ESG AND DECARBONIZATION IN THE CEMENT INDUSTRY: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

The cement industry plays a strategic role in infrastructure and civil construction development; however, it is among the industrial sectors with the highest greenhouse gas emission intensities, particularly regarding carbon dioxide (CO₂). In this context, incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles stands out as a key strategy to promote sustainability, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen organizational competitiveness in the face of growing regulatory and market demands. This study aimed to analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing ESG principles in the cement industry, identifying strategies that contribute to the transition toward lower-carbon production. The research is qualitative in nature, based on a review of literature and documents—including scientific articles, books, technical documents, and institutional reports published by national and international bodies. Data were interpreted using content analysis, allowing information to be organized according to the Environmental, Social, and Governance pillars. The results demonstrate that decarbonizing the cement industry depends on the integrated adoption of various strategies, including improving energy efficiency, waste co-processing, reducing the clinker factor, using supplementary cementitious materials, and developing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. It was also observed that the effectiveness of these strategies is linked to strengthening corporate governance practices, transparency, risk management, and relationships with workers, communities, and other stakeholders. The study concludes that integrating ESG principles is a vital tool for driving innovation, increasing production process efficiency, and supporting the cement industry's transition to a more sustainable development model aligned with global climate change mitigation goals.