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Environmental implications of concrete industry practices in Cameroon: A life cycle approach

Authors: Desting, Nimpa Giscard; Kunwufne, Deodonne; Rémy, Minane Jacques; Donald, Tinchie;

Environmental implications of concrete industry practices in Cameroon: A life cycle approach

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa is driving a sharp increase in concrete use, raising significant environmental concerns. This study evaluates the environmental impacts of concrete production in Cameroon through a life cycle assessment (LCA), with the aim of identifying effective strategies for impact reduction. The analysis is based on primary data from 18 concrete batching plants across major urban centers, combined with national-level secondary data. It follows ISO 14040 standards and applies the IMPACT 2002+ method within SimaPro 9.0. The functional unit is 1 m³ of ready-mix concrete. Cement production accounts for the majority of impacts, contributing over 80% of greenhouse gas emissions (347 kg CO₂-eq/m³ out of 427 kg CO₂-eq/m³), 57% of non-renewable energy use, and most human health effects (168 DALYs/year). Clinker content is the main driver of emissions, while electricity use and transport distances have smaller effects. Results related to human toxicity vary across impact assessment methods. By combining empirical data with regional assumptions, this study addresses a gap in LCA research for emerging economies. It highlights the need for clinker substitution, improved energy efficiency, and optimized logistics to reduce the environmental footprint of concrete.

Keywords

building materials, cement production, Cameroon, Life Cycle Assessment, Concrete industry, Carbon Footprint

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green