Project description
The Climate Trust contracted to purchase offsets from a project that encourages the use of blended cement. The manufacturing process for conventional cement releases approximately one ton of carbon dioxide for every ton of cement produced. In blended cement, industrial byproducts replace part of the conventional cement, which reduces carbon intensity while maintaining structural integrity.

In the first phase of the project, The Climate Trust paid Horst Inc., a leading firm in sustainable design services and materials to recruit participants and provide incentives for using blended cement in construction and civil works projects. Part of the offset funding was contingent on certification of the use of blended cement. The first phase was completed in five years and delivered all contracted carbon offsets.

The Climate Trust wanted to build on the success of the program and opted for a second phase of the Cool Climate Concrete program with West Main Consultants, LLC, which was formerly Horst Inc.

How the project reduces emissions
During the manufacturing of Portland cement, greenhouse gases are generated and released through two events: fossil fuel burning by the cement kiln to make clinker and the calcination process of cement clinker production. For every ton of Portland Cement produced, approximately one ton of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. The use of blended cements reduces the amount of Portland Cement used in construction, and, in turn, also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere with the use of standard unblended cement.

Why carbon finance was needed
With The Climate Trust's funding, West Main Consultants, LLC, is able to overcome numerous technical and administrative barriers that exist to the widespread use of blended cement. Also, none of the existing civil engineering programs has the funds available to launch this project.

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