LafargeHolcim allocates CHF160 million to reduce carbon footprint in Europe

“We are cognisant of our impact on the environment and will remain at the forefront of efforts to mitigate climate change,” said Marcel Cobuz, Region Head Europe. “With this investment in Europe, we are taking a further step to become more carbon efficient. We are not only investing to reduce CO₂ in our own operations, but are also seeking the collaboration with our customers across the value chain to improve the carbon efficiency of buildings and infrastructure throughout their lifecycle.”

One of the key levers to improve carbon efficiency is to integrate the principle of circular economy into the cement production process by using waste materials instead of fossil fuels, and primary raw materials. In 2018, LafargeHolcim repurposed 11 million t of waste materials, including 2 million t of non-recyclable plastics that would otherwise end up in landfills, for example, creating further CO₂ emissions. By stepping up its efforts in Europe, the company aims to repurpose an additional 1.5 million t of waste, which would lead to avoiding 1 million tpy of CO₂.

As part of the roadmap, LafargeHolcim will also increase the use of mineral alternatives and waste materials. On average, the company uses 4.5 million t to replace clinker with byproducts from other industries. It is during the production of clinker, the main component of cement, when most CO₂ emissions associated with cement occur. Additional efforts to replace clinker will allow the company to increase the CO₂ efficiency of its cements produced in Europe by 1 million t.

Portfolio of low carbon solutions to be expanded across Europe

In all countries, LafargeHolcim is working on products and services to help its customers improve the carbon efficiency of buildings and infrastructure across their lifecycle. In France, for example, the company has recently launched Lafarge360, a new integrated offer that includes scoring and carbon footprint modelling, enabling informed decisions around the environmental impact of their project. Furthermore, low carbon products are designated in France, Poland, and Romania for soil stabilisations, ensuring a better life cycle assessment of the road structure. The company is also working on masonry cements in Frnace and Romania, with a carbon footprint that is 50% lower than pure cement, while ensuring enhanced properties like workability or wall adhesion. With Airium, the company has developed an innovative, safe, green, durable, and affordable insulation alternative to traditional insulation. Priority countries for this solution include France, Austria, Switzerland, and Poland.

The company is a preferred building materials partner for low carbon construction solutions. Its innovative concrete and cement products allow for CO₂ savings of up to 70% compared to standard ordinary portalnd cement products. The company is committed to continuous carbon intensity reduction of its portfolio, as demonstrated by its leadership position on carbon efficiency (576 kg of CO₂/tonne of cementitious material in 2018), as well as a 2030 target (520 kg of CO₂/tonne of cementitious material) that is aligned with the 2°C scenario of the Paris COP21 climate agreement.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/18092019/lafargeholcim-allocates-chf160-million-to-reduce-carbon-footprint-in-europe/