CO2 emmission reduction

 

CO2 Emmission reduction

Cement manufacturing consumes large quantities of non renewable raw materials (minerals and fossil fuels). It is also an important source of CO2 emissions. In response to this environmental challenge, Lafarge has been committed to industrial ecology since the mid- 70's by rethinking industrial processes to transform some industries waste products into other industries resources.

New CO2 targets: "From materials to buildings"

 

Lafarge is aware of challenge which climate change presents for the entire planet. Since 2001, the Group committed itself to ambitious objectives in the framework of a pioneering partnership with WWF.

 

Lafarge has fulfilled and surpassed in advance its 2010 objectives, because of the context of the economic downturn, which has significantly impacted production volumes:

  • - 10% absolute gross emissions* in industrialized countries: they were cut by 36.5% in the Cement business between 1990 and 2010,
  • - 20% net emissions* per ton of cement produced worldwide: they fell by 21.7% between 1990 and 2010.

 

(* Gross/net emissions: net emissions equal gross emissions minus emissions related to the burning of waste.)

 

Going beyond plants


The construction sector accounts for 40% of the global energy demand, and for 30% of the overall greenhouse gas emissions.


In 2011, the Group announced it 2nd generation commitments, set up in the framework of the partnership with WWF International. Lafarge’s 3 new targets for 2015 and 2020 are in line with a comprehensive, ambitious and original approach. They go beyond plants CO2 emissions and encapsulate the entire construction chain:

  • Reducing CO2 emissions per ton of cement produced by 33% between 1990 and 2020;
  • Developing 10 innovative products ranges and contributing to 500 sustainable construction projects by 2015;
  • Promoting CO2 performance enhancement policies which are adapted to Lafarge’s industry in international and professional organizations.