Carbon emissions associated with two types of foundations: CP-II Portland cement-based composite vs. geopolymer concrete

Resumo

The cement industry is the second-largest single industrial emitter in the world and therefore has an important
role to play in reducing the intensity of its carbon emissions: participation of the sector is important to contribute
to the goal of the Paris Climate Change Agreement to limit global warming. One of the strategies for
reducing the carbon footprint of the cement industry is substitution of Portland cement, which is a component
of the concrete mix widely used as a construction material worldwide. Geopolymer cement has emerged as
an alternative for Portland cement, with several advantages. This study applied the Life Cycle Assessment
methodology to quantify the carbon emissions associated with 1m3 of two types of concrete (concrete PC-II
cement-based Portland cement vs. geopolymer concrete). Geopolymer concrete presented almost 43% less
carbon emissions, while also presenting high physic-chemical performance. It was verified that geopolymer
concrete has the potential to help mitigate climate change, and can be employed as part of the plan to minimize
the emissions associated with the construction sector.
Keywords: Portland Cement, Geopolymer Cement, Life Cycle Assessment, Carbon Emissions, Construction
Sustainability.