Assessment of sustainability of low carbon cement in cuba. Cement pilot production and prospective case

Abstract

This study combines two techniques for the assessment of sustainability in cement and concrete production: Life Cycle Analysis and Eco-efficiency. The first technique is used to assess the environmental impact of Low Carbon Cement (LC3) production from quarrying to the factory´s gate. The LCA is developed in order to compare three Cuban cements and its associated impacts: OPC, PPC and LC 3. For that purpose, an inventory is developed using official statistics of the cement sector, calculated productive and economic indexes and emission factors. Global warming and energy use, are the main identified impacts. The second method is employed for the calculation of the improvement potential derived from the substitution of OPC by LC3 in a model house built with LC3 in Santa Clara city. A considerable improvement of 54 percent in the eco-efficiency indicator has been achieved as a result of using blended cement that is a proper combination of clinker, metakaolin, gypsum and limestone. The results become a challenge for Cuban construction sector in order to generalize the technology as a sustainable product from the economic, social and environmental point of view.