Read the full report here
A new scoping study from the Lower Carbon Concrete Group (LCCG) and ConcreteZero published in October 2024 highlights viable solutions to close the "carbon gap" in UK concrete production by the early to mid-2030s. Concrete production is responsible for around 8% of global CO2 emissions, making decarbonising the industry an urgent priority.
The study defines the "carbon gap" as the difference between projected emissions from concrete production and a Paris-aligned pathway to net zero that is outlined in the UK government’s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy. Focusing on the embodied carbon of concrete, the study explores several measures to significantly reduce emissions.
The analysis identifies the concept of "Goldilocks pathways"—viable routes to achieving net zero emissions that balance current best practices with innovative technological advances.
While existing solutions such as efficient use of concrete and reducing clinker content can kickstart progress, the report underscores that urgent, concerted and coordinated action across the sector is essential to fully close the carbon gap
Key Findings:
• Immediate action is required to rapidly progress and scale all potential concrete decarbonization levers to effectively close the carbon gap.
• The development of near zero carbon Portland cement, including reclaiming cement from demolition waste and implementing carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies, is essential for reducing emissions.
• Developing clinker-free concretes presents a promising avenue for achieving net zero emissions in concrete production while addressing the limitations of traditional materials.
The study emphasizes that closing the carbon gap will demand a coordinated effort across the industry. The findings of this report are likely applicable to concrete markets beyond the UK.
Next Steps: The LCCG is preparing a second phase of research to further test and refine the proposed methods, with funding and participation now being gathered.
Jen Carson, Head of Industry of Climate Group, says:
"The carbon gap is a stark reminder that good intentions alone won’t cut it—we need bold and coordinated action to drive the deep decarbonisation that’ll get the concrete sector to net zero by 2050. ConcreteZero is proud to have backed this report, which shows how the right combination of the right technologies could jointly address the gap in progress to date.
This analysis shines a spotlight on solutions that can reduce or eliminate emissions, now. The big question is how these technologies will scale, with their future hinging on the right policies and other provisions needed to support this.
For a scoping study, this report covers significant ground and lays a solid foundation for what’s next. It also underscores ConcreteZero’s stance: we already have many of the tools to decarbonise concrete, but systemic barriers remain. It’s time - time to overcome them now.”
Jim Hall, Professor of Climate and Environmental Risks at the University of Oxford, and Incoming President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, says:
“The concrete sector's decarbonisation is no longer a distant goal—it’s an urgent requirement. This study proves that we’re not just talking about a better future; we’re defining the pathways to make it happen. The technologies and strategies outlined are tangible, actionable, and critical if we are to meet the net zero ambitions head-on. What's clear is that every stakeholder in the industry must play their part in implementing these solutions without delay. The roadmap is here—it’s now about scaling up, accelerating adoption, and turning ambition into action.”
For any media enquiries, including interview requests, please contact: Alexandra Brandt Corstius, Communications Manager at Climate Group: abrandtcorstius@climategroup.org.