Building materials company aims for net-zero CO2 concrete by 2050

Mexico-based building material company CEMEX has announced a new sustainability program, with more ambitious emission reduction targets. The company’s new Climate Action strategy aims to achieve a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 from its 1990 baseline. To date, CEMEX has achieved a 22% reduction from 1990 levels, which the company has acknowledged “is not enough.” Additionally, CEMEX has established a new goal of delivering net-zero CO2 concrete by 2050.

To reach its new goals, CEMEX has outlined a detailed strategy, involving rolling out new technologies at the company’s facilities, investing in energy efficiency, using alternative fuels and renewable energy, as well as alternative cementitious materials.

Building materials companies are coming increasingly in focus in the fight against climate change, due to the carbon-intensity of their primary products. Cement production accounts for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with over 900 kg of CO2 emissions generated for every 1000 kg of material produced.

Commenting on the company’s new Climate Action program, CEMEX CEO Fernando A. Gonzalez said:

“Climate change has been a priority for CEMEX for many years. Our efforts have brought significant progress to date, but we must do more. This is why we have defined a more ambitious strategy to reduce CO2 emissions by 2030 and to deliver net-zero CO2 concrete by 2050.”