A Nigerian graduate’s research has pinpointed cement as the construction sector’s biggest source of carbon emissions and has highlighted a suite of greener alternatives that could slash the industry’s climate impact.
Ololade Temitope Oduneye, an architectural technologist who earned his degree at Coventry University, examined the environmental footprint of concrete and found that the production of Portland cement accounts for a substantial share of global greenhouse‑gas emissions. Manufacturing one tonne of cement clinker releases roughly one tonne of carbon dioxide, making cement one of the most carbon‑intensive building materials in use today.
At the centre of Oduneye’s study is geopolymer concrete, a binder‑free alternative first developed in the 1970s by French chemist Joseph Davidovits. Unlike conventional concrete, which relies on cement as its primary binder, geopolymer concrete incorporates industrial by‑products such as fly ash and slag, activated with alkaline solutions. The research estimates that, when applied in most structural contexts, geopolymer concrete can cut carbon emissions by up to 80 percent while delivering comparable strength and durability.
Despite its promise, the material has struggled to gain market traction. Oduneye identified three main barriers: higher upfront costs, limited supply‑chain capacity, and the absence of universally accepted standards. Without clear certification pathways, developers and contractors are hesitant to specify geopolymer mixes, even though the environmental benefits are well documented.
A notable success story cited in the study is the Global Change Institute building, one of the first large‑scale projects to employ geopolymer concrete. The facility achieved significant carbon savings without compromising structural performance, demonstrating that the technology can be deployed at scale.
The research also explored complementary low‑carbon strategies. Cross‑laminated timber, recycled aggregates, and energy‑efficient building systems emerged as viable options for reducing both construction‑phase and operational emissions. The London Aquatics Centre was highlighted as an example of integrated sustainability, using recycled materials, water‑conservation measures and district‑heating networks to lower its overall carbon footprint.
Industry data shows that the construction sector is responsible for nearly 40 percent of global greenhouse‑gas emissions each year, a figure driven largely by the reliance on Portland cement. Oduneye’s findings underscore the urgency of policy reforms and industry‑wide changes to accelerate the adoption of low‑carbon materials.
While viable alternatives already exist, scaling their use will require clearer regulatory frameworks, incentives that address cost differentials, and stronger supply‑chain development. As nations intensify efforts to meet climate targets, the construction industry faces mounting pressure to rethink material choices and embrace greener technologies.
Oduneye’s study adds to a growing chorus of voices calling for a rapid transition away from carbon‑intensive cement toward more sustainable building practices, a shift that could deliver substantial emissions reductions across the global built environment.
