Five Nations Have Joined Global Blended Cement Push

Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda will update building standards to lower carbon emissions from concrete.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Isometric editorial illustration showing a pile of grey limestone aggregate next to a tall industrial steel silo, representing sustainable construction policy. — Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda have joined a global council to mandate lower-carbon blended cements for public infrastructure projects. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your government mandate the use of lower-carbon blended cement in public infrastructure projects?

Five countries have officially joined the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate, committing to prioritize the use of lower-carbon blended cements in public construction projects. This initiative aims to address the significant carbon footprint associated with the global built environment.

Why it matters

Concrete production currently accounts for 7-8% of global carbon emissions, making this shift in public procurement a key strategy for nations to reduce their environmental impact. By updating building codes, these governments hope to create a stronger market for sustainable materials.

The ICBC initiative now counts 12 member nations following the addition of these five countries. Blended cement, which incorporates materials like calcined clay or limestone fines, can cut carbon emissions by 50% per tonne compared to traditional Portland cement.

The players

Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate

An international initiative focused on advancing policies to lower carbon emissions from global construction and industrial materials.

The details

Governments are working to integrate supplementary cementitious materials, such as industrial by-products and limestone fines, into standard construction practices. By updating national building codes and mandating these materials for public infrastructure projects, member countries aim to stimulate demand for lower-carbon alternatives. This shift is critical given that nearly 75% of the infrastructure that will exist in 2050 has yet to be built.

The five countries joined the initiative on September 22, 2026.
Ethiopia will host COP32 in 2027.

The Home Front

This development follows a pattern set by policies like the Turkish government's 80% cap on clinker by formalizing the transition to lower-carbon materials through state-level procurement. It signals an increasing global focus on the life-cycle carbon intensity of the materials used in the built environment.

Homeowners interested in sustainable renovations should monitor local building codes, as national standard updates often influence materials available to private contractors. When planning major home improvements, ask your professional builder about the availability of low-carbon or blended cement alternatives.

The takeaway

This policy shift highlights a major move toward integrating high-efficiency materials into the global standard for infrastructure. Residents should keep an eye on upcoming changes to national building regulations, as these codes frequently set the stage for future residential construction requirements.