Cradle-to-gate environmental life cycle assessment of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3)

Abstract

The manufacturing of cement contributes to approximately 5-7% of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, necessitating the need for reducing the environmental impact. Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) has emerged as a promising alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), leveraging widely available resources like clay, limestone and gypsum to partially replace the carbon intensive Portland clinker. One ton of Portland cement is associated with about one (1) ton of CO2 . This study aimed to assess and compare the CO2 emissions of theoretical binary and LC3 cement types against 100% Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Considered were: OPC with 30% calcined clay replacement, and LC3, composed of 50% clinker, 30% calcined clay, 15% limestone, and 5% gypsum.