Transition to low carbon cement-based construction – imperatives and obstacles.

Construction sector is large, multi-dimensional and predominant user of natural resources and energy. It is also responsible for emission of a large quantity of carbon dioxide, as it is dependent on materials like cement, steel, glass, polymers, etc. It is imperative that the cement-based construction activity makes a quick transition to low-carbon footprint. The objective is undisputed but the road map is not fully prepared. This article is an attempt to trace the present movement of the sector towards low-carbon economy with its imperatives and obstacles.

Author: A.K. Chatterjee

Section: Ecology and safety

Keywords: construction, cement, concrete, CO2 emissions, natural resources, energy consumption.