| Resources utilization |
Climate and energy Climate and energy are the most significant environmental issues for Holcim. Our strategy to reduce CO2 emissions hinges on product development (including composite cements), thermal energy efficiency (improving process technology), optimization of fuel composition (including use of waste as fuel) and reduction/prevention of cement kiln dust (CKD). We actively contribute to the development of international policies and mechanisms and strive to develop sound knowledge on emerging issues Our approach to public policy is described here. The start of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EUETS) in 2005 provided an opportunity for Holcim to participate in a market-based mechanism. Whilst we acknowledge this first period is a time of ‘learning by doing’, we seek improvements in the next commitment period (2008-2012) and beyond, based on the principles of eco-efficiency. A sectoral benchmarking approach advocated by Holcim is one such system. Our climate positions are available here. As a global operating company, the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) provides us with the opportunity to offset our developed country emissions through the transfer of capital and technology to developing countries. This is environmentally beneficial and can be financially attractive, providing a solid business incentive for early action. |
||||
|
Reporting CO2 emissions We are on target to reduce our global average net specific CO2 emissions by 20% by 2010, with 1990 as the base year, reported according to the WBCSD/WRI Cement CO2 Protocol. |
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
For a full definition of these indicators, see our glossary. KPMG provided independent assurance over the four key indicators of direct CO2 emissions in the 2004 and 2005 CO2 inventory of our global cement operations. 2006 data assurance is still pending. Our commitment to external data assurance is also in line with the CSI objective to seek third party assurance of all members’ CO2 data, to ensure comparability and transparency within the sector. |
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
The scope of data collection for CO2 and resources utilization includes integrated cement plants, grinding stations, and terminals. Consolidation of data is consistent with the WBCSD/WRI Carbon Dioxide Protocol for the cement industry. Where Holcim owns between 20% and 50% of the company and does not have management control, data are proportionally consolidated; below 20%, the data is not reported; all other companies are reported 100%. The aggregate absolute gross emissions associated with entities that we do not control totals 10.4 million tonnes CO2. In 2006, data were not available for our plants in Iran, where we hold a 44.6% interest. It is expected that emissions from these plants would have less than 0.1% impact on our Group inventory. Note: historical data are restated to reflect changes in consolidation of companies and acquisitions/divestments. |
||||
|
Mineral components and clinker factor Substituting clinker in cement with appropriate secondary materials, such as blast furnace slag or fly ash, reduces both the fuel and raw materials required per tonne of cement produced. Lowering the clinker factor is one of the best, technically proven approaches for reducing process CO2 emissions and is a key factor in Holcim’s CO2 reduction strategy. Group average clinker factor improved from 74.1% (excl. India) in 2005 to 73.1% (excl. India) in 2006. |
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Our Romanian case study describes how the use of mineral components enabled us to access Joint Implementation, one of the flexible market mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol. More information on sustainable cement products using mineral components is available here. |
||||
|
Energy The total thermal energy consumed per tonne of clinker produced is determined chiefly by the type of technology used in the production process. This technology has advanced significantly over recent decades, from energy-intensive wet process to modern dry process with preheaters and precalciners. Therefore our modern plants in Asia and Latin America are more energy-efficient than our older plants in Europe and North America. Investment in an on-going plant renewal program is improving energy efficiency in North America, but these gains are being balanced out by the acquisition of older, less efficient wet process plants in Eastern Europe. In 2006, we used 462,845 TJ of thermal energy world-wide (2005: 347,835) and 12,879 GWh of purchased electricity (2005:11,335). |
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Co-processing waste materials Holcim advocates co-processing of waste in clinker production. We are convinced of the sustainable development benefits of alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) use. |
||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Holcim positions on climate change
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
