A global assessment tool for cement plants improvement measures for the reduction of CO2 emissions

• Development of a software assessment tool to evaluate and rate the sustainability of cement plants by assessing CO 2 reduction improvement measures. • Comprehensive evaluation of alternative fuels, raw materials, energy use, water management, and CO 2 emissions control systems. • Implementation of the 5Cs decarbonization approach and cleaner production methods to propose cement plants improvement measures. • Application of the assessment tool to an international cement plant in Egypt to assess sustainability and measure the implementation of CO 2 reduction measures. The cement industry plays a crucial role in global construction and infrastructure development, it contributes to environmental challenges, particularly global warming. Cement production accounts for approximately 8 % of global CO 2 emissions, primarily due to its energy-intensive processes and reliance on fossil fuel and raw materials. While various decarbonization strategies aim to achieve net-zero emissions (NZE) by 2050, a structured and comprehensive framework for systematically assessing and prioritizing CO 2 improvement measures, aligned with the global NZE targets and plant-level goals remains lacking. This paper represents a quantitative and qualitative assessment framework designed to identify, assess, and prioritize the most effective CO 2 improvement measures in the cement industry based on the 5Cs approach for cement decarbonization and cleaner production. The hierarchy assessment method integrates industry and academic experts’ insights to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. An Excel-based assessment tool was developed to evaluate and rate the implementation level of each CO 2 improvement measure proposed. The tool computes scores for each measure, contributing to an overall plant performance score, visually represented through a color-coded system. A cement plant case study demonstrated the tool's applicability, achieving an overall score of 3.501, reflecting notable decarbonization progress. Furthermore, the assessment tool facilitates strategic planning, decision making, and resources allocation through descending prioritization of the measures based on their scores. Unlike existing sustainability assessment platforms, this structured, data-driven, adaptable, systematic, and scalable tool bridges the gap between global NZE targets and plant-level implementation, ensuring structured and efficient transition towards sustainable cement production and NZE 2050 goal.