Crude bioglycerol from biodiesel and oleochemicals manufacturing is a multifunctional grinding aid and quality improver for the production of cement, capable of largely greening the concrete construction industry. This low-cost renewable by-product is now used by industry as a cement grinding aid as well as a curing and form-release agent, replacing oil-derived ingredients traditionally employed by the industry for over 50 years. Reviewing and providing new data on the usage and applications that have emerged in the last decade, we provide a unified picture answering most aspects required for a wider and fuller utilization of this versatile oleochemical in the ubiquitous concrete building industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd