A newly published report by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) highlights the progress made by the cement and concrete industry in cutting COâ‚‚ emissions. The industry has been working on developing carbon capture and storage, increasing the use of alternative energy, and adopting new materials and technology to reduce emissions. The report showcases the leading role that companies across the world are playing in the decarbonisation of the industry. The report also mentions the GCCA's Cement and Concrete Industry's 2050 Net Zero Roadmap, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5C. The report includes independently verified data showing a 23% drop in COâ‚‚ emission intensity of cement-related material compared to 1990 levels. The report also highlights various initiatives and projects around the world that contribute to decarbonisation efforts, such as the use of solar power, hydrogen, and sustainable materials. The GCCA and its members, representing 80% of global cement production capacity outside of China, have committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating CO2 emissions in concrete. The report emphasizes the importance of concrete in delivering adequate housing and infrastructure to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The report will be launched at the GCCA's Concrete Future Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai.
Ian Riley, CEO of the World Cement Association (WCA), emphasizes that the challenge in implementing decarbonisation initiatives in the cement industry is not so much about funds as it is about return on investment. Riley lists improving energy efficiency, switching to low-carbon fuels and electricity, and reducing clinker in cement as the three key levers available to cement companies worldwide to reduce CO2 emissions. Riley highlights the importance of regulations in incentivising quicker and more comprehensive decarbonisation. Governments can promote low-carbon cement and concrete through preferential procurement policies and by revising standards to focus on performance without being too restrictive on the materials. He also points out that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is starting to play a role in optimising process control in the cement industry to reduce variability and improve quality, cost, and reduce emissions.
The Cement Association of Canada (CAC) has released an official statement in response to the Federal Fall Economic Statement. The CAC supports the measures and investments announced in the statement, particularly in advancing Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Investment Tax Credits (CCUS ITC). The CAC emphasizes the importance of attracting investment in industrial decarbonisation to keep Canada competitive and reduce carbon emissions. The President and CEO of the CAC commends the government's recognition of carbon capture and storage and highlights the cement industry's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The CAC also welcomes the investments in housing, as they address the growing demand for housing and promote the development of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly homes. Cement is seen as a fundamental building material that can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of homes.
The cement industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 8% of total CO2 emissions. As countries and industries strive to achieve their climate targets, decarbonising the cement sector is crucial. The World Cement Association and the Cement Association of Canada are actively working towards reducing the environmental impact of cement production and promoting sustainable construction practices.
Holcim North America is introducing its ECOAsh beneficiated ash within its western Canadian Lafarge operations, with plans for future expansion into the United States. ECOAsh is a high-quality, specification-grade Type F fly ash reclaimed from landfills and transformed into a valuable resource for enhancing cement and concrete construction applications. Holcim's new processing facility in Alberta will use advanced beneficiation technology and proprietary techniques to produce fly ash with equivalent performance and more consistent quality compared to any freshly produced Type F fly ash commercially available. The facility will commence production and product supply to customers in Western Canada in the first quarter of 2024.
Holcim US is also expanding its low-carbon cement capacity with a $20.5 million investment in a cement storage dome in Fremont, Nebraska. The dome has a capacity to store 50,000 tons of cement and will boost local economic development and create jobs. It meets the Nebraska Department of Transportation's blended cement requirement and adds natural pozzolan to create a lower carbon product. Holcim US aims to become a net-zero company and is a global leader in sustainable building solutions.
The Holcim Hagerstown plant in Maryland is expanding its alternative thermal energy capacity to 45%, representing 58,000 tpy of engineered fuel. The $11 million project will replace traditional fuels with alternative thermal energy, improving the plant's sustainability profile. The alternative thermal energy will be sourced from non-recyclable commercial and industrial materials, such as packaging materials. The plant also has a solar field that generates renewable power. Holcim Hagerstown's cement is used in various construction projects in the region.
Heidelberg Materials North America has expanded its portfolio to include Revolve recycled concrete aggregates. The company is partnering with departments of transportation and other agencies to develop team-wide knowledge and engineering capacity. The state of Washington has encouraged the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in roadways, and both the Washington Department of Transportation and the City of Seattle have established goals for its use. Heidelberg Materials plans to gradually increase the use of RCA in concrete mixes for paving applications until it reaches 100% levels. The company is also partnering with Ascendant LLC, a concrete demolition company, to obtain high-strength concrete rubble for the production of RCA. Heidelberg Materials believes that broadening its role and working at the project level will further the use and specification of recycled concrete.