Comparison of critical input parameters and key environmental indicators for cement production in India

The effective application of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology for impact assessment relies on good input data quality and relevant characterisation factors that convert the inventory to appropriate impact indicators. Additionally, having representative data from relevant geographical locations and specific technologies is imperative for assessing national and regional impact contributions. Therefore, this study utilised a database generated for cement production in India, illustrating the approach to be used when no databases are available, as in developing economies. The specific energy consumed (kiln efficiency), type and amount of fuel, and electricity production are critical for clinker production. The identified parameters from different cement plants were compared along with the assessed key environmental indicators, such as the global warming potential and energy consumed. The range of impact indicators associated with clinker and cements were assessed for the typical Indian case. For ordinary portland cement (OPC), in the ground-to-gate system, the CO2 emissions for a tonne of cement range from 910 to 1000 kg CO2 eq., and energy consumed from 5440 to 6365 MJ, whereas the values for the gate-to-gate system vary from 840 to 905 kg CO2 and from 3930 to 4580 MJ, respectively. The impact values of OPC are basically affected by the impact of the clinker and clinker ratio. The substantial lowering of the impacts in blended cements have been highlighted.