Carbon Removals

In brief

The EU ETS covers the main part of emissions reductions in the cement industry. However, a share of the sector’s decarbonisation potential lies in carbon removals — including the capture and storage of biogenic CO₂, as well as the absorption of CO₂ through the carbonation of concrete.

As cement is used in buildings, infrastructure and other applications, concrete naturally reabsorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere over time. This process, known as carbonation, turns the built environment into a carbon sink. It is scientifically well established, recognised by the IPCC, and already reflected in standards for calculating the carbon footprint of concrete products and buildings.

Carbonation is also accounted for in national greenhouse gas inventories reported under the UNFCCC. In addition, the process can be enhanced through technologies such as CO₂ curing or the treatment of recycled materials, enabling permanent mineralisation of CO₂ within concrete.

At EU level, carbon removals are increasingly recognised as part of the climate policy framework, including through the certification framework for permanent carbon removals and carbon storage in products.

Our view

In Cement Europe’s view, it is essential that the EU carbon removal framework is based on a science-based approach and clear definitions.

The framework should:

Recognise the significant carbon removals achieved through the capture of biogenic CO₂ from sustainable sources in cement plants and other industries
Recognise both natural and enhanced carbonation of concrete as carbon removals, including when arising from the use of carbon-neutral or biogenic CO₂
Ensure that carbon accounting reflects the full lifecycle of cement and concrete, including CO₂ uptake in the use phase
Be based on sound science and avoid recognising short-term or non-permanent storage as carbon removals

In addition, a clear and consistent regulatory framework is needed for CO₂ utilisation, carbon accounting and the permanence of storage, to ensure that carbon removals can be effectively integrated into the EU’s climate policy framework.

Carbon Removals

In brief

Our view

Related Publications

Concrete Carbonation: Shaping the Future of Carbon Removal and Emission Reporting

Union Certification Framework for Carbon Removals Trilogues

A credible and efficient path for carbon removals

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