Seyedeh Sahar Ghaemmaghami Hezaveh, Rasul Nasiri, Mohamad Reza Masoudinezhad, Saeed Motassadi Zarandi, Morteza Tahamipour,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cement production is the source of 7% of global CO2 emissions. In order to reduce emissions by 0.7% annually until 2030, the cement industries can adopt the circular economy model. The present study aimed to assess the environmental sustainability of the Sufian cement industry based on the circular economy model.
Materials and Methods: Based on the circular economy model of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, this research was conducted in three steps in the Sufian Cement Factory in 2021-22: Step1. Data were collected on fuel consumption, electricity, water, production waste, released gases and costs; Step 2. Based on literature review and experts opinions strategies and solutions to move towards a circular economy were determined; Step 3. The index of linearity and rotation in the current and future state was calculated for the Sufian cement industry.
Results: The data obtained showed that the Sufian cement industry is currently heavily dependent on primary raw materials and operates in a linear economy. Implementing the recommended strategies would be expected to reduce the linearity index to below 1 and increase the rotation index to above 0.1. These findings indicate a positive shift towards a circular economy.
Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that the Sufian cement industry is currently totally based on linear economy, but it can, through implementing the relevant strategies, potentially transit to a circular economy, which will increase the factory’s net profit, protect resources and reduce CO2 emissions.
