Holcim Drives Decarbonization With 99.2% Clinker-Free Cement in North America

• Holcim places its first 99.2% clinker-free concrete pavement in North America
• 74.7% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to standard concrete
   

CALGARY, AB, July 11, 2024 — Holcim has successfully placed its first 99.2% clinker-free concrete pavement in North America, marking a milestone in its commitment to driving innovative and sustainable building. In collaboration with Stoneway Concrete, this project resulted in 74.7% lower CO2 emissions than standard concrete using Type IL cement available in the market. This demonstrates Holcim's ability to develop high-quality solutions that significantly accelerate decarbonization without compromising on performance.

“Our net-zero goals are ambitious, and to get there, we need to continuously push the boundaries to decarbonize building at scale,” said Toufic Tabbara, Holcim regional head, North America. “Through cutting-edge research and development, our team of engineers have created a virtually clinker-free cement. This innovation represents a substantial reduction in carbon emissions and a major step in sustainable building.”

The 30m3 slab-on-grade concrete pad was poured at Holcim’s Seattle plant in May 2024 and was engineered to withstand heavy truck traffic. Holcim’s approach in this project substituted clinker, traditionally the primary component in cement production, with a slag activator, significantly decreasing the energy required and resulting in a much lower carbon footprint.

"As a leader in our industry, we believe in setting the standard for product innovation and sustainability,” says Cory Cannon, vice president of Cement Sales and Logistics. “This product exemplifies our ability to swiftly introduce eco-friendly building solutions, and we’re pleased with the positive reception from our customers, showing the industry's readiness to embrace these advancements.”

This demonstration sets the stage for further collaboration with customers in the Pacific Northwest, with early commercial pours anticipated in June and July of 2024. As a global leader in sustainable building solutions, Holcim remains at the forefront of decarbonizing construction with cutting-edge, low-carbon and circular solutions.

About Holcim

Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions with net sales of CHF 27.0 billion in 2023. Driven by our purpose to build progress for people and the planet, our 63,448 employees are on a mission to decarbonize building, while improving living standards for all. We empower our customers across all regions to build better with less, with a broad range of low-carbon and circular solutions, from ECOPact and ECOPlanet to our circular technology platform ECOCycle®. Through innovative systems, from Elevate roofing to PRB insulation, Holcim makes buildings more sustainable in use, driving energy efficiency and green retrofitting. With sustainability at the core of our strategy, we are on the way to becoming a net-zero company with 1.5°C targets validated by SBTi.

Lafarge Canada, a subsidiary of Holcim, employs over 6,900 people and manages 400 sites across the country. We provide green products to build the infrastructure and communities where Canadians live and work.

Contacts

Kristen Marston
Lafarge Canada Inc.
kristen.marston@lafarge.com