Cemex, CRH, Holcim, Heidelberg lead Alliance’s CO2 emissions reduction gauge

Sources: World Benchmarking Alliance, Amsterdam; CP staff Cement producer prevalence in the World Benchmarking Alliance/Heavy Industries Benchmark upper ranks underscores global or multinational operators’ rapid progress in carbon dioxide emissions reduction. Four of the top five—indeed, seven of the top 10—Heavy Industries names need little introduction in cement and concrete circles: Cemex S.A.B. de C.V., CRH Plc, Holcim Ltd. rank…

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Carbon Leadership Forum: From college-hosted organization to 501(c)3

Sources: Carbon Leadership Forum, Oakland, Calif.; CP staff One of the charter concrete life cycle assessment and carbon dioxide emissions accounting method catalysts is pursuing 501(c)3 status as it transitions to an independent, California-based organization following 14 years under the University of Washington College of Built Environments. The moves positions the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) “to double down on urgent…

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U.S. Green Building Council opens six-week LEED v5 comment period

Sources: U.S. Green Building Council, Washington, D.C.; CP staff The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building program developer has launched the first public comment period for its draft rating system LEED v5, written to provide “a comprehensive framework for creating sustainable, efficient, and resilient built environments that promote environmental responsibility, economic viability, and social equity.” The U.S. Green…

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Admixture-grade carbon nanotubes emerge from methane processing

Huntsman Corp. of The Woodlands, Texas has commenced work on a 30 ton per year Miralon carbon nanotube materials plant, output from which can be used for specialty concrete admixtures, high-performance composites, electric vehicle batteries and long-wear tires. Miralon structural carbon comprises nanotube-based materials produced as additives, dispersions, sheets or yarn. The materials are lightweight, thinner than a human hair,…

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Policy-minded startups charter Decarbonized Cement and Concrete Alliance

Ten companies aiming to lower carbon dioxide emissions tied to cement production and finished concrete have launched a first-of-its-kind, U.S. coalition dedicated to growing awareness around policies that will accelerate the adoption of CO2-wise solutions in public construction. Founding Decarbonized Cement and Concrete Alliance (DC2) members are commercializing technologies that a) offer organic or inorganic alternatives for full or partial…

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Cemex global mixer fleet paces carbon emissions reduction goals

The parent company of Cemex USA reports enterprise-wide deployment of 1,000-plus concrete mixer trucks running on lower carbon alternatives to conventional diesel fuel, including petro-free renewable diesel, compressed natural gas and battery electric power. Heavy-duty truck investments over the last two years have resulted in a carbon dioxide emissions reduction of approximately 5 percent from the Cemex S.A.B. de C.V.-owned…

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Cemex global mixer fleet sustains CO2 emissions descent

Sources: Cemex S.A.B. de C.V., Monterrey, Mexico; CP staff The parent company of Cemex USA reports enterprise-wide deployment of 1,000-plus concrete mixer trucks running on lower carbon alternatives to conventional diesel fuel, including petro-free renewable diesel, compressed natural gas and battery electric power. Heavy-duty truck investments over the last two years have resulted in a carbon dioxide emissions reduction of…

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Holcim US to add 600,000 mtpy capacity for flagship cement plant

Sources: Holcim US, Chicago; CP staff An investment upward of $100 million will raise clinker and limestone grinding capacity while improving logistics for the Holcim US Ste. Genevieve (Mo.) Cement Plant, located south of St. Louis along the Mississippi. In addition to the largest single-kiln line in the world, the facility is equipped with sophisticated emissions controls, fully automated quality…

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Valmont Utility: A credible conduit

Cement and concrete interests will be challenged to find a better manifestation of traditional and low-carbon era value propositions than our cover story subject, Valmont Utility’s superlative spun prestressed transmission and distribution (T&D) pole plant (pages 38-41). Beyond elevating the industry and its customers, the Bristol, Ind. operation conveys the right message about concrete at an ideal point:  Market development.…

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USGBC, RMI release “Driving Action on Embodied Carbon in Buildings”

Sources: RMI, Boulder, Colo.; U.S. Green Building Council, Washington, D.C.; CP staff A new report from environmental policy authority RMI and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) addresses embodied carbon emissions reduction challenges, plus actions to accelerate U.S. building construction sector decarbonization. “Driving Action on Embodied Carbon in Buildings” offers recommendations or insights to better track, measure, and reduce carbon…

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