The role of agricultural ashes (rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, palm oil fuel ash) in cement production for sustainable development in Africa
Abstract Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is produced through energy-intensive processes and contributes to approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. As one of the most consumed materials after water, cement's environmental impact is substantial. Decarbonizing emissions in the intensiv...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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2025-01-01
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| Series: | Discover Sustainability |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-00841-6 |
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| author | Susan K. Onsongo John Olukuru Onesmus M. Munyao Onesmus Mwabonje |
| author_facet | Susan K. Onsongo John Olukuru Onesmus M. Munyao Onesmus Mwabonje |
| author_sort | Susan K. Onsongo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is produced through energy-intensive processes and contributes to approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. As one of the most consumed materials after water, cement's environmental impact is substantial. Decarbonizing emissions in the intensive processes of cement production requires a sustainable supply of low-carbon resources. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of agricultural waste ashes as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to reduce the carbon footprint of OPC. In Africa, where agricultural waste is abundant, these residues could offer a sustainable solution for cement manufacturing. This study employed a multi-criteria decision analysis methodology to identify and select relevant literature for analysis. The review reveals that incorporating agricultural-based SCMs, such as rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, and palm oil fuel ash, into cement production can significantly reduce clinker requirements, thereby lowering carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining performance standards of OPC. The review found that locally sourced waste materials can reduce the carbon footprint of cement by up to 40%. Transitioning from a clinker-dependent sector to a bio-based one presents several opportunities as well as challenges for the African cement industry, but it is critical for reducing carbon emissions and improving sustainability. This approach not only decreases emissions but also supports sustainable construction, aligning with global climate goals and sustainable development goals (SDGs) 12 (responsible consumption and production) and 13 (climate action). Adopting green cement could revolutionize the African cement industry, promoting resource efficiency and sustainable development across the continent. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2af048fda6714e90801cc9fe1aee0e66 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2662-9984 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Sustainability |
| spelling | doaj-art-2af048fda6714e90801cc9fe1aee0e662025-02-02T12:05:53ZengSpringerDiscover Sustainability2662-99842025-01-016112510.1007/s43621-025-00841-6The role of agricultural ashes (rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, palm oil fuel ash) in cement production for sustainable development in AfricaSusan K. Onsongo0John Olukuru1Onesmus M. Munyao2Onesmus Mwabonje3Strathmore UniversityStrathmore UniversitySavannah Cement LimitedStrathmore UniversityAbstract Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is produced through energy-intensive processes and contributes to approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. As one of the most consumed materials after water, cement's environmental impact is substantial. Decarbonizing emissions in the intensive processes of cement production requires a sustainable supply of low-carbon resources. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of agricultural waste ashes as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to reduce the carbon footprint of OPC. In Africa, where agricultural waste is abundant, these residues could offer a sustainable solution for cement manufacturing. This study employed a multi-criteria decision analysis methodology to identify and select relevant literature for analysis. The review reveals that incorporating agricultural-based SCMs, such as rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, and palm oil fuel ash, into cement production can significantly reduce clinker requirements, thereby lowering carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining performance standards of OPC. The review found that locally sourced waste materials can reduce the carbon footprint of cement by up to 40%. Transitioning from a clinker-dependent sector to a bio-based one presents several opportunities as well as challenges for the African cement industry, but it is critical for reducing carbon emissions and improving sustainability. This approach not only decreases emissions but also supports sustainable construction, aligning with global climate goals and sustainable development goals (SDGs) 12 (responsible consumption and production) and 13 (climate action). Adopting green cement could revolutionize the African cement industry, promoting resource efficiency and sustainable development across the continent.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-00841-6Agricultural waste ashesCarbon footprintMultiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA)Ordinary Portland cement (OPC)Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)Sustainable development goals (SDGs) |
| spellingShingle | Susan K. Onsongo John Olukuru Onesmus M. Munyao Onesmus Mwabonje The role of agricultural ashes (rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, palm oil fuel ash) in cement production for sustainable development in Africa Discover Sustainability Agricultural waste ashes Carbon footprint Multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) Sustainable development goals (SDGs) |
| title | The role of agricultural ashes (rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, palm oil fuel ash) in cement production for sustainable development in Africa |
| title_full | The role of agricultural ashes (rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, palm oil fuel ash) in cement production for sustainable development in Africa |
| title_fullStr | The role of agricultural ashes (rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, palm oil fuel ash) in cement production for sustainable development in Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | The role of agricultural ashes (rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, palm oil fuel ash) in cement production for sustainable development in Africa |
| title_short | The role of agricultural ashes (rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, palm oil fuel ash) in cement production for sustainable development in Africa |
| title_sort | role of agricultural ashes rice husk ash coffee husk ash sugarcane bagasse ash palm oil fuel ash in cement production for sustainable development in africa |
| topic | Agricultural waste ashes Carbon footprint Multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) Sustainable development goals (SDGs) |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-00841-6 |
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