About GHG Emissions from Cement Production

How does cement production release GHG?

Cement production generates GHG from two main sources: calcination and fuel combustion. Calcination is the chemical process in which calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is heated to high temperatures, converting it to lime or calcium oxide (CaO), and releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂). So it is not surprising that the main type of GHG from cement production is carbon dioxide (CO₂). The amount of CO₂ released due to the calcination process alone usually varies from 50 to 60 percent the total amount of CO₂ released during cement production. The remaining 40 to 50 percent is mainly due to fuel combustion. The contribution of each of these sources (calcination and fuel combustion) depends on energy efficiency. The percent of CO₂ released from fuel combustion in efficient cement plants tends to be lower since less fuel will be needed to produce the same amount of cement.

What are the objectives of the Cement Sub-Group?

Serve the CAT as the lead for cement-related GHG emission reduction in support of Assembly Bill (AB) 32 that mandates the GHG emissions in the year 2020 be reduced to the 1990 level or lower.
Coordinate climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts among the other related areas in order to assure California meets the state's needs under AB 32 and other related efforts.
Generate deliverables, including the strategies listed in the 2006 CAT Final Report, within the guidelines and schedule established by the CAT.
Assure sustainability of low GHG emission levels beyond the year 2020.
Develop adaptation strategies for lowering GHG emissions that can be applied widely throughout California local government and industry.
Seek solutions outside the CAT through public forums, workshops, flyers etc.
Develop GHG reduction strategies that are technically feasible and cost-effective.

What strategies are helping us meet these goals?

Who is the Cement Sub-Group?

The Climate Action Team (CAT) was created following the Executive Order # S-3-05 signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on June 1, 2005 establishing greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. These targets were signed into law under the Assembly Bill (AB) 32 on September 27, 2006. To achieve these targets, the CAT under the leadership of the Secretary of California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), Linda Adams, will develop and implement GHG emission reduction programs.

In August 2007, the CAT created the cement sub-group, which is responsible for developing guidelines to reduce GHGs from cement production for the year target 2020. These guidelines will be wide ranging and include GHG reductions in cement production, concrete, and applications of concrete. This sub-group is responsible for coordinating efforts with the other sub-groups in order to maximize the GHG savings to California and guarantee that the overall CAT goal is met. Mr. Tom Pyle from California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is the group leader. Other members include the following:

Daniel Pellissier, California Environmental Protection Agency
Andrew Altevogt, California Environmental Protection Agency
Reza Navai, Department of Transportation
Mike Tollstrup, California Air Resources Board
Todd Wong, California Air Resources Board
Jim Stebbins, California Air Resources Board
Bruce Tutter, California Air Resources Board
Pat Perez, California Energy Commission
T.C. Liu, California Department of Water Resources

Who are the other California Climate Action Team Sub-Groups?

Agriculture Sub-Group
- Department of Food and Agriculture
  - Lead: George Gomes
  - Steve Shaffer
- California Environmental Protection Agency
- Air Resources Board
- Department of Pesticide Regulation
- Department of Toxic Substances Control
- California Energy Commission
- State Water Resources Control Board
Cement Sub-Group
- Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
  - Lead: Tom Pyle
- California Environmental Protection Agency
- Air Resources Board
- California Energy Commission
- Department of Water Resources
Energy Sub-Group
- Public Utilities Commission
- California Energy Commission
- California Environmental Protection Agency
- California ISO
- Air Resources Board
Forestry Sub-Group
- Resources Agency
  - Lead: Tony Brunello
- California Environmental Protection Agency
- Air Resources Board
- CAL Fire
- California Energy Commission
- California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection
- Department of Parks and Recreation
- State Water Resources Control Board
- Department of Fish and Game
- Sierra Nevada Conservancy
- National Parks Service
- U.S. Forest Service
Green Buildings Sub-Group
- Department of General Services
  - Lead: Roy McBrayer
- California Environmental Protection Agency
- Air Resources Board
- Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
- California Energy Commission
- California Integrated Waste Management Board
- Public Utilities Commission
- Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Land Use Sub-Group
- California Energy Commission
  - Lead: Jackalyne Pfannenstiel
  - Panama Bartholomy
- California Environmental Protection Agency
- Air Resources Board
- Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
- Department of Conservation
- Department of Water Resources
- Department of Housing and Community Development
- California Integrated Waste Management Board
- Governor's Office of Planning and Research
- State Water Resources Control Board
- Public Utilities Commission
- Department of Public Health
- Department of Education
- Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- Department of General Services
Recycling and Waste Management Sub-Group
- California Integrated Waste Management Board
  - Co-Lead: Stephanie Young
  - Scott Walker
- California Environmental Protection Agency
- Air Resources Board
- Department of Food and Agriculture
- California Energy Commission
- Public Utilities Commission
- State Water Resources Control Board
- Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
State Fleet Sub-Group
- Department of General Services
  - Lead: Will Semmes
- California Environmental Protection Agency
- Air Resources Board
- Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Water/Energy Sub-Group
- Department of Water Resources
- California Environmental Protection Agency
  - Co-Lead: Mark Cowin
- State Water Resources Control Board
  - Co-Lead: Frances Spivy-Weber
- Resources Agency
- California Environmental Protection Agency
- Air Resources Board
- California Energy Commission
- Public Utilities Commission
- Department of Food and Agriculture
- Department of Fish and Game
- Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- CALFED