Source: Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V., Monterrey, Mexico
A new Climate Action strategy positions Cemex to clip net specific carbon dioxide emissions 35 percent across a global cement, concrete and aggregates enterprise against a 1990 baseline level. The producer defined an additional double-digit percent reduction target for the decade ahead on top of a 22-plus percent CO2 emissions cut realized since climate change concerns gained prominence and spotlighted carbon-intensive sectors.
The new 2030 goal is aligned with Science-Based Targets. The climate science community contends the methodology is necessary to meet the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, signatories to which have committed to CO2 emissions reduction measures sufficient to limit 21st century temperature increases to 2°C globally. To tie the strategy to a longer-term vision, Cemex is also pursuing a new ambition to deliver net-zero CO2 concrete by mid-century. As the company’s end product, management notes, concrete has a key role to play in the transition to a carbon-neutral economy, and is an essential component in the development of climate-smart urban projects, sustainable buildings, and resilient infrastructure.
“Climate change has been a priority for Cemex for many years. Our efforts have brought significant progress to date, but we must do more. This is why we have defined a more ambitious strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and to deliver net-zero carbon dioxide concrete by 2050,” says CEO Fernando Gonzalez. “To fulfill this strategy, we have a detailed CO2 roadmap to accelerate the roll-out of proven technologies in all of our facilities, including investing in energy efficiency, using alternative fuels, expanding the use of renewable energy, and increasing the substitution of clinker with alternative cementitious materials.”
The net-zero CO2 concrete aspiration, he adds, sets Cemex on a path of open innovation that requires strategic partnerships and cross-industry collaboration in the development of breakthrough technologies like carbon capture, utilization and storage; novel clinkers with low heat consumption; alternative decarbonated raw materials; carbonation of concrete waste for use as recycled aggregates; and, promotion of circular economy models that transform waste into fuel. In alternative fuel or alternative raw material streams, the producer currently consumes 32 times more waste from other industries than the concrete, cement and aggregate waste volumes it sends to landfills.