The Rise of Renewable Energy in Building Material Construction
Renewable energy is transforming the construction industry. As sustainability demands rise, governments and corporations are called on to adopt renewable energy solutions that make a difference.
In this article, we'll discuss the importance of renewable energy in building material construction as well as initiatives led by Lafarge Canada.
The Importance of Renewable Energy in Construction
The construction industry faces evolving sustainability challenges. Integrating renewable energy solutions can enhance environmental stewardship and drive positive change in building materials production. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, and biomass as fuel offer cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and fostering a more sustainable construction sector.
5 Key Renewable Energy Sources in Building Material Production
- Solar Energy: Solar power is increasingly used to generate electricity for manufacturing plants. Photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on factory rooftops or nearby land provide a sustainable energy source for various production processes.
- Wind Energy: Wind turbines harness wind power to generate electricity, which can be used directly in manufacturing or fed into the grid to offset energy consumption from non-renewable sources.
- Biomass Energy: Biomass involves using organic materials, such as agricultural residues and wood chips, to produce energy. This renewable source is particularly useful for generating the heat required to produce materials like cement.
- Hydropower: Hydroelectric dams use energy from flowing water to power turbines. Hydropower is a reliable and consistent renewable energy source for manufacturing facilities located near water bodies.
- Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy taps into the Earth's internal heat, providing a stable and sustainable power source for manufacturing processes.
Lafarge Canada's Role in Promoting Renewable Energy
Lafarge Canada is pioneering the integration of renewable energy into the construction industry. Our initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. See some examples below:
- Solar: Lafarge has invested in solar power projects to supply renewable electricity to its manufacturing plants. For example, the Exshaw cement plant in Alberta meets 34% of its power requirements with solar energy from the Empress Solar Project.
- Wind: The company has partnered with wind energy providers such as TransAlta to power operations. Investing in wind power reduces reliance on fossil fuels and promotes cleaner production practices.
- Biomass: Lafarge has implemented biomass as an alternative fuel, replacing fossil fuels, in its cement kilns. In addition to this, many sites in Lafarge Western Canada are using Renewable Fuels (R50 and R100) in place of traditional diesel fuel in equipment, to reduce the life cycle emissions by as much as 75%.
Hydropower & Geothermal: In regions where hydroelectric and geothermal power are accessible, Lafarge leverages these renewable energy sources to power its facilities.
Join Us in Revolutionizing the Construction Industry
The adoption of renewable energy in building material production is driving a more sustainable construction industry. By reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy costs, and promoting the use of cleaner energy sources, the sector is moving towards a greener future.
In summary:
- Renewable energy reduces the environmental impact of building material production.
- Key sources include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydropower.
- Lafarge Canada's initiatives highlight what's possible in materials manufacturing.
Interested in partnering with Lafarge Canada on sustainable projects? Contact our team today to learn more about our processes.
