Nigerian Study Examines Carbon Emissions from Cement and Potential of Geopolymer Concrete as Alternative

A recent study by Nigerian architectural technologist Ololade Temitope Oduneye has identified cement as the construction sector's biggest carbon problem. The research, published on 13 May 2026, states that the construction sector accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Industry data shows that producing one tonne of cement clinker releases approximately one tonne of carbon dioxide.

Oduneye, a graduate of Coventry University, centred her analysis on geopolymer concrete. The material was developed in the 1970s by Joseph Davidovits. Unlike conventional concrete, geopolymer concrete uses industrial by-products such as fly ash and slag activated with alkaline solutions instead of cement.

According to the study, geopolymer concrete can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent while maintaining comparable structural strength in most applications. The Global Change Institute building is one of the first facilities to use geopolymer concrete and achieved significant carbon savings without compromising structural performance.

Widespread adoption of geopolymer concrete remains slow due to cost, supply chain limitations, and regulatory challenges.

There is an absence of globally accepted standards for geopolymer concrete. This has made it difficult for developers and contractors to specify and certify its use despite its environmental advantages. Oduneye's research also examined cross-laminated timber, recycled aggregates, and energy-efficient building systems.

The London Aquatics Centre incorporated recycled materials, water conservation systems, and district heating to reduce both construction and operational emissions. The findings underscore the need for policy reforms and industry-wide changes to accelerate adoption of low-carbon materials. Viable low-carbon alternatives already exist.

Scaling use of low-carbon materials will depend on making them more accessible and easier to integrate into existing construction processes. The report adds to growing calls for the global construction industry to rethink its material choices as countries intensify efforts to meet climate targets.

AllAfrica reported that the article was written by Ruth Nwokwu and originally published by Leadership newspaper in Abuja, Nigeria.