India’s cement industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s infrastructure and economic growth, is steadily moving toward a low-carbon future. As the country emerges as the fourth-largest economy in the world, the cement sector is playing a vital role in building roads, housing, transportation, and power projects that underpin this growth. With India set to become the third-largest economy by 2028, overtaking Japan and Germany, the need for sustainable construction practices has never been more urgent.
According to the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) India–NCB Carbon Uptake Report, the cement industry in Tier-1 cities contributes about 6.3% of India’s total CO2 emissions, a challenging figure given that the sector is considered “hard-to-abate” due to process-related emissions arising from the calcination of limestone. Despite this, India’s cement industry is already among the most energy-efficient globally and has made significant strides in decarbonization over the past two decades.
In 1996, the CO2 emission factor of Indian cement stood at 1.12 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of cement. By 2010, it had fallen to 0.719 tonnes, and by 2020, further reduced to 0.670 tonnes. The GCCA India–TERI Decarbonization Roadmap aims for a reduction to 0.51 tonnes per tonne by 2047, ultimately achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2070. This roadmap aligns with India’s broader climate commitments, including its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the government’s “Viksit Bharat” vision.
India’s cement industry is the second-largest globally, producing 10.4% of the world’s total 4.1 billion tonnes of cement. The installed capacity in 2024-25 was 690 million tonnes, with production of 453 million tonnes. With a per capita consumption of 290 kg, India remains well below the global average of 540 kg, highlighting significant growth potential. The sector currently comprises 357 plants, including 160 large integrated plants, 130 grinding units, and 62 mini plants.
The industry’s focus on sustainability is evident in its production of blended cements, which now account for nearly 69% of total output, compared with just 30% in 1996-97. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) usage has remained stable between 27-31% over the past decade, while Pozzolana Portland Cement (PPC) has grown from 19% in 1996 to 60% in 2023, reflecting increased awareness of environmental impact and adoption of advanced technologies. Portland Slag Cement (PSC) has decreased from 11% to 2%, while composite cements continue to rise.
A key highlight of the GCCA India report is the study of CO2 uptake, or “recarbonation,” in concrete. This natural process allows concrete to reabsorb carbon dioxide over its lifetime. CO2 reacts with calcium hydroxide, a byproduct of cement hydration, as well as calcium silicate hydrates, forming stable calcium carbonate that locks CO2 permanently within the concrete matrix. This mechanism transforms concrete into a passive carbon sink, offering a strategic tool to offset emissions in the construction sector.
Carbon uptake depends on factors such as concrete porosity, permeability, climate, cement composition, and structure geometry. The initial stages of a concrete structure see faster carbon uptake, which gradually slows over time. The GCCA India–TERI roadmap estimates that carbon uptake could reduce up to 91 million tonnes of CO2 by 2070, contributing significantly to net-zero ambitions.
Beyond emissions reduction, India’s cement sector also contributes to employment, fiscal revenue, and community development, while maintaining high standards of quality control and environmental management. The Decarbonization Roadmap outlines several strategies, including reducing clinker content, increasing energy efficiency, utilizing alternative fuels, developing new binders, and deploying carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies.
India’s commitment to global climate goals is evident in its Biennial Update Reports (BURs) to the UNFCCC. Since 1994, India has submitted four BURs, updating greenhouse gas inventories and mitigation strategies, with the latest report highlighting a 36% reduction in emission intensity from 2005 to 2020. These reports showcase India’s transparency, accountability, and leadership in sustainable development.
With cement demand projected to grow significantly under business-as-usual and decarbonization scenarios—reaching up to 2.28 billion tonnes by 2070—sustainable practices are critical. By combining energy efficiency, blended cements, carbon uptake in concrete, and policy support, India’s cement industry is positioning itself for a growth trajectory that balances economic development with climate responsibility.
The GCCA India–NCB report underscores that achieving net-zero by 2070 is feasible but requires collaboration across industry, research institutions, and policymakers. As India continues to urbanize and expand infrastructure, the cement sector will remain at the forefront of sustainable construction, proving that environmental stewardship and economic progress can go hand in hand.
India’s cement story is one of transformation, a sector turning climate challenges into opportunities while building the foundations of a resilient, sustainable future.
