Integrating circular economy principles and life cycle assessment into cement manufacturing: A systematic review.

The cement industry contributes significantly to global construction and economic development but presents significant environmental challenges. When one ton of cement is produced, approximately the same amount of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is released into the atmosphere, from the quarry to packaging for sale or from cradle-to-gate. This exacerbates environmental concerns on ecosystems and human health. Given the increasing demand for cement and increasing environmental awareness, the construction industry is looking for resource-efficient solutions. Tackling these challenges necessitates a transition to sustainable practices through the integration of circular economy (CE) principles and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies. LCA offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating and quantifying the environmental impacts of cement production from a cradle-to-grave perspective, while CE complements this approach by embedding sustainability into the process through innovative resource utilization. This review emphasizes significant advancements in reducing clinker consumption in concrete by incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag and other agricultural waste. Additionally, it explores the potential of biomass and biomass residues as alternative fuels for kilns, fostering greater sustainability in cement manufacturing. These eco-friendly strategies not only improve material performance but also reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. By systematically analyzing the existing literature, this paper identifies critical gaps in LCA standardization, the application of CE in cement production, and the introduction of alternative materials. It provides actionable recommendations for future research and practical industry implementation, contributing to the global transition to sustainable construction.