6 countries taking action to solve concrete’s emissions problems
Concrete is everywhere—from homes and highways to hospitals and high-rises. It is the most widely used man-made material in the world, second only to water. But this silent giant comes with a massive carbon footprint. Cement, the key ingredient in concrete, is responsible for 7 to 8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. If the cement industry were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases on the planet, after China and the United States. The emissions originate from two sources: the intense heat required to produce cement, typically generated by burning fossil fuels, and the chemical reaction that occurs when limestone is heated, releasing carbon dioxide. As global demand for infrastructure grows, especially in developing nations, reducing emissions from concrete has become a critical climate challenge.
Now, six countries—the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States—are stepping up as leaders in the fight to decarbonize this essential material. Their efforts combine public policy, innovation, and industry reform to push for near-zero emission concrete, demonstrating that meaningful change is possible even in “hard-to-abate” sectors.
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the government is using its public purchasing power to reshape the construction industry. With nearly half of all concrete used in public projects, the country has implemented green public procurement rules that require builders to report the carbon footprint of concrete used in state-funded construction. The Netherlands is also encouraging innovation through financial incentives for companies developing low-carbon alternatives, such as recycled aggregates and clinker substitutes. These policies are part of a broader national plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Sweden
Sweden has taken a science-based approach to reducing emissions from concrete. The government collaborates closely with industry leaders to set specific emission reduction targets and create roadmaps for achieving them. Public funding is being directed toward research on new materials, such as limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), and carbon capture technologies. Sweden is also a vocal participant in global climate initiatives focused on the cement sector, showing its commitment beyond national borders.
Germany
Germany’s concrete strategy aligns with its broader goals under the EU Green Deal. The country has introduced carbon disclosure requirements for construction materials and incentivises the use of low-emission concrete in public tenders. Major infrastructure projects are increasingly being required to use climate-friendly materials. German companies are also investing heavily in carbon capture and utilisation technologies, which public funds support. With its industrial strength and engineering expertise, Germany is helping to set the standard for Europe’s transition to greener building practices.
France
France has focused on regulation and innovation hand in hand. It was one of the first European countries to require Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for building materials, including concrete. This data allows the government to set carbon thresholds for public construction. French concrete producers are also experimenting with new formulas that reduce the amount of clinker, the most carbon-intensive part of cement. Additionally, France supports pilot projects that use captured carbon to produce building materials, thereby turning emissions into usable resources.
United Kingdom
The UK is combining domestic policy with international leadership. At home, it is introducing new standards for low-carbon construction materials and providing grants to companies developing alternative cements and fuel systems for kilns. Internationally, the UK has been an active member of the Industrial Deep Decarbonisation Initiative and the First Movers Coalition, both of which aim to accelerate global demand for clean cement. The UK sees green concrete as part of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
United States
In the United States, momentum has grown significantly since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which earmarks billions of dollars for industrial decarbonization. This includes updated tax credits for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, many of which are being deployed in cement plants. The federal government is also directing agencies to prioritize low-carbon materials in infrastructure projects funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With its vast construction sector, the U.S. has the potential to transform global supply chains if it fully commits to green procurement and innovation.
These six countries are not only leading by example but also laying the groundwork for global collaboration. Through participation in initiatives like the Cement and Concrete Breakthrough, they are helping to coordinate international strategies and accelerate the sharing of technology. However, challenges remain. High costs, outdated production systems, and a lack of awareness in some regions make it difficult to scale solutions quickly. Most critically, future demand for concrete will come from emerging economies that may lack the resources to invest in green technologies.
To truly decarbonize concrete on a global scale, these solutions must become affordable and adaptable. That means continuing to invest in innovation, expanding green procurement programs, and supporting international partnerships that help emerging nations leapfrog to low-carbon infrastructure development.
The actions of the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, France, the UK, and the United States are essential steps toward a sustainable future. While the road ahead is long, these countries are proving that with the right policies and commitment, it is possible to turn one of the world’s most polluting industries into a cornerstone of climate action. The future of construction depends on it.
