Holcim: or how to reconcile cement and decarbonisation

The global economy consumes approximately 4.5 billion tons of cement per year. Cement and concrete are essential materials for economic development and have no real substitutes. However, their production is responsible for around 8% of global CO2 emissions. As a result, finding a way to decarbonize this industry is a prerequisite for achieving the objectives set by COP 21. Holcim is a leader in this field. The group has already achieved the lowest carbon intensity in the sector and aims to reduce its emissions by 14% by 2030 to reach the target of 475kg CO2 / ton of cement. Holcim emphasizes the use of alternative fuels, more efficient furnaces and intends to produce cements with less clinker as well as concretes with less cement. These new products will be marketed under the “Susteno” and “ECO Pact” brands. This is an interesting initiative to differentiate products until then considered as a simple commodity.