Decarbonization in Civil Construction: An Innovative Path to a Sustainable Future

Descarbonização na Construção Civil

At a pivotal moment for the planet, COP30 reinforces a warning that can no longer be ignored: decarbonization is essential to building a more innovative, sustainable, and competitive industry . At a recent event, the Vice President of Brazil highlighted precisely the importance of reducing CO₂ emissions to drive a profound transformation in the economy—especially in the construction industry, one of the most significant emissions and strategic sectors for global sustainability.

The Challenge of Emissions in the Construction Sector

The construction industry is one of the main contributors to climate impact. According to a UN report, adding together the direct emissions from materials production and the indirect emissions from energy use in buildings, the sector was responsible for approximately 38% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions .

A large part of this volume is due to cement: global cement production accounts for approximately 7% to 8% of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions . This amount is generated not only by burning fuels to heat kilns, but also by the chemical reaction of calcination of the rock (limestone), an inherently emitting process.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), if nothing is done, emissions from this sector are likely to grow as urbanization progresses and demand for infrastructure expands.

Aquecimento global

Growing Climate Risks: Experts' Warning

Climate scientists have been sounding the alarm: without profound transformations, the construction sector will continue to push the planet toward critical global warming scenarios. The reliance on traditional cement production methods represents a structural—and not just environmental—risk for the industry, as it can lead to regulatory penalties, carbon costs, financing restrictions, and loss of competitiveness.

Furthermore, the cost of inaction is high for society: higher-emitting buildings mean buildings that are more vulnerable to climate regulations, in addition to compromising national and international emission reduction targets (such as the national targets defined in the NDCs). Recent studies, including the mapping done by the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade (MDIC) in partnership with the CNI, show that industrial decarbonization in Brazil is urgent — particularly for energy-intensive sectors such as cement, steel, and chemicals.

Pathways to Decarbonization in Civil Construction: Sustainable Concrete and Technological Innovation

The good news is that it's entirely possible to reverse some of this impact through innovation. Here are some of the most promising strategies in the search for real and concrete solutions for decarbonization in the construction industry:

1. Clinker Replacement - The use of supplementary cementitious materials — such as ash, slag, or calcined clays — reduces the need to produce clinker, the most emitting part of cement. For example, LC³ (Limestone Calcined Clay Cement) can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 30% compared to traditional Portland cement.

2. Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching - It is possible to reduce some emissions by adopting more efficient technology in furnaces and by replacing fossil fuels with alternative or renewable sources.

3. Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) - Emerging technologies allow CO₂ to be captured directly in factories and stored or reused.

4. Low-Carbon or Carbonated Concrete - New concrete formulations—which incorporate CO₂ during curing —are being developed to fix carbon within the structure itself. Advanced research, such as the application of Bayesian optimization to sustainable formulations, points to mixtures that balance mechanical strength and carbon footprint.

5. Digitization and Smarter Projects - Tools such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) allow for optimizing the life cycle of buildings, minimizing embodied and operational emissions. Studies indicate savings of up to 30% in emissions over the lifespan of a floor, for example.

The Role of Novakem: Leadership in the Chemical Revolution of Concrete

In this changing landscape, Novakem Indústria Química positions itself as a leader in Brazil in the development of chemical additives that make concrete more sustainable , efficient, durable, and long-lasting. With advanced technologies, the company directly reduces the environmental impact of construction through its line of concrete additives ( Polykem™ , Hyperkem™ , Superkem™ , among others) that improve workability, reduce rework, and contribute to the durability of structures.

In addition, Novakem also supplies powdered and colloidal silica fume, valuable inputs for low-carbon concretes and for formulating mixtures with lower clinker content.

With its strong commitment to ESG — ethics, safety and sustainability — Novakem acts as a strategic partner to the industry to accelerate the transition from the traditional model to a greener construction paradigm.

Positive Perspective: We Can Change for the Better

Although the risks are real and urgent, there are reasons for optimism. COP30 reinforces that decarbonization is not just an environmental imperative, but a strategic opportunity for companies to reinvent themselves, gain competitiveness, and attract investment. In Brazil, federal initiatives are already moving in this direction: the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) launched a project for zero-CO₂ emission buildings, focusing on technological innovations throughout the life cycle of constructions.

In this context, Novakem not only responds to the challenge but leads the way. The company doesn't wait for the market to change; it drives change through smart and sustainable chemical solutions for decarbonization in the construction industry. With strategic partnerships, continuous research, and the conviction that the construction industry can become more resilient and green, Novakem helps pave a concrete path to a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

The message from COP30 is clear: decarbonization is not optional. However, instead of a daunting reality, it represents a transformative opportunity for the construction industry. Through innovation in concrete, the adoption of advanced chemical additives, and integrated strategies for efficiency and carbon capture, we can mitigate climate risks and build a lasting legacy.

Novakem is part of this effort — as a partner, innovator, and national leader — driving the industry towards a new paradigm: building more, better, and with significantly less carbon.