Carbon intensity benchmarking system for the ceramic industry

The article discusses the opportunities and methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated in the manufacture of ceramic products. It presents decarbonization methods recommended by international as well as national specialized associations and agencies. The authors discuss approaches to reducing technological (generated by decarburization of raw materials) and energy (caused by fuel combustion) emissions. Using the example of ceramic brick production, authors analyze the carbon intensity levels achieved by enterprises of various countries and regions. They emphasize the key role of benchmarking in setting targets for the carbon intensity of products and discuss the main international and national benchmarking systems. The authors propose the methodological approach and the software package “Assessment of carbon intensity (benchmarking) of the ceramic industry in the Russian Federation” based on the abovementioned methodological approach. Based on the pilot software runs, a benchmarking system was developed for the enterprises of the ceramic industry to establish indicative sectoral greenhouse gas emission values.