Toward a sustainable world

Carbon Free Concrete

Next-generation carbon-free concrete with almost no CO2 emissions

Due to environmental issues including global warming, it is essential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Concrete is used in various structures, but a large amount of carbon dioxide is emitted during the production of its cement material.


We have researched and developed next-generation geopolymer cement using geopolymers, which emit little CO2, instead of cement in collaboration with Yokohama National University and the IHI Group.

Conventional concrete

  • Cement
  • Aggregate
    (sand and gravel)
  • Water
  • Conventional concrete

Geopolymer concrete

  • Geopolymer
    almost no CO2 emissions during production
  • Aggregate
    (sand and gravel)
  • Water
  • Geopolymer concrete

Unlimited possibilities of geopolymers

With the same strength but higher heat and acid resistance than conventional concrete, geopolymer concrete does not easily cause an alkali-aggregate reaction (degradation), which is one of the problems of cement concrete. Since it is a recent material, however, there is no standardized production method or widespread applicability as a structural material, and so it has not been widely used in practice.


We have researched and developed this geopolymer concrete in collaboration with Yokohama National University and the IHI Group and cultivated unique know-how, including the appropriate mixture ratio according to the operating environment or purpose.
We are conducting further research and development to enable geopolymer concrete to replace conventional cement concrete as a next-generation structural material.

Geopolymer concrete product

Cemenon™ by IHI Construction Materials Co., Ltd.

Made of metakaolin, which contains almost no calcium, Cemenon™ has about 15 times higher acid resistance than conventional cement concrete. Cemenon™ greatly improves the service life of structures in an acidic environment, such as sewage facilities and hot spring facilities. With a finer microstructure, this product has significantly high water permeation resistance. Neutron shielding properties can also be added. By using this product in medical or nuclear facilities, which require radiation shielding capabilities, the conventional reinforced concrete walls can be made thinner, freeing up more space.


We aim to achieve a decarbonized society with the IHI Group through the development of material for Cemenon™.

* Cemenon™ is a registered trademark of IHI Construction Materials Co., Ltd.

regular concrete
Cemenon™

Comparison of acid resistance between regular concrete and Cemenon™ (photos courtesy of IHI Construction Materials Co., Ltd.)

Reduction in CO2 emissions
(data provided by IHI Construction Materials Co., Ltd.)

Shield segment made of Cemenon™ (photo courtesy of IHI Construction Materials Co., Ltd.)