Eco-efficiency and environmental trade-offs of calcium sulfoaluminate cement using a large-scale parametric LCA model

This study presents a large-scale parametric environmental life cycle and economic analysis of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) clinker production as an alternative to Portland cement (PC) clinkers. A total of 20,448 scenarios were assessed by combining variations in clinker formulations, fuel mix, carbon capture strategies, plant configurations, and regional contexts. The methodology integrates a cradle-to-gate attributional Python-based LCA and cost model to create a large-scale parametrization approach that accounts for different decarbonization strategies. Results show that CSA clinkers with low ye'elimite content (40% or less) can reduce the carbon footprint compared to PC, with improved or comparable eco-efficiency, while ensuring more eco-efficient implementation of carbon capture. However, trade-offs arise in categories such as mineral and metal depletion, fossil energy use and others. The deep parametrization approach enables a more comprehensive understanding of environmental and economic performance beyond climate impact alone, while challenging current decarbonization strategies.