LOW CARBON CEMENT (LC3) TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE CENTRE

The overall objective is to combat climate change with the introduction of a “greener” cement in Latin America, through technical advice to producers and the creation of mechanisms for economically successful production. Cement is the largest manufactured product on earth by mass. 4,6 billion tons of cement were produced in 2015 and the figure is fast rising. It is responsible for almost 10% of global CO2 emissions. Fulfilling ambitions for a more equitable world and reduced vulnerability to effects of the global warming will require substantial expansion of the built environment. The additional inevitable demand for cement could result in unacceptable increase in CO2 emissions. LC3 is a new type of cement that is based on a blend of limestone and calcined clay. LC3 can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30%, is made using limestone and low-grade clays which are available in abundant quantities, is cost effective and does not require capital intensive modifications to existing cement plants. The LC3-TRC formalices the results of twenty years of research and practical application together with cement companies. It counts on a well prepared staff and complete laboratory facilities at the base in the “Universidad Central de Las Villas”, which includes a state of the art production facility with an output of up to 12 tons per day. The TRC has close ties to the “Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne” and forms part of its research program funded by the Swiss Development Corporation. - Dissemination of the technology through scientific-practical publications, regional seminars, online pool of experts, Internet portal with machinery suppliers, etc. - Facilitation of studies of raw materials and formulation of products for active or potential cement producers who are interested in introducing LC3 technology. - Elaboration of economic feasibility studies, carried out in the format of the main credit facilitating agencies, that allow interested investors to access credit schemes to introduce LC3 technology. - Updating information of manufacture and use of LC3 Some Latin American cement companies have contracted ecosolutions to study their raw materials and the economic feasibility to produce LC3 and in four countries the start of commercial production is in preparation. However, this only covers a small part of the potential to reduce the ecological footprint of cement on the continent. The vision of the TRC is to provide practical answers to the growing need for solutions to mitigate the climate change with the most advanced proven technologies. Expected outputs are: Commercial production of LC3 in Latin America and Africa in 2020 Yearly production of LC3 doubling every year starting 2021 New developments in production and equipment The activities are directed at: Regional and national cement production companies Small and medium enterprises interested in setting up "Green field" type grinding plants. Small entrepreneurs interested in local production of LC3 cement The program develops with creative financing based on Public-Private Partnership. The TRC has invested in laboratories and a state of the art small production facility and in educating and training personnel. Interested cement companies contract the TRC and pay for the direct cost of the raw material examination and formulation of potential raw material mixes. External financing is sought for the continent-wide dissemination activities and the background work of the TRC. This includes publications and creative incursions into the construction materials market, active participation in national and regional events and participation in networks aiming at complying with SDG 12.