Building Progress Through Sustainable Infrastructure: A Collaborative Effort in GHG Emission Reduction
At Lafarge Canada, sustainability isn’t just an ideal; it’s our commitment in action. Our recent involvement with the Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) in a research study on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in underground infrastructure demonstrates how we’re advancing that commitment. This study brings together three Canadian universities - University of Alberta, Concordia University, and the University of Toronto, to develop innovative strategies on emissions reduction across various phases of underground infrastructure projects.
Lafarge’s Involvement:
Our participation in this study is a result of our ongoing sustainability partnership with Concordia University. We identified a natural synergy between our efforts to expand the use of recycled concrete aggregates in Quebec and the need to address GHG emissions in underground infrastructure.
Roles and Contributions:
We’re joining 22 industry partners from various sectors to tackle GHG emissions in the underground infrastructure sector. As Canada’s leading supplier of building materials, our contribution will go beyond materials, we will share critical data and insights that have the potential to redefine industry standards. Our focus is on reducing the carbon footprint of concrete technologies and exploring innovations such as alternative binders and advanced manufacturing processes.
As we advance in our journey to Net Zero, decarbonization is a key pillar for our business and the industry at large. This collaboration with government agencies, the private sector, and academia across Canada seeks innovative technologies and solutions is a practical example of how committed Lafarge is to our purpose of building progress for people and the planet.
Why It Matters:
This project is not just about research, it’s about impact. Underground infrastructure such as pipes, tunnels, and foundations, play a critical role in supporting urban development and essential services. However, the construction and maintenance of these systems generate significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to the materials and processes involved. Reducing GHG emissions in underground infrastructure is particularly important because it directly affects urban sustainability, climate resilience, and the long-term viability of the infrastructure itself.
By identifying ways to reduce emissions in this often-overlooked sector, we’re contributing to a more sustainable future. This aligns perfectly with our purpose of building progress for people and the planet while addressing a significant environmental challenge.
This project presents an opportunity to collaborate with universities and industrial stakeholders to address the challenges associated with underground infrastructure. The long-term implications include gaining a deeper understanding of the industry’s sustainability needs and developing innovative, low-carbon solutions.
For us, tackling GHG emissions in underground infrastructure not only reinforces our leadership in sustainable practices but also highlights our commitment to finding innovative solutions to the toughest challenges facing the construction industry today. Collaborating with academic and industrial partners, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in reducing the carbon footprint of essential infrastructure.
