TED Tech A concrete plan for sustainable cement | Ryan Gilliam
7 snips
Aug 29, 2025 Ryan Gilliam, a clean tech innovator and serial entrepreneur, shares his groundbreaking process to convert cement production waste back into limestone. He discusses the staggering impact of cement on global carbon emissions, accounting for 8% of total pollution. Gilliam's approach offers a competitive, eco-friendly solution that leverages existing infrastructure. The conversation also touches on the potential of carbon capture technology and the evolving market for green cement, highlighting initiatives aimed at boosting sustainability in this industry.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Work With Industry, Not Against It
- Cement's industry constraints must shape climate solutions for real impact.
- Working within existing feedstocks, infrastructure and regs unlocks gigaton-scale change.
Why Cement Is So Carbon-Intensive
- Limestone inherently contains CO2 that is released during cement production.
- Emissions come both from heating fuels and the chemical decomposition of limestone itself.
Nature-Inspired Limestone Reinvention
- Forterra drew inspiration from Calera and how marine life forms limestone like vaterite.
- That reactive powder absorbs CO2 and can transform into a cementing material when mixed with water.