Cement, Energy and Environment

has been a notable impact on the CO emissions intensity in 2 the industry. Compared to the total CO emissions of 620 Mt 2 in 2010, the emissions were at 588 Mt in 2017, and one-third of this reduction was achieved due to the reduced clinker factor, the balance two-thirds was on account of other levers used by the industry, which are not discussed here. The introduction of the national standard on 'composite cement', permitting the simultaneous use GGBS and fly as in blending, is certainly a step forward in further reducing the clinker factor, provided the barrier of consumer acceptance is overcome. But there could be an opposite impact of another major decision in the country, i.e., grading of PSC and PPC, which may bring down the specific consumption of corresponding SCMs in these binary blended cements. In this context, it is important to note that the LCTR for the Indian cement sector has made a forecast that in 2050 the direct CO emissions 2 intensity will have to be reduced to 0.35 t/t of cement, which would mean about 45% less emissions of CO with 2 respect to the level in 2010. This would necessitate a saving of 212-367 MtCO in 2 2050, compared to the business-as-usual scenario. If the industry intends to follow the course, the cement manufacturing and user segments along with the policy and standard makers will have to revisit the blended cements production and application areas to ensure promotion of sustainable and durable products, achievement of significant reduction of clinker factor, extensive consumer education, and adoption of performance standards for cements. 26