HeidelbergCement Co is the first cement producer to receive approval for science-based CO2 reduction targets. Having been assessed against the Science Based Targets initiative's (SBTi) criteria, HeidelbergCement's CO2 reduction targets to 2030 have been validated.

The SBTi independently assesses and validates emission reduction targets against the latest climate science. Emissions reductions currently need to fall in-line with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming below 2˚C and to pursue limits to warming down to 1.5˚C.

"Our goal is to realise the vision of CO2-neutral concrete by 2050 at the latest. In the coming years, we want to make significant progress in this direction, and the SBTi's approval is a clear proof of our strong commitment," said Dr Bernd Scheifele, Chairman of the Managing Board of HeidelbergCement.

HeidelbergCement has focussed on a CO2 reduction strategy based on concrete bottom-up measures on plant and product level. This includes improving energy efficiency and a steady increase in the use of alternative fuels.

HeidelbergCement's SBTi-approved target is to reduce scope 1 GHG emissions by 15 per cent of cementitious materials by 2030 from a 2016 base year. The company also commits to reducing scope 2 GHG emissions to 65 per tonne of cementitious materials by 2030. The SBTi-approved target is consistent with HeidelbergCement's previously formulated goal of a 30 per cent reduction in its specific net CO2 emissions by 2030, compared with 1990.

To date HeidelbergCement has already achieved a 20 per cent reduction.