Trends in research and development toward carbon neutrality and a circular economy in the Japanese concrete industry

Abstract

At present, Japan—similar to many other countries—is undertaking government-supported research and development aimed at transitioning the cement and concrete sectors toward carbon neutrality and a circular economy. This study introduces the approaches adopted by Japan’s cement industry, which operates under unique geological conditions with limited domestic resources, as well as the initiatives pursued within the concrete sector.　Because Japan has emphasized resource and energy efficiency since the oil crisis of the 1970s, background information on research and development originally conducted to reduce resource consumption during that period is also incorporated. Although carbon neutrality is a global challenge, each country faces distinct historical and contextual constraints, including geological and resource-related boundary conditions. Research and development efforts must therefore be tailored to national circumstances. In this respect, Japan’s experience is presented here as an illustrative case.