Sustainable concrete infrastructure should remain a government priority

OPINION:

We realized the gravity of losing dependable infrastructure when a 948-foot cargo ship carrying 4,700 metal shipping containers slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, toppling the structure and triggering a domino effect on everyone from the 15,000 workers employed by the city’s port to the 34,000 drivers who cross the bridge daily. That was one of the 600,000 bridges in the United States.

We all rely heavily on infrastructure, mostly made with concrete. The accident leading to the Key Bridge’s demise was a wake-up call. It revealed that we’ve been on autopilot when it comes to infrastructure because, as far back as we can remember, it’s always been there. The only time we’re aware of its essentialness is when it’s not. 

This is why America’s cement manufacturers supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The legislation promised much-needed funding for thousands of construction projects, including new roads, buildings, airport runways, dams, etc. It also included provisions to assist the cement industry in reaching carbon neutrality.

Manufacturers are squarely focused on the research and development of lower-carbon types of cement, alternative fuels and carbon capture, utilization and storage, known as CCUS. Concrete — made with cement — has proved its durability and resiliency for decades. But sustainability is the newest requirement. To make serious strides in that respect, cement companies will need the continued assistance of policymakers.  

In March, the Department of Energy awarded more than $1.2 billion to cement manufacturers to assist in decarbonization efforts. The companies receiving the funding have pledged to match it dollar for dollar. More recently, the Environmental Protection Agency announced more than $2 million to upgrade how cement manufacturers report the environmental impact of their products, which will lead to more efficient strategies to reach net zero.  

DOE and EPA funds come from infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act. And much more will be in the pipeline come January. Regardless of who is in the White House for the next four years, it’s imperative that these government provisions continue to flow, as the cement industry cannot reach carbon neutrality on its own.

But we are moving the needle. Last year, lower-carbon cement made up approximately 25% of the cement consumed in the U.S., up from less than 5% just two years ago.

Earlier this year, Portland-limestone cement, which has a 10% smaller carbon footprint than traditional cement, was approved by all 50 state departments of transportation for use in general construction.

Companies also minimize greenhouse gas emissions by using alternative fuels in manufacturing. Research has shown that using tires, plastic, fabric and agricultural waste instead of traditional fuels such as coal and petroleum coke is less environmentally harmful.

Finally, CCUS is by far the most demanding of decarbonization initiatives, but it is considered a must for cement producers to gain real ground in cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

The checklist is formidable. Once developed, CCUS systems will likely be the same size as the cement plants they will be adjacent to. They will also need just as much energy to operate as it takes to power a cement plant — which would tax nearby city power grids.

Manufacturers would also have to navigate an obstacle course of permitting requirements at every stage of CCUS development, which would likely take years, especially if fair and reasonable policies are not in place.

Infrastructure is more than bipartisan. It serves every American.

America’s cement producers ask both political parties vying to take the helm in January to please continue awarding hard-to-abate industries funding in the infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, as the benefits will last far beyond any election’s outcome. And consider reforming the permitting process so that it assists our industry in reaching net zero rather than hindering it. 

Infrastructure — made with concrete — is used by every single American every single day. As the government is the guardian of America’s infrastructure, it is the government’s responsibility to maintain it and work with the cement industry to maintain it sustainably. 

• Mike Ireland is president and CEO of the Portland Cement Association.