LAS VEGAS—By 2030 the U.S. population is expected to reach 363.5 million persons.
Supplying the needed housing, buildings and roads will lead to a 43 percent growth in
U.S. cement consumption by that year.
According to Edward J. Sullivan, PCA chief economist, annual cement consumption will
hit 183 million metric tons, reflecting a 55 million metric ton increase compared to the
past cyclical peak level in 2005.
“Sixty-three million more people will be living in the United States in 2030 and they will
need homes, schools, hospitals, and roads. This construction will boost demand for
cement to record levels.”
While 50 percent of the rise in cement consumption is due to population growth, the
remaining half will be driven by per capita cement consumption.
One sector that Sullivan predicts will incur large growth is highway construction.
Today, this segment accounts for 30 percent of total annual cement consumption. To
meet the demand of the expected additional 49 million drivers, at least 400,000
additional lane miles of highway must be added by 2030. Efforts to reduce congestion
and “wasted” fuel and its associated emissions could further increase the number of
miles.
Additionally, energy and environmental concerns are predicted to boost cement
intensities, the tons of cement per dollar of construction activity. For example, houses
built with insulating concrete form walls (ICFs) can require up to 44 percent less energy
to heat and 32 percent less energy to cool than comparable frame homes. As more
homeowners and builders seek energy efficient houses, the insulated concrete wall
market share is expected to increase to 30 percent all new homes, compared to its seven
percent share today.
“If these ‘green’ conditions materialize residential concrete construction will add
roughly eight million metric tons to the cement intensities in 2030,” Sullivan said.
About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.
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