Advancing Sustainability : Exploring the Potential of Low-Carbon Concrete in Germany

Abstract

This thesis investigates the potential of low-carbon concrete to reduce CO2 emissions in the German construction industry. It aims to explore how Germany can adopt Finland’s successful strategies for implementation. Cement, a concrete component, is responsible for eight percent of human-made global CO2 emissions. The urgency to reduce CO2 emissions in the construction industry has led to the rise of low-carbon technologies and concrete options with lower emissions than Ordinary Portland Concrete. As Germany is one of Europe’s largest concrete producers, it has significant potential for emissions reduction. Finland, which has a smaller production, has implemented successful strategies to implement low-carbon concrete. Therefore, the thesis explores how Germany can improve its low-carbon concrete implementation by learning from Finland’s strategies. The research covers concrete and cement production and low-carbon alternatives and compares them regarding advantages, disadvantages, and environmental impact. The research focuses on clinker reduction methods, including Clinker Replacement, Supplementary Cementitious Materials, Limestone Calcined Clay Cement, Alkali-Activated Binders and Carbon Capture and Utilization. To receive a better insight into the practical implementation, qualitative Interviews were conducted. Interviews revealed that Germany lags behind Finland in structural implementation, standardization, and policy support. Lastly, a comparative analysis was conducted between the research and the interviews, regarding advantages, disadvantages, regulations, material availability, and the current situation. This analysis shows that Germany has the technical potential for low-carbon concrete but has challenges in the lack of standardized low-carbon classification, conservative industry culture, and limited availability of key materials. The analysis shows Finland has a national low-carbon concrete classification and a strong collaboration in industry, academia, and government. Therefore, the following recommendations were made. Germany should develop a national classification system for low-carbon concrete similar to Finland. Enhance collaboration between industry, academia, and government mandates low-carbon concrete in public procurement. Improve transparency and market overview. Invest in training and awareness programs and plan for long-term material sourcing. In conclusion, low-carbon concrete presents an initiative opportunity for Germany to reduce CO2 emissions. Structural, regulatory, and educational reforms are crucial to support its implementation. The thesis focuses on clinker reduction, which imitates the expansion of research. Topics such as complete life-cycle assessments, economic evaluation, and long-term durability are excluded from this research.