An Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Mitigation Strategies in the Zambian Cement Manufacturing Industry

Purpose: The world today is concerned about Climate change and the global warming crisis. These concerns have brought about scrutiny of the human activities which produce greenhouse gases (GHG) and contribute to the crises. A lot of construction activities are currently under-way in Zambia, considering that it is a developing nation. This study sought to assess the carbon dioxide emissions from cement production in Zambia. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopted a quantitative approach with data collection done using a structured questionnaire. Respondents were drawn from six (6) cement manufacturing companies as well as the regulator. Furthermore, clinker data was used to estimate CO2 emissions using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's tier 1 approach for cement manufacture. Findings: It was revealed that carbon emissions caused by making of cement increased exponentially in Zambia from 2016 to 2021 and the prediction is that they will continue to rise. Currently, strategies being used for mitigation are somewhat sustainable, however, they are not enough to achieve the net zero emission target set for 2050. The study thus suggests that in order to encourage the adoption of net-zero emissions from the cement industry, the study advises that the participants in the building sector intensify their mitigation efforts. Implications/Research Limitations: The study was limited to carbon dioxide emissions although it tried to look at other emissions in cement production. Other studies could focus on the actual impact on ecology. Practical Implications: Regulating the effects of cement production will contribute positively to a cleaner environment and healthier humans. Such information can be used to regulate cement production activities to minimize damage to the environment and humans. Originality/Value: Being aware of the by-products of cement production will provide insightful ways of mitigating the adverse effects on the environment and humans.