The Society of Cement and Concrete Researchers in Nigeria (SCCRIN) has called for the adoption of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) as a solution to combat climate change.
The experts made this known in an event organised by SCCRIN in conjunction with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, and Department of Civil Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, in Abuja
President, African University of Science and Technology, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, said the call to switch to LC3 was necessary because the production of conventional cement had a number of negative issues.
In his words: LC3 uses a combination of limestone, calcined clay, and gypsum, drastically lowering the need for energy-intensive clinker.
Onwualu noted that conventional cement production accounted for CO₂ emissions, mostly due to the high-temperature in processing it.
He explained that the idea now is looking for alternatives to conventional cement. Of course, the conventional cement is serving us, but the change is because of the environmental issues associated with the production.
He added that the process involved releasing of bad gases into the atmosphere thereby contributing to the effects of climate change.
“We know that if we continue with the current method of producing cement, in the long run, we are threatening the environment, we are threatening the earth,” he stressed.
Also speaking, National President, Nigeria Environmental Society, Dr Efegbidiki Okobia, said the LC3 innovation was apt because of the reduction of carbon dioxide emission from cement production, looking at the global concern on climate change.
“The LC3 cement will cover some critical environmental challenges and help in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, which is supposed to come into play as a full completed project by 2030.” he said.
According to Olumoh Sharafadeen, one of the organisers of the LC3 Nigeria event and an engineer, the LC3 Nigeria event was put together by cement and concrete researchers in Nigeria to create awareness on environmentally friendly
building materials.
He noted that this would assist in achieving a greener future and ensuring that environmental hazards were curtailed