Green Cement

Subject – Environment

Context – Green cement as a sustainable construction material

Concept –

Green cement is an environmentally friendly product that minimizes carbon footprint of cement production.
Many attempts have been made to produce green cements and several green cement types have been produced.
The majority of these are based on technological advances that include energy-efficient, low carbon production methods, new cement formulations, geopolymers, carbon-negative cements, and new concrete products.
Additionally, green cement production reduces cement intake, and its major raw materials include discarded industrial wastes like blast furnace slag and fly ash.
Ekkomaxx cement, magnesium oxychloride cement, geopolymer cement, ferrocrete, calcium sulfoaluminate cement, and sequestrated carbon cement are some examples of green cement. Some of these products have been commercialized and used in various projects whereas a number of these cements have not been utilized broadly in construction projects but possess great potential to be used.
It has been estimated that a single tonne of Portland cement releases approximately six percent of the total man-made carbon emissions, which significantly contributes to the current environmental issues. The usage of green cement can provide an effective solution to such pressing complications.

Advantages

Lowers carbon dioxide emission as it does not require as much heat during its production, releasing up to 80% less carbon dioxide.
Makes use of industrial waste such as fly ash, silica fume, and last furnace that may require several acres of land to dispose it. As a result, it protects land from becoming a dumping ground and ultimately being destroyed.
Requires less energy since industrial by-products present in green cement, the energy needed in production is greatly reduced. Additionally, it withstands temperature fluctuations and hence decreases costs related to both heating and cooling.
Long-lasting – Having a low shrinkage rate, green cement tends to be more long-lasting than the traditional cement.