Overview

• Reproducing ancient Roman concrete demands similar energy and water inputs and emits comparable amounts of CO₂ per unit volume to modern cement.
• Roman formulations can lower nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide emissions by 11–98 percent, with the greatest cuts achieved when kilns are powered by renewable energy.
• Ancient Roman concrete’s self-healing properties and absence of steel reinforcement corrosion contribute to its millennia-long durability.
• Modeling indicates Roman mixtures must outlast current formulations by at least 41 percent for buildings and 29 percent for roads to equalize their cumulative emissions impact.
• Researchers plan detailed performance and lifespan evaluations under contemporary conditions and emphasize that only new production technologies or renewable fuels can unlock carbon-reduction benefits.