Problem is, cement production emits 8% of global CO2 four times that of air travel.
When limestone is heated in a kiln, calcium carbonate breaks down into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
Around 60% of the cement industrys total emissions are a result of this process.
By using certain industrial by-products, like slag from steelmaking,Cemvision sidesteps this chemical reaction entirely.
The other 40% of cements emissions come from the energy needed to superheat limestone in a kiln.
Today most kilns are powered by coal, oil, and natural gas.
In the EU, some evenburn rubbish.
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In December it signed up its first client, Swedish mining giant LKAB.
Cement users are also demanding greener options.
Hallen also says that the companys cement can simply drop-in to existing infrastructure, enabling rapid adoption.
Moreover, its product is just as strong and durable as normal cement.
Globally, that market is worth around $400bn, so theres plenty of room for growth.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
