Lafarge Canada has launched a lower-carbon fuel system (LCF) system at its Richmond facility, with the aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become the most carbon-efficient cement plant in the country. It will also help minimise landfill waste, specifically non-recyclable plastics that are creating a backlog for municipalities across Canada, according to a press release.

The fuel handling and delivery system is expected to replace up to 50 per cent of the plant’s fossil fuel use with lower-carbon fuels. The substitution rate could result in a 20 per cent decrease in combustion emissions.

The project represents an investment of CAD28m (US$20.8m), with CAD14m supplied by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment.

"Lafarge is aligned with Metro Vancouver’s sustainability goals for recovering energy from landfill-bound solid waste, a classic example of the circular economy in action. This new system allows us to more easily reach our target of substituting 50 per cent of our fossil fuel use with lower carbon options. Data from our pilot suggests we can go higher—even up to 70 per cent is realistic," said Pascal Bouchard, plant manager.

LCF used by the plant is comprised of primarily non-recyclable waste byproducts, allowing the company to divert approximately 100,000tpa of waste from local landfills.