Assessment of Carbon Footprint of a Cement Manufacturing Plant in Niger State

This study assesses the carbon footprint of a cement manufacturing plant in Niger State, North Central Nigeria, quantifying greenhouse gas emissions across the full production process from raw material extraction to product despatch. Cement manufacturing is the largest industrial source of carbon dioxide emissions in Nigeria, with the country's rapidly expanding production capacity increasing the sector's climate significance. The study employs the GHG Protocol Industrial Sector Guidance for Cement Manufacture as the accounting framework, drawing on twelve months of production and energy consumption data provided by the plant management, supplemented by field measurements and engineering calculations for emission sources where data records are incomplete. Scope 1 emissions from clinker production through limestone calcination and kiln fuel combustion are quantified, along with Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity and Scope 3 emissions from quarrying, transport, and distribution logistics. Emission intensity is expressed as tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per tonne of cement produced and compared against industry benchmarks. Results indicate an emission intensity of 0.91 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per tonne of cement, comparable to the global developing country average but with identified opportunities for reduction in kiln fuel efficiency and thermal energy recovery. Clinker calcination emissions constitute 62 percent of total Scope 1, with kiln fuel combustion contributing 29 percent. Scope 2 emissions are elevated relative to global benchmarks because on-site diesel generation substitutes for unreliable grid supply. Recommendations include clinker-to-cement ratio reduction through blended cement production and installation of heat recovery power generation. Keywords: carbon footprint, cement manufacturing, greenhouse gas emissions, Niger State, climate management.