Gjeta 2025 0138
Gjeta 2025 0138
approach
Nimpa Giscard Desting *, Deodonne Kunwufne, Minane Jacques Rémy and Tinchie Donald
National Advanced School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning; University of Yaoundé I –
Cameroon.
Publication history: Received on 07 March 2025; revised on 23 April 2025; accepted on 25 April 2025
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: Concrete industry; Cameroon; Life Cycle Assessment; cement production; Carbon Footprint; building
materials
1. Introduction
Concrete remains the cornerstone of modern construction, with global production surpassing 30 billion tonnes
annually, making it the most consumed man-made material by volume [1]. Its extensive use in both industrialized and
rapidly developing regions reflects an accelerating demand for resilient infrastructure, particularly in the face of
urbanization, demographic shifts, and climate adaptation imperatives [2, 3]. However, the environmental burden of
concrete production is considerable. Cement manufacturing, its most energy and emissions intensive component, is
alone responsible for approximately 7–8% of global anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, largely due to the calcination of
limestone and the combustion of fossil fuels during clinker production [4, 5].
The construction sector’s contribution to climate change, resource depletion, and ecosystem degradation has intensified
calls for sustainability-driven transformation, particularly in emerging economies where urban growth is most rapid [6,
7, 8]. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), standardized by ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, has emerged as the principal
methodological framework for evaluating environmental impacts across the entire life cycle of building materials, from
raw material extraction to end-of-life management [9, 10, 11]. Yet, despite LCA’s growing application in high-income
contexts, its deployment in sub-Saharan Africa remains limited due to insufficient regional life cycle inventory (LCI)
data and fragmented production systems [12, 13, 14].
Corresponding author: Nimpa Giscard Desting
Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0.
Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 2025, 23(01), 347-362
In the Cameroonian context, concrete production is undergoing rapid expansion driven by large-scale public
infrastructure initiatives and rising housing demand [15, 16]. However, the industry is characterized by a dual structure:
formal, industrial-scale batching plants with relatively advanced technologies coexist with informal, decentralized
mixing practices in peri-urban and rural settings. This heterogeneity leads to inconsistent quality control, variable
environmental performance, and a general lack of traceability in material flows. Compounded by an absence of reliable,
geographically contextualized life cycle inventory (LCI) datasets, the environmental implications of concrete production
in Cameroon remain poorly understood.
Addressing this knowledge gap is critical not only for national sustainability planning but also for contributing to global
decarbonization goals within the construction sector [17]. As environmental impacts of concrete vary significantly with
local energy mixes, raw material sourcing, and production technologies, context-specific LCA studies are essential for
generating actionable insights [18]. Furthermore, aligning such research with advanced LCA platforms and multi-impact
methods, such as IMPACT 2002+, ReCiPe, or Eco-Indicator 99, can enhance methodological rigor and support robust
decision-making frameworks [19].
This study seeks to develop a comprehensive, locally calibrated Life Cycle Assessment of concrete production in
Cameroon. By leveraging empirical field data, stakeholder engagement, and advanced modeling techniques, it aims to
identify critical environmental hotspots, examine the implications of technological and logistical choices, and inform
pathways toward low-carbon, resource-efficient construction practices in the region.
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Fixed batching plants generally include a cement silo with filtration, aggregate storage and dosing systems, weighing
equipment, a water supply unit, and a concrete mixer. Most plants utilize modern, sealed mixers to comply with
environmental standards, enhancing both product quality and emission control.
• Material dosing: Cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures are measured based on predefined mix designs;
• Mixing: The ingredients are homogenized in high-efficiency mixers, either in dry or wet form;
• Quality control: Regular sampling is performed to test properties such as compressive strength, water content,
and consistency;
• Delivery: The ready-mix concrete is transported to construction sites using rotating drum trucks to prevent
material segregation.
Mobile batching plants follow a similar production logic but offer greater logistical flexibility, particularly for remote or
temporary construction sites. Their use is increasing in response to infrastructure development in less accessible
regions.
In addition to industrial-scale production, concrete is also frequently prepared on-site by individual workers or small-
scale contractors. In such cases, raw materials are manually dosed and mixed directly at the construction site using
basic equipment, such as small drum mixers or, occasionally, manual tools. While this informal approach is widely
practiced for small to medium-scale projects, it often lacks rigorous quality control and adherence to environmental
standards.
The functional unit selected is 1 m³ of ready-mix concrete, a standard reference commonly used in LCA studies to
evaluate environmental impacts in relation to structural performance [20, 21, 22].
System boundaries were defined based on field data, encompassing raw material extraction, processing, transport,
concrete production, and delivery to construction sites. Key inputs include cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures.
Transport over long distances and variable infrastructure contributes significantly to fuel consumption and emissions.
Concrete mixing involves controlled dosing to ensure structural performance, while time-sensitive delivery under local
climatic conditions adds further environmental pressure. The system is modeled following ISO 14040, distinguishing
input and output flows across each elementary process.
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This research highlights the need for regionalized LCA approaches in areas with distinct production practices. Given
that cement activities contribute to over 8% of global CO₂ emissions [20], the findings could inform national strategies
to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector in Cameroon and similar regions.
The proportions of aggregates, water, and admixtures used in the mixes were determined from formulation data
provided by these facilities, which are detailed in Table 3.
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Goker 200 700 1140 175 350 720 1170 175 450 735 1200 175
Razel – BEC, Douala 300 750 1175 180 350 720 1190 180 450 735 1200 180
Razel – BEC, Mfou 300 750 1175 180 350 720 1190 180 450 735 1200 180
Cameroun Concentre 300 705 1166 180 350 720 1103 180 450 735 1135 180
Company (CMCC)
FA = Fine Aggregates CA = Coarse Aggregates Further specifications regarding the types and dosages of admixtures are outlined in Table 4.
Table 4 Admixture proportion added per unit volume in the surveyed concrete plants
Concrete plant Type of admixtures used and quantity per unit volume (l/m³)
Plasticizer Superplasticizer Retarder Accelerator
Mix Mix Mix Mix
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Les Bâtisseurs Réunis 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Kalfrelec 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Cameroun Concrete Company (CCC) 0 0 0 1,78 1,90 3 0 0 0 0 0 0
KT&CO 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Béton Construction et Carrières (BCC) 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Goker 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Razel – BEC, Douala 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Razel – BEC, Mfou 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Cameroun Concentre Company (CMCC) 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Finally, transport distances from raw material sources to concrete plants were measured, with variations linked to
resource distribution and infrastructure availability, as shown in Table 5.
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In cases where primary data were unavailable, reasonable assumptions were made to fill gaps and streamline the
analysis. Specifically, this study assumes a constant population growth rate of 2.64% annually from 2021 to 2023, with
an average household size of four. The proportion of new housing built with permanent materials (49.8% in 2014) is
assumed to remain unchanged [23]. Concrete batching plants are assumed to be supplied by local water utilities, and
among new constructions using site-mixed concrete, 25% are two-story building and 75% are single-story. Concrete is
dosed at 350 kg/m³.
The study focuses on small-scale residential construction, excluding large-scale projects. With a projected population of
28.6 million in 2023, this results in approximately 189,000 new households. By applying these assumptions and
considering the growth of the middle class, concrete demand estimates are derived, as presented in Tables 6 and Table
7.
Table 6 Concrete structural elements and volumes for the single-story model
Table 6 presents the estimation for the usable concrete volume required for the construction of structural elements in
a single-story dwelling, which is calculated to be 6.868 m³. Based on the assumptions made, the total volume required
is accordingly calculated as:
Moreover, Table 7 shows the estimation for the usable concrete volume required for the structural elements of a two-
story dwelling.
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This volume is estimated at 9.9275 m³. Based on the adopted assumptions, the total concrete volume is calculated as
follows:
By integrating empirical data with context-specific assumptions, this life cycle inventory offers a realistic representation
of concrete production in Cameroon and helps bridge a crucial gap in regional LCA data availability. Similar approaches
are recommended by global frameworks such as ISO 14044 for settings lacking robust inventories [24], highlighting the
value of local data collection in improving LCA accuracy in emerging economies.
Based on the total volume previously determined, the quantities of raw materials required per functional unit (FU), as
well as the corresponding annual totals, are presented in Table 8.
The life cycle inventory (LCI) was established using data collected from key industry stakeholders, along with
calculations informed by earlier assumptions. In addition to these, several methodological considerations were
integrated into the process. First, for raw material extraction, input-output data for cement production were drawn
from a scientific study conducted in Zimbabwe [25] and from Petek et al. [26]. Data related to the extraction and use of
chemical additives were taken from Petek [27]. Second, the inventory data related to water extraction and distribution
were sourced from a model developed by a local utility in South Africa and incorporated into the SimaPro software.
Third, transport-related emissions were estimated based on average fuel consumption, assumed to be 35 liters per 100
kilometers, according to field interviews with drivers. Additionally, it was considered that engine oil levels decrease by
approximately 2 liters every 100 km.
Transportation modes were differentiated based on material type: semi-trailers (44 tonnes) were used for cement, 28-
tonne trucks for aggregates and additives, and 15 m³ mixer trucks for ready-mixed concrete. An average transport
distance of 50 km was assumed across all materials.
Once consolidated, these data enabled the development of a normalized inventory per functional unit, which serves as
the basis for emission calculations in the Cameroonian concrete industry, as presented in Table 9.
Life cycle stage Unit Value Life cycle stage Unit Value
Raw material extraction and production Raw material transportation
Cement production Cement transport
Input Diesel kg 0.0585
Clinker kg 315.875 Lubricant kg 0.0036
Gypsum kg 16.625 Aggregate transport
Electricity kWh 13.16 Diesel kg 0.785
Output Lubricant kg 0.048
Cement kg 350 Admixture transport
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Characterization was performed by applying the mid-point factors embedded in IMPACT 2002+ to the inventory data
compiled in the previous phase. This step covered fifteen mid-point categories, including but not limited to human
toxicity (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic), respiratory effects, ionizing radiation, aquatic and terrestrial ecotoxicity,
ozone layer depletion, acidification, eutrophication, land occupation, climate change, and resource depletion.
Damage assessment was subsequently performed by aggregating midpoint scores into four main damage categories:
human health, ecosystem quality, climate change, and resource availability. This was achieved using the damage factors
defined by Jolliet et al. [28] and Baidai [29].
To evaluate the robustness of the selected impact assessment method, a sensitivity analysis was carried out. This
involved comparing the results obtained using IMPACT 2002+ with those derived from the Eco-Indicator 99 (H) method.
The comparison focused on the relative contributions of each life cycle stage to the various impact categories, allowing
for an assessment of methodological consistency and reliability.
All characterization and damage modeling steps followed standardized LCIA procedures and employed default
methodological parameters provided by SimaPro, unless stated otherwise
Subsequently, by applying the characterization factors detailed in Table 10 to these scores, the damage scores
corresponding to the various mid-point impact categories were derived, as presented in Table 11.
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It was observed that only the carcinogenic human toxicity category exhibits inconsistencies across the different phases
of the process. A reversal of trends is noted in this category. According to the IMPACT 2002+ method, the phase of
adjuvant production has the highest harmful influence, estimated at 59%, followed by the cement production phase at
39.9%, while water production is the least harmful, contributing only 0.2%. In contrast, in the Eco-Indicator 99 method,
the cement production phase has the greatest harmful impact at 72.4%, followed by the adjuvant production phase at
11.8%, and water production remains the least harmful at 0.1%.
For the other categories, the results are very similar between the two methods, and in some cases, the results are
identical, such as for acidification and eutrophication.
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Table 10 Characterization scores for all life cycle phases of the concrete industry in Cameroon
Impact category Unit Admixture Water Portland Aggregate Raw Concrete Concrete Total
production extraction and cement production material mixing transport
distribution production transport
Human toxicity (carcinogenic) kg C₂H₃Cl eq 1.95 7.44×10⁻³ 1.02 5.05×10⁻² 7.75×10⁻² 1.42×10⁻¹ 6.32×10⁻² 3.32
Human toxicity (non- kg C₂H₃Cl eq 7.14×10⁻¹ 9.59×10⁻³ 5.93 3.82×10⁻² 3.60×10⁻¹ 6.75×10⁻¹ 3.01×10⁻¹ 8.03
carcinogenic)
Respiratory effects kg PM₂.₅ eq 3.19×10⁻² 3.08×10⁻⁴ 1.69×10⁻¹ 1.96×10⁻² 2.31×10⁻² 8.44×10⁻³ 1.95×10⁻² 2.72×10⁻¹
(inorganics)
Ionizing radiation Bq C-14 eq 1.21×10² 9.70×10⁻¹ 3.40×10² 5.03 2.21×10¹ 2.23×10¹ 1.81×10¹ 5.29×10²
Ozone layer depletion kg CFC-11 eq 9.50×10⁻⁸ 2.07×10⁻⁹ 1.20×10⁻⁶ 1.02×10⁻⁷ 1.71×10⁻⁷ 4.29×10⁻⁸ 1.34×10⁻⁷ 1.75×10⁻⁶
Respiratory effects (organics) kg C₂H₄ eq 2.70×10⁻² 7.04×10⁻⁵ 4.16×10⁻² 1.26×10⁻² 1.79×10⁻² 2.26×10⁻³ 1.39×10⁻² 1.15×10⁻¹
Aquatic ecotoxicity kg TEG eq (water) 4.41×10² 4.10 1.47×10³ 9.54×10¹ 6.94×10² 2.48×10² 5.83×10² 3.53×10³
Terrestrial ecotoxicity kg TEG eq (soil) 1.66×10² 1.74 1.07×10³ 3.14×10¹ 6.95×10² 1.43×10² 5.93×10² 2.70×10³
Terrestrial kg SO₂ eq 5.87×10⁻¹ 7.03×10⁻³ 4.83 4.78×10⁻¹ 6.31×10⁻¹ 1.76×10⁻¹ 5.40×10⁻¹ 7.25
acidification/eutrophication
Land occupation m² organic arable land 2.26×10⁻¹ 2.73×10⁻³ 2.54 4.35×10⁻¹ 1.02 3.03×10⁻¹ 8.73×10⁻¹ 5.41
Aquatic acidification kg SO₂ eq 1.80×10⁻¹ 2.32×10⁻³ 1.13 6.71×10⁻² 1.07×10⁻¹ 6.03×10⁻² 9.03×10⁻² 1.63
Aquatic eutrophication kg PO₄³⁻ eq 3.90×10⁻³ 5.58×10⁻⁵ 4.14×10⁻² 2.11×10⁻⁴ 1.38×10⁻³ 1.42×10⁻³ 1.14×10⁻³ 4.95×10⁻²
Climate change kg CO₂ eq 3.62×10¹ 2.47×10⁻¹ 3.47×10² 7.48 1.37×10¹ 1.11×10¹ 1.14×10¹ 4.27×10²
Non-renewable energy MJ primary 1.11×10³ 3.30 2.29×10³ 1.09×10² 2.15×10² 7.35×10¹ 1.69×10² 3.97×10³
Mineral extraction MJ surplus 6.07×10⁻¹ 2.51×10⁻³ 7.97 4.34×10⁻² 1.61×10⁻¹ 1.21 1.32×10⁻¹ 1.01×10¹
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Table 11 Environmental damage per life cycle stage of concrete production in Cameroon
Impact category Unit Admixture Water Portland Aggregate Raw Concrete Concrete Total
production extraction cement production material mixing rransport
and production transport
distribution
Human toxicity [DALY / kg vinyl chloride] 5.47×10⁻⁶ 2.08×10⁻⁸ 2.87×10⁻⁶ 1.41×10⁻⁷ 2.17×10⁻⁷ 3.99×10⁻⁷ 1.77×10⁻⁷ 9.29×10⁻⁶
(carcinogenic)
Human toxicity (non- [DALY / kg vinyl chloride] 2.00×10⁻⁶ 2.68×10⁻⁸ 1.66×10⁻⁵ 1.07×10⁻⁷ 1.01×10⁻⁶ 1.89×10⁻⁶ 8.42×10⁻⁷ 2.25×10⁻⁵
carcinogenic)
Respiratory effects [DALY / kg PM₂.₅] 2.23×10⁻⁵ 2.15×10⁻⁷ 1.18×10⁻⁴ 1.37×10⁻⁵ 1.62×10⁻⁵ 5.91×10⁻⁶ 1.37×10⁻⁵ 1.90×10⁻⁴
(inorganics)
Ionizing radiation [DALY / Bq Carbon-14] 2.55×10⁻⁸ 2.04×10⁻¹⁰ 7.13×10⁻⁸ 1.06×10⁻⁹ 4.63×10⁻⁹ 4.68×10⁻⁹ 3.81×10⁻⁹ 1.11×10⁻⁷
Ozone layer [DALY / kg CFC-11] 9.97×10⁻¹¹ 2.17×10⁻¹² 1.26×10⁻⁹ 1.07×10⁻¹⁰ 1.80×10⁻¹⁰ 4.50×10⁻¹¹ 1.41×10⁻¹⁰ 1.83×10⁻⁹
depletion
Aquatic ecotoxicity [PDF·m²·yr / kg triethylene 2.22×10⁻² 2.06×10⁻⁴ 7.36×10⁻² 4.79×10⁻³ 3.48×10⁻² 1.24×10⁻² 2.93×10⁻² 1.77×10⁻¹
glycol]
Terrestrial [PDF·m²·yr / kg triethylene 1.31 1.38×10⁻² 8.46 2.48×10⁻¹ 5.50 1.13 4.69 21.4
ecotoxicity glycol]
Terrestrial [PDF·m²·yr / kg SO₂ eq. in 6.11×10⁻¹ 7.31×10⁻³ 5.02 4.97×10⁻¹ 6.56×10⁻¹ 1.83×10⁻¹ 5.61×10⁻¹ 7.54
acidification/eutrop air]
hication
Land occupation [PDF·m²·yr / m² organic 2.46×10⁻¹ 2.97×10⁻³ 2.77 4.75×10⁻¹ 1.12 3.30×10⁻¹ 9.51×10⁻¹ 5.89
arable land]
Aquatic — — — — — — — — —
acidification*
Aquatic — — — — — — — — —
eutrophication*
Climate change [kg CO₂ / kg CO₂] 3.62×10¹ 2.47×10⁻¹ 3.47×10² 7.48 1.37×10¹ 1.11×10¹ 1.14×10¹ 4.27×10²
Non-renewable [MJ primary / MJ primary] 1.11×10³ 3.30 2.29×10³ 1.09×10² 2.15×10² 7.35×10¹ 1.69×10² 3.97×10³
energy or [MJ / kg Fe eq.]
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Mineral resource [MJ primary / MJ surplus] or 6.07×10⁻¹ 2.51×10⁻³ 7.97 4.34×10⁻² 1.61×10⁻¹ 1.21 1.32×10⁻¹ 1.01×10¹
extraction [MJ / kg crude oil]
* The IMPACT 2002+ method lacks damage factors for aquatic acidification and eutrophication, preventing damage score calculation.
Table 12 Life cycle impact contributions by stage and method (IMPACT 2002+ and Eco-Indicator 99 H)
material
material
cement
cement
extraction
extraction
Concrete transport
Concrete transport
and distribution
and distribution
Concrete mixing
Concrete mixing
production
production
production
production
production
production
Aggregate
Aggregate
transport
transport
Adjuvant
Adjuvant
Portland
Portland
Water
Water
Raw
Raw
Human toxicity (carcinogenic) * 59.0 0.2 30.9 1.5 2.2 4.3 1.8 11.8 0.1 72.4 0.4 3.4 9.1 2.8
Human toxicity (non-carcinogenic) 8.9 0.1 74.0 0.5 4.4 8.4 3.7 — — — — — — —
Inorganic respiratory effects + 11.8 0.1 62.4 7.2 8.3 3.1 7.1 11.0 0.1 64.6 6.3 8.1 3.0 6.9
Ionizing radiation + 23.0 0.2 64.3 1.0 4.0 4.2 3.3 22.9 0.2 64.4 1.0 4.0 4.2 3.3
Ozone layer depletion+ 5.7 0.1 71.3 6.1 7.9 2.6 6.4 5.0 0.1 77.1 4.4 6.3 2.0 5.1
Organic respiratory effects + 24.4 0.1 37.6 11.4 13.7 2.0 10.8 24.9 0.1 37.5 11.3 13.6 2.1 10.7
Aquatic ecotoxicity+ 12.7 0.1 42.1 2.7 19.1 7.1 16.2 12.3 0.1 53.3 1.0 9.1 16.5 7.7
Terrestrial ecotoxicity 6.2 0.1 39.8 1.2 25.6 5.3 21.9 — — — — — — —
Terrestrial acidification/eutrophication + 8.1 0.1 66.8 6.6 8.6 2.4 7.3 8.1 0.1 66.8 6.6 8.6 2.4 7.3
Land occupation + 4.2 0.1 47.2 8.1 18.8 5.6 16.1 3.5 0.0 40.6 25.3 14.4 3.8 12.3
Aquatic acidification 11.0 0.1 69.2 4.1 6.3 3.7 5.4 — — — — — — —
Aquatic eutrophication 7.9 0.1 83.9 0.4 2.6 2.9 2.2 — — — — — — —
Climate Change + 8.5 0.1 81.4 1.8 3.1 2.6 2.6 8.9 0.1 80.9 1.8 3.1 2.6 2.6
Non-renewable energy use 28.5 0.1 58.9 2.8 4.3 1.9 3.5 — — — — — — —
Mineral resource depletion + 6.0 0.0 78.8 0.4 1.5 11.9 1.3 6.0 0.0 78.8 0.4 1.5 11.9 1.3
*Impact categories with significant trend reversal between methods include: Human Toxicity (Carcinogenic). + Impact categories with similar results across both methods include. Categories marked with
“—” indicate unavailable data.
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Clinker consumption emerges as the most influential parameter in the environmental impact of concrete production in
Cameroon. In comparison, electricity use and transport distances show limited sensitivity, while other parameters play
a secondary role. These results suggest that mitigation efforts should focus primarily on reducing clinker-related
impacts.
Comparable values have been reported in the literature. For instance, Serres et al. [30] estimated emissions at 444 kg
CO₂-eq/m³ for conventional ready-mix concrete, while De Schepper et al. [22] reported 325 kg CO₂-eq/m³, and Petek
et al. [26] found values around 400 kg CO₂-eq/m³. These figures are all based on concrete mixes containing
approximately 350 kg of cement per cubic meter, which supports the finding that cement production contributes
between 80% and 90% of the total carbon footprint of concrete. This convergence in data highlights the significant
environmental burden of cement, thereby justifying the growing body of research dedicated to reducing its carbon
impact.
In this regard, Prusinski et al. [21] conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) on concrete made with slag-blended cement.
Their results show that a 50/50 mix of Portland cement and ground granulated blast-furnace slag results in emissions
of 307 kg CO₂-eq/m³, compared to 555 kg CO₂-eq/m³ for concrete made exclusively with Portland cement. These
findings demonstrate that substituting Portland cement with more eco-friendly alternatives can reduce the
environmental impact of concrete production by nearly half, representing a key strategy in sustainable construction
practices.
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population of Cameroon. Notably, CO₂ emissions alone contribute to 168 DALYs per year, representing an average loss
of approximately 5 minutes of life per individual, assuming 62% exposure to fine particulate matter as reported by
Brauer et al. [31].
Overall, the analysis clearly demonstrates that cement production is the dominant contributor to environmental
impacts across nearly all evaluated categories, including climate change, energy depletion, land use, and human health.
The latter, measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), emphasizes the urgency of implementing mitigation
strategies, particularly regarding CO2 emissions and air pollution from both cement manufacturing and transportation
activities. These results support the development of targeted interventions within Cameroon’s concrete sector, with a
particular emphasis on decarbonizing cement through alternative binders, improving energy efficiency across the
supply chain, and reducing transport-related emissions. By addressing these priority areas, substantial environmental
and public health benefits can be achieved, contributing to more sustainable construction practices in the region.
4. Conclusion
The present study offers a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of concrete production in Cameroon, integrating
empirical data from field investigations with internationally recognized methodological frameworks, notably ISO 14040
and the IMPACT 2002+ model. By examining both industrial and informal production systems, the research provides a
nuanced depiction of the technological, organizational, and environmental characteristics of the national concrete
sector.
Key findings reveal that Portland cement production is unequivocally the dominant contributor to environmental
impacts across all assessed categories, including climate change, energy and resource depletion, human toxicity, and
land occupation. With emissions reaching approximately 427 kg CO₂-eq/m3 of concrete, 81.3% of which stems from
cement, this result not only aligns with global LCA benchmarks but also underscores the urgency of transitioning
towards lower-carbon binders. Sensitivity analyses further highlight clinker consumption as the most environmentally
consequential parameter, thus offering a clear target for mitigation strategies.
Moreover, the study underscores the limitations of existing infrastructure, material transport inefficiencies, and process
variability, especially within informal and small-scale operations, exacerbating the environmental burden. The
integration of locally contextualized inventory data and assumptions strengthens the reliability of the impact
assessment, particularly in a region where comprehensive environmental datasets remain scarce.
Ultimately, this research contributes valuable regionalized data to the global discourse on sustainable construction,
offering evidence-based recommendations for reducing the environmental footprint of concrete in sub-Saharan Africa.
Policy measures should prioritize the decarbonization of cement production through the adoption of supplementary
cementitious materials, investment in energy-efficient technologies, and improvements in supply chain logistics. In
parallel, efforts must be directed towards formalizing quality standards within the informal sector to ensure
environmental compliance and structural reliability.
The approach demonstrated herein serves as a model for future assessments in comparable developing contexts, where
balancing rapid urbanization with sustainable material use remains a critical challenge. In doing so, this study provides
not only a methodological template but also an actionable roadmap for advancing environmental stewardship in the
concrete industry across the Global South.
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Acknowledgments
We gratefully acknowledge the managers and staff of the concrete batching plants visited for their cooperation and for
generously sharing operational data. Their support was essential to the fieldwork and significantly contributed to the
quality and depth of this study.
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