The Future of Cement
Blended cements are a cornerstone of the cement industry’s transition toward carbon neutrality, as outlined in the Portland Cement Association Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality. By incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, slag, and limestone, blended cements reduce the reliance on traditional clinker—the most carbon-intensive component of cement production.
This approach directly lowers embodied carbon while maintaining or enhancing performance characteristics like durability, workability, and long-term strength. As the industry advances toward net-zero goals, blended cements represent one of the most immediate, scalable, and cost-effective strategies available.
Aligned with the PCA roadmap, increased adoption of Portland-limestone cement (PLC) and other blended systems plays a critical role in reducing CO₂ emissions, conserving natural resources, and supporting sustainable infrastructure development. This presentation explores the types of blended cements, their performance benefits, implementation challenges, and their essential role in achieving a carbon-neutral built environment.
Presented by: Gary Kirk, CalPortland
CalPortland Company is a leading vertically integrated producer of cement, concrete, aggregates, and construction materials in the Western United States. Gary Kirk is Vice President of Cement Technical Services for CalPortland Company and works out of the “Crestmore Center of Technical Excellence” in Jurupa Valley, CA. Focusing on research, quality assurance, and developing innovative, and sustainable products. CalPortland develops innovative products like its ADVANCEMENT™ line of low-carbon cements, which are based on specific blended formulations. Its Carbon Reduction Team focuses on science-based strategies for decarbonization.CalPortland is a major producer of cement in the Western United States with four manufacturing facilities, and five deep-water import terminals. Gary is responsible for Technical Services for domestically manufactured cement, imported cement, and transfer cement terminals throughout CalPortland. Gary has over 35 years of experience in the industry and active in numerous associations.
