Holcim US’ 2023 sustainability achievements accelerate decarbonisation

In the US, Holcim hit significant sustainability milestones in 2023 with initiatives across the country and even more planned for 2024.

“A realistic approach to a net-zero, fully sustainable future requires us to consider all facets of our operations and products”, said Michael LeMonds, Holcim US’ chief sustainability officer and vice president of ESG. “We’re committed to decarbonising without compromise, transitioning to renewable energy, developing new carbon capture technology, and more as we drive the circular economy in leading by example.”

In one significant sign of its commitment, in 2023 Holcim became the first company in the cement sector to sign the US Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge, pledging to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25% across a 10 year period.

Other major sustainability milestones from this year include:

Producing and selling record levels of sustainable products

• OneCem (PLC) volumes increased to 83% in 2023 compared to 57% in 2022, reducing approximately 1.5 million t of CO₂ emissions.
• ECOPact low-carbon concrete represented nearly 27% of Holcim US’ ready-mix volumes, tripling the volume in 2022 and reducing 123 000 t of CO₂ emissions.
• Investing $100 million project at its Ste. Genevieve (Missouri) Cement Plant—the largest single-kiln line in the world—that will reduce net CO₂ emissions by 400 000 tpy.

Accelerating use of renewable energy

Implemented and announced initiatives to power 45% of operations with renewable energy (a significant increase from 10% in 2022).

• Holcim’s largest solar array in the Midwest broke ground at the Alpena (Michigan) cement plant.
• Joined the New York Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) programme to generate green energy with solar arrays on Holcim’s non-mineable aggregate sites and with offsite arrays within the agreement.
• Combination solar power and battery energy storage system underway at the Portland (Colorado) cement plant.

Replacing fossil fuels with alternative fuel

• Co-processed 400 000 t of industrial byproducts into alternative fuels to power operations and 1.5 million t of industrial byproducts into alternative raw materials to produce low-carbon cement.
• New tire-derived fuel (TDF) facility went online at the Alpena cement plant, supported with grants from the State of Michigan.

These efforts are only part of Holcim’s work toward the transition to net zero. From offering low-carbon cements and concretes to incorporating renewable energy to innovative carbon capture research, the company continues to put sustainability first.

“Holcim is leading the way in transforming its operations and products to enable strong, sustainable and resilient infrastructure and building development across the US”, said Zach Friedman, director of federal policy for nonprofit sustainability advocacy organisation Ceres. “The company's actions demonstrate a deep commitment to tackling the climate crisis with innovative solutions and with vital policy advocacy that aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement.”

Market demand for sustainable building solutions is expected to grow, fueled by the Buy Clean initiative, which prioritises the use of US-made, low-carbon construction materials, and climate actions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act. Project owners, architects, engineers and others will continue to call for innovative, sustainable solutions and products that Holcim is uniquely poised to provide.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/18122023/holcim-us-2023-sustainability-achievements-accelerate-decarbonisation/