Our objective is a 30% reduction in net CO2 emissions per tonne of cement by 2030.
The Group has developed a strategy for climate change focused on the following pillars:
- Replacement of fossil fuels and clinker with alternative fuels and alternative mineral additives.
- Development of low-carbon cement (FUTURECEM TM), which allows CO2 emissions to be reduced by 30%. FUTURECEM TM is a proprietary patented technology which uses limestone and calcined clay to such an extent as to significantly reduce the amount of clinker in cement.
- Technological innovation and development of special products that complete the existing portfolio, developing new business models with downstream integration projects or strategic partnerships and promoting innovative applications and products including ultra high performance concrete (UHPC), fiber reinforced concrete glass (GFRC), magnetic concrete and 3D printing.
- Energy recovery. The Aalborg plant recovers excess heat from cement production to provide district heating to local citizens. The recovered thermal energy is used to heat the homes of about 36,000 families in the city of Aalborg, with a saving of CO2 emissions equal to 300 kg CO2 / t compared to the use of a coal-fired power plant. We are investing to expand the heating to 50,000 families, to cover almost half of Aalborg citizenship.
- Investments in Sustainability and Digitization. In the 2021 - 2023 Industrial Plan, we have planned green investments of 107 million euros which will generate savings of approximately 30 million euros per year once fully operational and which include, among others:
- construction of a new calcination plant aimed at the production of FUTURECEM™
- construction of a 8.4 MW wind farm for the needs of Aalborg plant;
- expansion of district heating to 50,000 families in Aalborg;
- increase in the use of alternative fuels from current 40% to 80% in Belgium;
- establishment of a natural gas line to the plant located in Denmark and the installation of multi-fuel main burners for the kiln;
- digitalization of the manufacturing process, maintenance, inventory management and spare parts in all our main plants.
- Commitment to carbon-related public policy. We actively participate in global and national industry policy discussions on issues related to Climate Change, Sustainable Infrastructure, Circular Economy, Alternative Fuels, and Waste Management Frameworks, among others. Since November 2019, the Group has been involved in the most ambitious CO2 reduction project ever sponsored by a national government. In autumn 2019, the Danish government made a broad political agreement with all political parties, including one at parliamentary level about a binding climate law with the target of reducing Danish CO2 emissions by 70% by 2030 compared with the 1990 baseline. The Managing Director of Aalborg Portland is leading the climate partnership for the Danish energy intensive industry. The working group will provide the Danish government with the technical forecast of all potential CO2 reduction achievable and will define the prerequisites (policy, research, innovation, subsidies, etc.) for such reductions.
In waste we see resources: we promote a circular economy
What for others is waste for us it is renewable fuel or raw material.
Our operations respect the environment
We adopt all the necessary measures and the most innovative technological solutions to mitigate the impact of our business on the environment.
We support local communities
We generate value for local communities, listening to their needs and concerns and establishing relationships based on transparency, respect and responsibility.
We value our people
We spread a culture of merit by attracting and enhancing the best professionals and ensuring a safe and motivating work environment for people, which represent our most important asset.