by adopting 'blended cements,' which replace a portion of emissions-intensive clinker with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs).

• U.S. cement production is more emissions intensive than in other major producing regions, largely because it uses a higher clinker-to-cement ratio. In 2019, U.S. cement emissions intensity was approximately 20% higher than other major producers, with an average clinker-to-cement ratio of 0.88, compared to a world average of 0.76 and ratios between 0.64 and 0.76 in China, India, and the EU.
• The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) identifies clinker substitution as the most effective tool for decarbonizing cement through 2030. The DOE estimates that the deployment of blended cements could lower U.S. cement emissions by 20% to 25% and potentially create $1 billion in additional annual value by reducing production costs.
• Adoption of blended cements in the U.S. is hindered by institutional inertia, risk-aversion in construction, and rigid standards. While Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) adoption grew from 3% in 2020 to 35% in 2023, it only reduced emissions intensity by about 5% because its standard allows only up to 15% clinker replacement. In contrast, the EU's common CEM II cement allows substitution rates between 6% and 35%, and limestone calcined clay (LC3) can replace up to 40% of clinker.
• To accelerate decarbonization, the document recommends that U.S. policymakers promote performance-based material standards (such as ASTM C1157 and C595) over the rigid C150 Portland cement standard, develop harmonized emissions reporting via Type III environmental product declarations (EPDs), and use demand-side policies like 'Buy Clean' to create markets for low-emission cements.
• Industry bodies have set long-term targets for clinker reduction: the Portland Cement Association (PCA) aims for a clinker-to-cement ratio of 0.75 by 2050, while the Global Cement and Concrete Association targets a global average of 0.58 by 2050.

APA

World Resources Institute (2024). The US Needs to Lower Cement Emissions — ‘Blended Cement’ Can Help. https://www.wri.org/insights/lower-carbon-blended-cement

Chicago

World Resources Institute. The US Needs to Lower Cement Emissions — ‘Blended Cement’ Can Help. 2024. https://www.wri.org/insights/lower-carbon-blended-cement.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=The US Needs to Lower Cement Emissions — ‘Blended Cement’ Can Help |date=9 May 2024 |url=https://www.wri.org/insights/lower-carbon-blended-cement |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitute2024needs, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{The US Needs to Lower Cement Emissions — ‘Blended Cement’ Can Help}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, year = {2024}, month = may, url = {https://www.wri.org/insights/lower-carbon-blended-cement}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }