Ethiopia has officially joined an international coalition backing the global “Blend Better Cement” campaign, alongside Cambodia, Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda. This brings the total number of nations supporting the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC) initiative to twelve. The campaign aims to unite governments, industry leaders, and climate organisations to accelerate national policies promoting lower-carbon blended cement.
The global cement industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for roughly 7% to 8% of global emissions. With 75% of the infrastructure existing by 2050 yet to be built, experts emphasize that material choices made today will dictate emission trajectories for decades to come. Blended cements offer a solution by substituting traditional, carbon-intensive clinker with alternative supplementary cementitious materials.
The use of blended cements can reduce emissions by up to 50% per tonne compared to ordinary Portland cement while preserving essential structural strength, durability, and cost-efficiency. Ethiopia, along with the newly joined governments, has pledged to deploy policy instruments such as updating national building standards and prioritizing blended cement in public procurement to drive market adoption.
The newly joined governments will play a crucial role in creating immediate market demand and scaling supply, as public entities represent major consumers of concrete. The five new nations join an existing coalition that includes Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Luxembourg, and New Zealand. This momentum builds as policymakers look toward upcoming major climate forums, including COP31 and COP32.
Ethiopia will host COP32 in 2027, and the country's dedication to the initiative was highlighted by Dawit Alemu Beshah, Project Manager for the Climate Change Sector Reform Performance Project at the Ethiopian Ministry of Industry. He noted the domestic and environmental advantages of the shift, emphasizing that it uses clean energy, strengthens the industry, and makes the most of the country's raw materials.
The campaign is spearheaded by a partnership including the UNEP-hosted Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), the ICBC, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), and other organisations. The initiative emphasizes commercially viable technology capable of immediate impact. The use of blended cement can also contribute to the country's competitiveness and industrialisation.
The global push for lower-carbon blended cement is gaining momentum, with countries like Türkiye already capping clinker usage in public projects at 80%. As the world moves toward a more sustainable future, the adoption of blended cement is expected to play a significant role in reducing emissions and mitigating climate change.
Key points
- Ethiopia joins international coalition to advance lower-carbon blended cement ahead of COP32.
- The use of blended cement can reduce emissions by up to 50% per tonne compared to ordinary Portland cement.
- Ethiopia will host COP32 in 2027, highlighting the country's commitment to climate action.
