ESG Today writes that building materials account for a large portion of the world' GHG footprint and cement production accounts for 8% of the planet's total share of emissions, with 900 kilograms of emissions being generated for every ton of produced material.

California-based Furno is a 2020-founded startup that enables the production of net-zero cement, using an innovative manufacturing process, based on gas, rather than solid fossil fuels, which company experts say cuts the carbon footprint significantly. In addition, the process doesn't generate any nitrogen oxides or sulfur oxides.

Another important advantage this technology offers in the production process is that no new plants have to be built, but rather, industry members can use Furno's modular and carbon neutral units, which can be scaled according to individual needs.

Following the investment announcement, Furno officials presented the company's cement production unit, called Furno Brick, which they say has 80% better thermal efficiency, doubling what traditional cement facilities can achieve.

Gurinder Nagra, Furno Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said that "our mission is to go the distance by innovating at the heart of cement production and operating as a complement to other technological developments in the cement space."

Furno's 6.5 million USD financing round was led by Energy Capital Ventures (ECV) and saw participation from Cantos and Neotribe.