Challenges and strategies of architecture and sustainability in cement production: a cross-country comparison

Eghbalian, Pouya; Qobadiyan, Vahid; Mahmoudi Zarandi, Mahnaz

doi:10.22034/jumes.2024.2020193.1191

Challenges and strategies of architecture and sustainability in cement production: a cross-country comparison

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Pouya Eghbalian ¹

Vahid Qobadiyan ²

Mahnaz Mahmoudi Zarandi ³

¹ Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Art and Architecture, UAE Branch, Islamic Azad University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

² Associated Professor, Department of Art and Architecture, Tehran-Center Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

³ Associated Professor, Department of Architecture, Tehran-North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/jumes.2024.2020193.1191

Abstract

The global cement industry is facing increasing scrutiny due to its environmental impacts and resource consumption. This study compares sustainability practices in Italian, German and Iranian cement industries. It focuses on waste management, resource efficiency and environmental effects during cement production. The aim of this research is to identify the differences in sustainable practices between Italian, German and Iranian cement industries and to investigate the factors that create these differences. What is the sustainability of Iran's cement industry compared to other countries? The current type of research is comparative and this study analyzes the Italian and German cement industries using data up to 2021. It examines aspects such as cement production, waste management, alternative materials and fuels. The limited availability of data limits the assessment of Iran's industry to a preliminary analysis. Germany excels in sustainability with proactive waste management, resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact, particularly through the use of recycled solid fuel. Conversely, Italy faces challenges in waste management, significant disposal of landfill waste and slow progress in adopting alternative materials and fuels. Italy and Germany have made significant progress, while Iran relies on older production methods. Addressing these disparities is critical to Iran's alignment with global sustainability efforts. Reassessing waste management, improving resource efficiency and meeting sustainability standards are vital in reducing the environmental impact of the cement industry.

Keywords

Cement industry

environmental impacts

Italian cement industry

German cement industry

global sustainability

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