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HeidelbergCement: Our Road to Carbon Neutrality

“The world can count on HeidelbergCement.” So says CEO Dr. Dominik von Achten, and it is this pledge that informs the sustainable actions and commitments of the German-based, vertically integrated building construction materials manufacturer.

The building materials sector is currently facing scrutiny for its high emissions. With sustainability a growing priority from industries and society at large, sectors responsible for high levels of emissions are very aware of the need for changes in their operations.

HeidelbergCement is a longstanding sustainable presence in this industry. Since 1990, the company has reduced its carbon footprint by 22% through a wide variety of measures implemented across its facilities all around the world; these include using alternative fuels, improving energy efficiency, and replacing clinker with low carbon alternatives. HeidelbergCement’s aim is to offer carbon neutral concrete by 2050 at the latest. To achieve this, the company has adopted a clear and ambitious strategy, building on principles such as its Sustainability Commitments 2030 which are in line with the UN Social Development Goals and the goals of the 2016 Paris Agreement.

To realise a successful and sustainable transition, HeidelbergCement is working to capture any remaining emissions to use or store as necessary. In its ambitious LEILAC (Low Emissions Intensity Lime And Cement) project HeidelbergCement, together with a number of strategic partners, aims to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of a technological process designed to directly capture high-purity CO₂ that is released from the limestone when heated up during the production process. This avoids the need for additional energy to separate the CO₂ from the material stack.

In addition to optimising processes, promoting the circular economy becomes a necessity. HeidelbergCement has implemented this by investigating the reuse of recycled building materials – such as in fresh concrete – and utilising recycled minerals to avoid using virgin materials. This is demonstrated by Alex Fraser, HeidelbergCement’s Australian subsidiary, which is using recycled products for pavement construction.

Such sustainable action is indicative of HeidelbergCement’s strategy; by using a scientifically verified approach, the company makes a sustainable impact and demonstrates the effectiveness of newly developed technology to the wider industry.

HeidelbergCement strongly believes that the extractive industry can offer much to the environment and wildlife around it. This can happen through the creation of habitats for animals and plants both during and after extraction; these habitats can support rare and endangered species – providing them with new homes or areas to move through. Aware that time is crucial to preserve and promote biodiversity, HeidelbergCement collaborates closely with communities, governments and NGOs to effectively steward the land in the areas it operates in.

HeidelbergCement is all too aware of the need for sustainable action across its industry. Through adhering to science-based targets, optimising its operations, collaborating with stakeholders, and fostering biodiversity across its sites, the company is displaying its determination to pursue sustainable milestones – providing an effective blueprint for how to bring about a sustainable transition in this sector.