This paper addresses some of the key drivers for, and barriers to, the broader uptake of alkali-activated cementitious materials as potentially lower-carbon binders for use in construction, with a particular focus on the UK industry and market. For a material to succeed in practice, it must be able to be produced at sufficient scale and acceptable cost, and must be able to be proven to perform appropriately in the desired applications for an extended period of time. Factors related to materials’ supply, efficient usage of the available resources, and the ability to standardise and test innovative materials under performancebased frameworks are discussed, with a view toward broadening the understanding of the likely potential of innovative lower-carbon cements to contribute to the UK construction sector and its decarbonisation efforts.