Decarbonizing Construction Through Book & Claim: Policy, Standards, and Verification for Low-Carbon Cement

Abstract Purpose of Review This review examines the emerging Book & Claim mechanism as a potential market and accounting framework to accelerate decarbonization in the cement and concrete industries. The paper explores how this approach, when adapted from renewable energy markets, can enable verified emissions reductions from low-carbon concrete production to be transacted independently of physical material delivery. Key questions addressed include: How can Book & Claim overcome geographic and economic barriers to low-carbon concrete adoption? What verification, governance, and policy frameworks are needed to ensure its credibility and alignment with international carbon accounting standards? Recent Findings Recent advances in low carbon technologies have demonstrated measurable CO₂ reductions in cement-based materials. Parallel developments such as digital registries, environmental attribute certificates, and government-supported demonstration projects highlight growing policy interest in market-based decarbonization tools. However, the mechanism remains nascent, requiring acceptance from standard setters like ISO, GHGP, and SBTi, as well as harmonization with existing carbon markets and procurement standards. Summary The review finds that Book & Claim could complement existing decarbonization pathways by creating verifiable, tradable environmental attributes for low-carbon materials. Its broader success will depend on robust measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) protocols, transparent registries, and policy recognition across jurisdictions. The mechanism offers a scalable model for connecting innovation in cement manufacturing with global emissions-reduction goals, but further empirical validation and coordinated policy support are essential for its long-term credibility and market uptake.