Promoting LC3 cement: Part 5

Emphasising Decarbonisation with Clear Customer Benefits

Positioning LC3 as a tool for reducing carbon emissions can make it an attractive choice for builders, contractors, and developers, especially as India moves toward a greener economy. By showcasing the direct environmental and financial benefits of LC3, cement manufacturers can highlight it as a sustainable, forward-thinking solution.

Customised Carbon Reduction Calculators

To make the impact of LC3 tangible, cement manufacturers can create online carbon reduction calculators tailored for builders, contractors, and government bodies. These tools could allow users to enter their project details, like the volume of cement needed, and see the immediate CO2 savings achieved by switching from Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) to LC3. For example, if a developer planned to build a residential complex needing 1000 t of cement, using LC3 could reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 400 t compared to OPC (since LC3 can cut emissions by up to 40%). This measurable reduction not only helps the environment but also enhances the project’s sustainability credentials, a key selling point for environmentally conscious investors and customers.

Real Estate Developers and Government Infrastructure Projects

For real estate developers, who are increasingly mindful of environmental impact, using LC3 could be a strong selling point. Cement companies can work with developers of housing projects, especially those focused on eco-friendly or "green" communities, to highlight the environmental benefits of using LC3. Builders could advertise these savings to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers, showing how the project’s reduced carbon footprint aligns with sustainable living values.

Government infrastructure projects, particularly those aligned with India’s green policies, would also benefit from this. Projects like the Green Highways Mission or Smart Cities Mission can utilise LC3 to meet sustainability standards. For example, if an infrastructure project of 10 000 t of cement switches to LC3, this could lead to CO2 savings of around 4000 t – equivalent to planting thousands of trees or removing hundreds of cars from the road annually. This aligns well with India's commitment to reducing emissions under the Paris Agreement and creates an opportunity for LC3 to play a role in government-funded green initiatives.

Long-Term Value: Lower Lifecycle Costs and Compliance

Beyond immediate carbon savings, LC3 offers long-term benefits, such as reduced lifecycle costs due to its durability. Since LC3 is resistant to aggressive environments like marine areas or sulfate-rich soils, structures made with LC3 may require fewer repairs and less maintenance over time. This translates into cost savings for builders and developers. Additionally, using LC3 helps future-proof businesses as environmental regulations become stricter. As India and global markets advance toward net-zero policies, projects may soon face fines or penalties for excessive carbon emissions. LC3 positions companies to stay ahead of such regulations, preventing future compliance costs.

Examples of Decarbonisation Impact

Globally, companies and governments are already focusing on carbon reduction in construction. In Switzerland, for instance, LC3 was successfully implemented in housing projects, which demonstrated both environmental savings and durability. By showcasing similar examples and applying them to Indian contexts – such as metro construction, affordable housing, or public buildings – cement companies can drive home the message that LC3 is ready to support India’s net-zero goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) stands at the forefront of the cement industry’s transformation toward sustainability. Its potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, enhance durability, and lower lifecycle costs positions it as a vital solution for the construction sector, both in India and globally. However, the full adoption of LC3 hinges on overcoming existing misconceptions and highlighting its long-term benefits over short-term performance metrics.

By strategically repositioning LC3 as a high-performance, low-carbon alternative, showcasing real-world projects, leveraging government support, and integrating educational initiatives, the cement industry can pave the way for its widespread use. Furthermore, by emphasising its environmental and economic advantages, LC3 can play a pivotal role in India’s decarbonisation journey, offering developers, contractors, and government bodies a sustainable and future-proof option that aligns with global climate goals.

As the world moves towards net-zero emissions, cement companies that embrace LC3 will not only help shape the future of construction but also ensure that they remain at the forefront of an evolving market. The opportunity is clear: by driving the adoption of LC3, the cement industry can contribute to a more sustainable future, reduce environmental impact, and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly infrastructure in the years to come.

Full list of references available upon request

About the Author

Dr. S B Hegde, a renowned expert with more than three decades in the global cement industry, is a Professor at Jain College of Engineering and Technology, Hubli, India, and a Visiting Professor at Pennsylvania State University, USA. He provides strategic guidance to a think tank advising the Government of India on research and policy for hydrogen application in cement manufacturing and serves as a consultant to leading cement companies. Dr. Hegde is also an active member of expert panels and editorial boards for influential industry publications.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/special-reports/22112024/promoting-lc3-cement-part-5/