LC3 technology drives decarbonization in Viet Nam's cement sector

On August 27, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Viet Nam Institute for Building Materials (VIBM), the Low Carbon Construction Association (LCCA), the Embassy of Switzerland in Viet Nam, and the Viet Nam National Cement Association (VNCA) jointly organized a workshop titled “Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) - Applications and Practices.” The event brought together representatives from government agencies, researchers, businesses and development partners.

LC3 can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 40% compared with conventional portland cement

According to Le Thi Thanh Thao, UNIDO Representative to Viet Nam, decarbonizing industry is increasingly becoming a priority for Viet Nam. The transition must not only serve climate goals but also link to enhanced competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable growth.

“In the cement industry, this process needs to be implemented through an integrated approach that combines policy, technology, finance and market development. This direction is also consistent with the priority of ‘Promoting a just transition towards green industry and a circular economy’ under the National Program for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development in Viet Nam for 2025-2028, jointly implemented by UNIDO and the Government of Viet Nam.

Solutions such as LC3 not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also create room for technological innovation, improve raw material efficiency, and maintain the cement industry's competitiveness throughout the green transition. We are committed to promoting cooperation, connecting partners and supporting the scaling up of proven effective models,” Thao said.

Cement and concrete are indispensable materials for infrastructure development. However, cement production currently accounts for around 7-8% of global CO₂ emissions. In Viet Nam, the cement industry contributes approximately 16% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, creating an urgent need for technological transformation and emissions reduction.

Against this backdrop, LC3 is a practical, highly scalable solution. The technology allows replacing part of the clinker with calcined clay and limestone, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 40% compared with conventional Portland cement while maintaining the required performance and durability.

Another advantage of LC3 is that it can make extensive use of existing cement production infrastructure, reducing the need for new investment. This is considered a major advantage for Viet Nam as it transitions the cement industry toward a low-carbon pathway.

LC3 emerged from research at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland and has gradually become a low-carbon cement solution being researched and applied in many countries. For Viet Nam, the technology offers an opportunity to simultaneously advance the country’s commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, its Green Growth Strategy and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Using clay in LC3 production can also make better use of domestic raw materials, strengthen local value chains, and ease pressure on increasingly scarce alternative materials used to replace clinker in cement production.

A comprehensive assessment is needed

Hoang Huu Tan, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology, Environment and Building Materials under the Ministry of Construction, emphasized that the development of LC3 in Viet Nam needs a comprehensive assessment, grounded in scientific evidence and aligned with local conditions.

Accordingly, key aspects to be considered include the availability and quality of clay, calcination and blending technologies, product performance and durability, economic efficiency, the system of technical standards and regulations, and market acceptance. Solutions should also be validated based on the raw materials, technologies and actual production conditions of Viet Nam’s domestic cement industry.

At the workshop, participants discussed global trends in reducing carbon emissions from the cement industry; LC3 technology and its potential application in Viet Nam; domestic clay resources; calcination, grinding and blending technologies; technical standards and regulations; as well as sustainable development strategies for the cement industry.

Benjamin Müller, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Switzerland in Viet Nam, said Switzerland is one of the countries playing an important role in the research, development and promotion of knowledge exchange on LC3. The LCCA has supported efforts to advance the application of this solution in markets around the world.

“LC3 demonstrates how research, international cooperation and industrial innovation can be combined to address climate challenges. We are pleased to support knowledge exchange and partnerships that contribute to Viet Nam’s sustainable industrial development,” Benjamin Müller said.