We are currently working with the University of Salford to create a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for our GGBS product, which will be released by the end of March.
This study will provide a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact of using GGBS, including its carbon savings compared to traditional Portland cement.
CO₂ Savings Per Tonne of Cement Replaced by GGBS
The production of traditional Portland cement is a significant source of CO₂ emissions, releasing approximately 0.8 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of cement produced. In contrast, GGBS production emits only about 0.05 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne, mainly from grinding and transportation. This results in a CO₂ savings of approximately 0.75 tonnes per tonne of cement replaced with GGBS.
CO₂ Emissions from Bulk Shipping to Europe
Since GGBS is often shipped internationally, it is important to consider transportation emissions. Bulk shipping emissions are approximately 0.015 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne per 1,000 miles traveled. Based on distances from China to key European markets, the estimated net CO₂ savings per tonne of GGBS used are:
United Kingdom (~11,000 miles shipping): 0.585 tonnes of CO₂ saved per tonne of GGBS
Germany (~10,500 miles shipping): 0.5925 tonnes of CO₂ saved per tonne of GGBS
France (~10,800 miles shipping): 0.588 tonnes of CO₂ saved per tonne of GGBS
Netherlands (~10,700 miles shipping): 0.5895 tonnes of CO₂ saved per tonne of GGBS
Spain (~11,500 miles shipping): 0.5775 tonnes of CO₂ saved per tonne of GGBS
The Bigger Picture
Using GGBS as a sustainable alternative to cement significantly reduces carbon emissions. Even after accounting for shipping to European markets, the net CO₂ savings remain substantial, making GGBS a viable solution for low-carbon construction. Once the LCA report is completed, we will provide more detailed insights into the full environmental impact of our product.
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