HeidelbergCement first to meet global initiative’s carbon criteria

Sources: HeidelbergCement AG, Germany; CP staff

HeidelbergCement is the premier cement, aggregate and concrete operator to validate its carbon dioxide emissions reduction commitment over the next decade against Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) criteria. As part of its 2030 Sustainability Goals for global operations, the producer aims to reduce net CO2 and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 percent against 1990 baseline levels. 

Based on bottom-up measures at plant and product levels, the reduction strategy includes energy efficiency improvements, coupled with steadily increasing use of alternative fuels and raw materials. To date, HeidelbergCement has achieved a 20 percent reduction in GHG emissions, primarily in cement milling, and is in a leading position when it comes to development of new technologies for CO2 sequestration and use, e.g. by returning the gas into the cement or concrete material cycle through recarbonation. 

“Concrete has the potential to become the most sustainable building material,” says HeidelbergCement Chairman Dr. Bernd Scheifele. “Our goal is to realize the vision of CO2-neutral concrete by 2050 at the latest. We want to make significant progress in this direction, and SBTi’s approval is a clear proof of our strong commitment.”

A Carbon Disclosure Project, United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and World Wide Fund for Nature collaboration, SBTi independently audits corporate CO2 emissions reduction targets mirroring 2015 Paris Agreement goals. Paris signatories aim to limit global temperature increases this century to 1.5° C through aggressive GHG emissions management. 

 

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