In a remarkable showcase of innovation and sustainability, the building materials sector has recently unveiled a series of groundbreaking technologies and products that promise to reshape the industry. Among these pioneering developments is the world's first low-cost insulation supermaterial cement aerogel, a breakthrough cement combustion technology that couples oxygen combustion with carbon capture, and a unique cement plant that operates entirely without purchasing external electricity. These initiatives highlight a broader trend in which green technology is fundamentally transforming the landscape of construction materials.

The architectural materials industry is experiencing a significant metamorphosis fueled by advancements in green and low-carbon technologies, along with new material innovations and digital transformation efforts. The industry's potential for development and innovation appears significantly robust, positioning it for sustained growth and alignment with environmental objectives.

"A comprehensive and green transformation is an undeniable requirement for the building materials sector to achieve high-quality development," states Yan Xiaofeng, president of the China Building Materials Federation. According to him, the foundational conditions necessary for promoting a holistic green transformation within the industry are already in place.

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Responding to evolving conditions and demands, the building materials sector is strategically honing its industrial structure, laying a solid foundation for comprehensive green transformation. This includes structural changes in supply chains and production systems. The industry has ventured into collaborative forms of development, leading to systems where various sectors work cohesively, bolstering mutual advantages. Notably, the proportion of processing products within industries with significant scale has reached 63.5%, with over 40% of sub-sectors transitioning to being driven by consumption and industrial chain needs rather than solely relying on investment-driven models.

The thrust for energy-saving and carbon-reduction practices is accelerating. Key sectors such as cement, flat glass, and sanitary ceramics are rapidly advancing energy-efficient and low-carbon technologies, with a notable increase in the proportion of production capacity meeting or exceeding current benchmark standards. For instance, the production capacity of cement clinker above benchmark levels has increased by ten percentage points since 2020, along with a continual optimization of fuel structure as natural gas and electricity replace coal. Moreover, the application of distributed photovoltaic and wind power systems has significantly increased the proportion of clean energy used in production processes.

The green credentials of the building materials sector are rapidly ascending. By maximizing the utilization of industrial solid waste within the industry, a collaborative developmental model is gradually being established, linking coal, chemicals, and power generation with the building materials sector. Reports indicate that the annual comprehensive recycling of industrial solid waste has surpassed 1.8 billion tons, with over 25% of cement clinker production lines now equipped to concurrently process municipal waste, sludge, and hazardous waste. Collectively, these initiatives have led to an annual surplus of over 40 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity generated from waste heat, with a remarkable 95% coverage in cement clinker production lines.

As a result, the energy consumption and carbon emission intensity per unit of major products in the sector are on a downward trajectory. Compared to 2020 levels, as of 2023, energy consumption per ten thousand industrial yuan has decreased by 10.3%, while carbon dioxide emissions have dropped by 16%, indicating significant strides towards reducing the sector's environmental impact.

Furthermore, the growth of green low-carbon products in the building materials sector is notably swift, with industry organizations undertaking focused scientific research and technology breakthroughs. Innovations such as iron-aluminate cement and carbon-sequestration products have yielded exceptional developments. Green building materials have consistently achieved over 10% revenue growth, with 72 product categories included in the green building materials certification system. "As of September, the number of certified companies in green building materials has surpassed 5,300, with over 12,000 certified products available," shares Yan Xiaofeng, adding that the cement industry has achieved peak carbon emissions, and there is optimism that the entire sector will follow suit before 2025.

Notably, the new materials segment of the building materials industry continues to grow, currently accounting for 20% of the sector; this has become a vital support for strategic emerging industries such as new-generation information technologies, aerospace, and rail transport. The 2024 industry conference recently highlighted numerous technological accomplishments, emphasizing a shift towards greater efficiency and innovation.

An exceptional example presented was a modular building that can be constructed in just two hours, mirroring the mass production techniques used in automobile and appliance manufacturing. Gao Hongjun, chairman of Beijing Jinyu New Material Industrialization Group, elaborated on this foldable composite building, which features pods tailored for various functions and can cover an area up to 45 square meters. This solution effectively addresses common challenges associated with composite structures such as airtightness, waterproofing, and sound insulation.

The aerogel made primarily from cement is distinguished by its low density and excellent insulation properties while being a fraction of the cost of conventional aerogel options. "In the future, cement aerogel will have a wide range of applications within the building material domain," asserts She Wei, dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Southeast University.

According to Bai Jie, deputy director of the Department of High Technology at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, there are three key focal areas for driving technological innovation in the building materials sector: 1) Promoting green development within the sector, emphasizing the continuous advancement of core technologies, and advocating for a sustainable low-carbon transition. 2) Stimulating intelligent development by integrating AI and cutting-edge information technologies with building materials science, thereby enhancing R&D efficiencies. 3) Pursuing high-end development through innovative advancements in premium building materials while strengthening the transformation and application of technological achievements.

The outlook for the building materials industry is stabilizing positively according to Yan Xiaofeng, who has outlined immediate targets for 2025 alongside longer-term objectives for 2030 and 2035. By 2025, significant strides in the green transformation of pivotal sectors within the building materials sector are expected. For example, actual cement clinker production capacity will be kept within 1.8 billion tons, while CO2 emissions from the industry as a whole are projected to decrease by 18%, compared to 2020. By then, it is anticipated that production capacity exceeding energy efficiency benchmarks will represent 30% for cement clinker, 20% for flat glass, and 30% for sanitary ceramics, with all sub-standard capacities undergoing retrofitting or decommissioning.

By 2030, the optimization of production capacity across the industrial layout will lead to over 50% of consumption attributed to industrial and residential end-users, effectively addressing the overcapacity issue within the supply chain. Carbon emissions from the building materials sector should witness a substantial decline, with improved efficiency metrics aligning with international standards.

By 2035, the establishment of a green low-carbon circular economy framework is anticipated, fostering widespread adoption of sustainable production and living practices, leading to marked collaborative benefits in pollution reduction and carbon reduction. The efficient utilization of key resources is expected to reach internationally recognized levels, propelling the entire industry toward a green low-carbon trajectory, with initial shifts toward achieving carbon neutrality.

Regarding industry-wide concerns about overcapacity, particularly in the cement sector, Yan Xiaofeng identifies this issue as a pivotal factor influencing steady industry operations. "It is crucial to reinforce total capacity control for cement clinker and establish definitive guidelines. An evaluative monitoring mechanism will ensure that actual production capacity is limited to 1.8 billion tons, prohibiting any cement clinker production capacities from surpassing this total," he affirms.