Global aggregates giant CEMEX has announced it will continue to implement its climate action strategy as planned despite introducing measures to combat COVID-19.
The Climate Action Strategy will aim to deliver CEMEX’s 2030 target of a 35 per cent reduction of its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per tonne of cementitious product compared to its 1990 target.
The new target was announced in February, along with the company’s goal to deliver concrete with zero CO2 by 2020, with the company having recently stated its COVID-19 mitigation measures have not affected its Climate Action Strategy.
To achieve its 2030 objective, CEMEX has introduced a roadmap at each of its manufacturing plants.
Several methods will be introduced for clinker, including reducing CO2 emissions in clinker by producing novel clinkers with lower heat consumption, using decarbonated raw materials and using more alternative fuels.
“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time, and we believe that we can continue to address it as a fundamental component of our efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” CEMEX chief executive officer Fernando A Gonzalez said. “We’re capable of capturing this unique opportunity to build a better, more sustainable future, leveraging our robust experience in sustainability, health, and safety.”
CEMEX will reduce CO2 in cement by replacing clinker with alternative cementitious materials, increasing concrete strength by using admixtures and introducing new grinding technologies.
The company has also continued to adopt renewable energy for its power supply.
Other ways CEMEX will aim to achieve zero emissions is through strategic partnerships and cross-industry collaboration that focuses on modern technologies. The company is conducting research and development of carbon capture, utilisation and storage solutions, along with new ways to produce clinker with solar fuels to reach its target of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.