SUSTAINABILITY
alternative can be just as effective. Multicem, for example, is available in a Tough Bag, which contains 95 per cent less plastic and has been independently tested and proved to be the toughest paper cement bag in the market – 50 per cent stronger than any other – meaning it’s still highly resistant to splits and tears. We’ve switched to a zero-carbon energy tariff and continue to invest in plant efficiency across our operations. We’re also progressing a range of innovative projects including carbon capture and storage (CCS) and using hydrogen as a fuel source in production. We’ve invested in low emission and low carbon vehicles. We give merchants the flexibility to choose what products – and how much of them – they order to help maximise stock efficiencies and sales by offering mixed product deliveries. These can be provided from our core lines, such as Multicem and PostFix, as well as and base aggregates, enabling merchants to order a full load, minimising vehicle miles.
Recycling line
Last year (September 2023) we announced the creation of a new recycling business line to reflect our commitment to conserving natural materials, promoting the circular economy and decarbonising our products. Recycling, reusing and reducing the use of primary raw materials is crucial to reaching net zero and this new business line will enable more to be built with less. Our cement business is the source of more than 90 per cent of our CO2 emissions, so is a key focus in our decarbonisation plan. Around 70 per cent of these emissions arise from the chemical reactions that take place during production, with the balance coming from the fuels used to power the kilns.
C-Capture (a type of CCS technology) is being trialled at our Ketton works in Rutland. This uses a solvent to selectively capture CO2 and is one of the most energy-efficient post combustion carbon capture methodologies developed to date. We’re also working on several projects to switch from fossil fuels to carbon neutral sources, including hydrogen, to power our cement kilns and production plant. One of the reasons for rebranding ourselves as Heidelberg Materials (from Hanson) is that the construction sector is facing global challenges such as climate change and digitalisation and we’re better placed to meet these as a strong, united Group.
Having a consistent brand name and identity fosters collaboration across both geographical and organisational boarders and allows us to express who we are, what we do and what we stand for – worldwide.
Our ambition is to become the first net-zero company in the sector. n
June 2024 A supplement to builders merchants journal 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78
