Germany: Environmental data from the German Cement Works Association (VDZ) show that average nitrogen dioxide emissions (NO2) from cement production dropped below 300mg/Nm³ in 2017. The value has more than halved since 2000. Other data from the ‘Environmental Data of the German Cement Industry 2017’ report shows that fossil fuels usage by the cement industry fell to 35% in 2017 compared to 45.6% in 2008.
"By consistently promoting the development of clinker-efficient cements, German cement manufacturers are noticeably reducing the carbon footprint as compared to traditional Portland cements," said VDZ President Christian Knell.
Knell also warned that the costs of carbon capture technologies should not be allowed to jeopardise the competitiveness of domestic cement manufacturers and give rise to ‘undesirable’ carbon leakage effects. The industry is currently researching methods to further reduce CO2 emissions such as carbon capture, storage and utilisation techniques, but it is dependent on external financing.
18 German cement manufacturers with a total of 46 cement plants are members of the VDZ. The local industry employs around 8000 people.