Cement Industry Emissions: Tech Can Cut Pollution, but Context Matters

Researchers systematically reviewed 187 articles to assess pollution controls and ecological risks within the cement industry, a sector responsible for 5 to 7 percent of global CO2 emissions. The study used a framework connecting air, water, soil, and acoustic impacts alongside circular economy approaches. Results indicate cement plants possess substantial decarbonization potential, but success depends on local conditions.

Clinker substitution and alternative fuels could decrease direct emissions by as much as 50 percent and total energy use by 44 percent, limited by regional resource access. Carbon capture systems, currently at technology readiness levels 7 to 9, might lower exhaust by up to 90 percent if energy demands can be addressed.

Engineering controls lowered workplace noise exposure in dry-process mills from 102.9 to 88.3 dB(A). Cement kiln dust also improved soil strength up to 9.9 times for stabilization, and hybrid biological systems removed 94.5 percent of particulate matter from water. The research aims to provide a roadmap for balancing ecological risk mitigation with industrial competitiveness as new global market regulations emerge in 2026.