The Irish government in a landmark decision mandated green procurement requirement for low carbon cement. The decision signifies an important milestone towards developing a net-zero carbon society by 2050, as outlined in the national policy position.
The move is a clear message to the construction industry to invest in low carbon products as the cement industry accounts for almost 5 per cent of total emissions in Ireland and almost 8 per cent globally and clinker accounts for 90 per cent of emissions from cement and cement in Ireland accounts for almost 85 per cent of clinker.
The new mandate requires the producers to replace 30 per cent of clinker with an eco-substitute in concrete for all government and public works projects along with the phase out of high clinker cement. This step aligns with the Climate Action Plan 2024 targets as well as provides the necessary push for the industry to innovate and move towards lower carbon limits.