Lafarge is committed to reducing its worldwide emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by 20% over the period 1990-2010. Lafarge Malawi is doing its part to help achieve this goal. This is why it has come up with DuraCrete, an innovative product that uses less clinker, and so reducing CO2 emissions.
Reducing CO2 emissions |
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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:
(* Gross/net emissions: net emissions equal gross emissions minus emissions related to the burning of waste.)
Going beyond plants
Relying on industrial ecology and innovation
Lafarge also invests in research to:
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CO2 and cementWhere does the CO2 released during the cement manufacturing process come from?
Industrial ecologyIndustrial ecology improves the way environmental factors (energy resources, natural raw materials, etc.) are integrated into business strategies. Industrial ecology takes its inspiration from the cyclical way in which natural ecosystems operate. Just as nature goes through cycles of production, destruction and recycling, industrial waste from certain activities can serve as raw material or fuel for other industries
CDP rankingIn 2010, Lafarge is n°6 worldwide in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) TOP 50, a non financial rating agency. The CDP is the reference questionnaire on reducing CO2 emissions and managing climate change challenges. Lafarge is the 1st French company in this ranking where the Group has been present for the last 3 years. ![]() |
Implementing Clean Development Mechanisms |
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Lafarge conducts a number of projects aimed at implementing Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol. Three projects have already been recognized by the CDM Executive Committee:
These 3 Clean Development Mechanisms provide annual savings of 160,000 tons of CO2, an environmental benefit equivalent to planting 10.6 million trees per year!
A 4th project was approved by the CDM Executive Committee early 2011: in the Philippines, the Teresa cement plant will recover the waste heat released during the production of cement to transform it into electricity, covering 31% of the plant's energy requirements. The greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by almost 12,000 tonnes |
Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM)The Kyoto Protocol does not set limitations on CO2 emissions for developing countries but it does encourage the adoption of alternative mechanisms. Companies which finance CO2 emission reduction projects in developing countries are compensated with carbon credits. CDMs. are designed to promote the development of better technologies in emerging economies while enabling industrialized countries to earn carbon credits |