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Nigerian Study Examines Carbon Emissions from Cement and Potential of Geopolymer Concrete as Alternative
Ololade Temitope Oduneye's research, published 13 May 2026, finds the construction sector accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, driven largely by cement production. The study details geopolymer concrete, which can cut emissions by up to 80 per cent, and examines other low-carbon approaches used in buildings such as the Global Change Institute and London Aquatics…
May 13, 11:37 AM·1m read1 source
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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.
