In 2000, Lafarge made a commitment to reduce its global emissions of CO2 by 20% over the period 1990 to 2010. This is nearly 4 times the reduction set for industrialized countries by the Kyoto Protocol. At the same time, the Group is developing solutions to conserve energy resources.
Reducing CO2 emissions |
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Partnership with the W.W.F. Lafarge is aware of the challenge which climate change presents for the entire planet. In 2001, the Group committed itself to ambitious objectives in the framework of a pioneering partnership with the W.W.F. (World Wide Fund for Nature). By 2010, Lafarge is aiming to reduce:
These commitments go beyond the reduction targets set by the Kyoto Protocol, which call for industrialized countries to reduce their emissions by 5.2% compared to 1990 levels.
* Gross/net emissions: net emissions equal gross emissions minus emissions related to the burning of waste.
Resources
To meet these objectives, the Group is:
This approach has seen the Group's global CO2 emissions per ton of cement fall by 16% between 1990 and the end of 2007.
Lafarge also invests in research to:
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CO2 and cement
Why does cement manufacturing produce CO2?
The firing of raw materials is the primary source of CO2 emissions during cement manufacture. First, heating limestone and clay in high-temperature kilns (1500°C) releases CO2. This "decarbonation" stage accounts for 60% of CO2 emissions per ton of cement produced. Secondly, the use of fuels (oil, coal) to feed the cement kiln also releases carbon dioxide. This combustion accounts for 40% of CO2 emissions per ton of cement.GlossaryFor more information... Industrial ecologyIndustrial ecology (also known as resource recovery) is a new concept in environmental management. The idea is to improve the way environmental factors (energy resources, natural raw materials, etc.) are integrated into business strategies. Industrial ecology takes its inspiration from the cyclical way in which natural ecosystems operate. Just as nature goes through cycles of production, destruction and recycling, industrial waste from certain activities can serve as raw material or fuel for other industries. |
A debate that spans the construction sector |
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In global terms, the cement industry is responsible for 5% of the CO2 emissions related to human activities. The construction sector as a whole consumes a large amount of energy. As a responsible player, Lafarge seeks to reduce the environmental impact of construction and promote sustainable construction methods. The Group addresses all actors in the value chain and participates in partnerships and collective actions, such as:
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Industrial ecology at the heart of operations |
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Biomass
Biomass refers to any organic material derived from plants that can be used to provide energy. It is the biodegradable portion of:
Kyoto ProtocolThe Kyoto Protocol aims to counter climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In effect since February 2005, it has been ratified by over 150 countries but has not been ratified by the United States for example. Under the Protocol, industrialized countries have until 2012 to reduce their CO2 emissions by 5.2% compared to 1990 levels. |
The Group's industrial ecology approach is built around finding ways to add value to waste. The underlying principle is that waste products from certain industries can serve as energy or raw material resources for other industries. In 2007, Lafarge recovered more than 7.7 million tonnes of biomass, waste and by-products.
Promoting alternative energy sources
For 30 years, Lafarge has been developing solutions to reduce energy consumption and diversify supplies. The Group aims to increase its fuel substitution rate from 8.6% to 30% by 2010. This would reduce the amount of waste generated by 7.5 million tons each year and reduce CO2 emissions by 9 million tons.
Examples of alternative fuel sources:
Using waste materials as an alternative to fossil energies has benefits for the Group and for local communities:
This approach also has positive effects in terms of CO2 emissions. Biomass is neutral in terms of CO2 while placing waste material in landfill produces greenhouse gases.
Developing alternative materials
Clinker, a key ingredient in cement manufacture, can also be partially substituted by waste. By adding industrial residues such as recycled construction materials and products derived from other industries, it is possible to:
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Clean Development Mechanisms |
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Lafarge conducts a number of projects aimed at implementing Clean Development Mechanisms (C.D.M.) within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol. Three projects have already been recognized by the C.D.M. Executive Committee:
These 3 Clean Development Mechanisms provide annual savings of 160,000 tons of CO2, an environmental benefit equivalent to planting 10.6 million trees per year! The Group is studying new C.D.M. projects. |
Clean Development Mechanisms (C.D.M)The Kyoto Protocol does not set limitations on CO2 emissions for developing countries but it does encourage the adoption of alternative mechanisms. Companies which finance CO2 emission reduction projects in developing countries are compensated with carbon credits. C.D.Ms. are designed to promote the development of better technologies in emerging economies while enabling industrialized countries to earn carbon credits. |
Last update on 10/06/2008
