As an energy-intensive company we are making a substantial effort to minimize our CO2 emissions
Emissions reduction targets
Cementir Holding N.V. commits to reduce gross scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 29.33% per ton of cementitious product by 2030 from a 2021 base year. Cementir Holding N.V. commits to reduce gross scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services 23.00% per ton of purchased clinker and cement by 2030 from a 2021 base year. These targets, validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), are consistent with the 1.5°C scenario.
We will reduce our direct emissions to 448 kg of CO₂ per tonne of grey cement (compared to 718 kg in 2021), while for white cement, which is a special product with niche applications and markets (0.5% of the total world cement production), the plan is to reduce emissions to 737 kg CO₂ per tonne (compared to 915 kg in 2021).
These objectives are part of the reduction roadmap defined in our sustainability strategy for which green investments and specific targets have also been defined in the Industrial Plan and in our short-term incentive system.
Reducing CO₂ emissions is a Group priority, but we cannot achieve a zero-emissions future by ourselves. It is essential to involve the entire value chain in the path towards energy transition, to achieve the desired results and respond to institutions and investors requests. Climate issues and related regulations on CO₂ emissions are also affecting suppliers, especially in Europe.
"Our industry is radically changing and we want to be at the forefront."
Our active involvement
We are actively involved in industrial policy discussions at a global and national level, which touch on issues related to climate change, among others.
Cementir yearly participates in the Climate Change questionnaire of CDP, the non-profit organization among the most accredited internationally for the evaluation of transparency in the dissemination of information by companies on the subject of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023 we obtained an "A-" rating for Climate Change keeping stable the 2022 ‘A-’ rating and placing Cementir above the cement and concrete sector average (B) and the European average (B).
Our CO₂ emissions
Our activities produce different types of emissions into the atmosphere, mainly carbon dioxide, dust and nitrogen and sulfur oxides.
Cement production is an energy-intensive process which releases both direct and indirect CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere.
Our current carbon footprint
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SCOPE 1
Includes all direct emissions related to the calcination of limestone which, when heated in the kiln at high temperatures, releases CO₂.
70% of total emissions
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SCOPE 2
Includes indirect emissions related to electricity purchased for the Group's needs, for example in cement grinding mills
4% of total emissions
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SCOPE 3
Includes other emissions that are not under the direct control of the company, but which are indirectly due to company activity
26% of total emissions
In 2023, total CO₂ emissions (direct and indirect) of the Group amounted to approximately 10.2 million tons, of which approximately 70% is made up of direct emissions (Scope 1).
| Total Group CO2 emissions(*) | Unit | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 emissions (Scope 1) | t | 7,184,097 | 7,324,884 | 8,006,881 |
| CO2 emissions (Scope 2) | t | 424,422 | 386,306 | 707,044 |
| CO2 emissions (Scope 3) | t | 2,607,247 | 3,591,439** | 3,249,111 |
| Total CO2 emissions | t | 10,215,766 | 11,286,965 | 11,963,036 |
(*) Emissions generated by all the Group's businesses. 98% of the emissions are related to the production of grey and white cement. Emissions calculated in accordance with GHG protocol.
( **) 2022 data has been restated to align the calculation with the SBTi recommendation related to transport-related emissions.
Other atmosferic emissions
To prevent environmental impacts, we also constantly monitor other air emissions, mainly emissions such as: dust, sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen (NOx) linked to the combustion process for clinker production, obtained from the processing of raw materials.
We invest in the best technologies to minimize emissions impact on local communities and the environment.