Cement-making method discovered to cut down CO2 emissions due to cement production by 97%

Cement production is increasing alongside industrialization all over the world. At present, the creation of cement is responsible for 5% of all human-induced CO2 emissions. Portland cement, which currently accounts for most of the cement used worldwide for construction, is made by putting a mixture of ingredients in a kiln and firing it. The result of using the kiln is a high level of CO2 emissions during production.

Engineers at Drexel University have found a way to cut down those CO2 emissions by 97%. At a cost that is 40% cheaper.

The method is inspired by the cement used in ancient Roman structures and the Egyptian pyramids. While the engineers cannot know for certain the longevity of their newly discovered cement, they hope that its chemical similarity to such long-standing architectural wonders will speak for it.

Their cement is made of around 68% unfired limestone, commercial alkali chemical and iron slag byproduct. Not only is limestone lower in CO2 than many of the ingredients in Portland cement, but it is cheaper and more available, too.