LafargeHolcim plans to reduce carbon footprint of European business
LafargeHolcim intends to reduce its annual CO2 emissions in Europe by 15 per cent (3Mt) like-for-like by 2022. The plans are expected to be achieved through a CHF160m (US$160.87m) investment for equipment and technologies to increase the usage of low-carbon fuels and recycled materials in the company’s processes and products, according to a press release.
"We are cognisant of our impact on the environment and will remain at the forefront of efforts to mitigate climate change. With this investment in Europe, we are taking a further step to become more carbon-efficient. We are not only investing to reduce CO2 in our own operations but are also seeking the collaboration with our customers across the value-chain to improve the carbon efficiency of buildings and infrastructure throughout their lifecycle," said Region Head of Europe, Marcel Cobuz.
In 2018 LafargeHolcim repurposed 11Mt of waste materials, including 2Mt of non-recyclable plastics. By stepping up its efforts in Europe the company aims to repurpose an additional 1.5Mt of waste, therefore avoiding 1Mt of CO2 per year.
On average, the company already uses 4.5Mt of mineral alternatives and waste materials to replace clinker. Additional efforts to replace clinker will allow the company to increase the CO2 efficiency of its cements produced in Europe by 1Mt.
Further funds are earmarked for the introduction of new carbon-efficient materials and services. Over the next three years, LafargeHolcim will work on more than 80 projects across 19 European countries.
In France, for example, the company has recently launched Lafarge360, a new integrated offer that includes scoring and carbon footprint modelling, enabling customers to make informed decisions around the environmental impact of their project. Furthermore, low-carbon products are being designed in France, Poland and Romania for soil stabilisations, which will provide a better lifecycle assessment of road structure. The company is also working on masonry cements in France and Romania with a carbon footprint that is 50 per cent lower than pure cement, while also ensuring enhanced properties.
