New Delhi GCCA India NCB Release Report On Carbon Uptake By Concrete
The Global Cement and Concrete Association India, in partnership with the National Council for Cement and Building Materials, has released a new report in New Delhi examining how concrete absorbs carbon dioxide over time under Indian conditions. Launched during NCB’s 63rd Foundation Day, the study brings renewed attention to carbon uptake through carbonation, a process that could influence how emissions from India’s fast-growing construction sector are measured and reported.
The report assesses the extent to which hardened concrete reabsorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere across its service life and after demolition. While cement manufacturing remains one of the most emission-intensive industrial activities globally, the study argues that conventional carbon accounting frameworks often overlook this post-production absorption. Industry estimates suggest the cement sector contributes nearly seven per cent of global anthropogenic emissions, largely due to the chemical process of limestone calcination.Prepared jointly by industry and research institutions, the analysis applies the Tier-I methodology developed by a European environmental research body, adapting it to Indian climatic, material, and construction practices. Officials associated with the report noted that factors such as humidity, temperature, building lifespan, and waste handling significantly affect carbonation rates, making country-specific data essential for credible assessment.
The findings come at a time when India is expanding its urban infrastructure at an unprecedented pace. Concrete remains central to housing, transport, and public infrastructure, raising questions about how cities can balance development needs with climate commitments. Experts say recognising carbon uptake does not negate the sector’s emissions but helps present a more complete lifecycle view of building materials.The report release coincided with the inauguration of new laboratory facilities at NCB, including a gypsum board testing laboratory and a micro-characterisation laboratory. These facilities are intended to strengthen quality assurance, standardisation, and advanced material analysis, particularly following the introduction of new quality control regulations for gypsum-based building materials by the central government.Addressing the gathering, a senior economic advisor from the industry promotion department highlighted NCB’s role in supporting research, technology development, and capacity building across the cement and construction sectors. Such institutional support, the official said, is increasingly important as India aligns industrial growth with sustainability and resource efficiency goals.
Looking ahead, the report recommends further refinement of datasets and estimation methods to improve the robustness of carbon uptake calculations. It is proposed for submission to the environment ministry for consideration of recognising carbon uptake by concrete as a carbon sink in India’s official climate communications to the United Nations. Urban policy observers believe this could help cities pursue more transparent, balanced, and lower-carbon development pathways without slowing essential infrastructure growth.
