The building materials supplier says the Vertua low carbon concrete range includes the option to offset residual CO2 and provide a CarbonNeutral product, in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol.
It adds that the Vertua range supports the company’s recently announced climate strategy, which includes an ambition of delivering net zero concrete globally by 2050.
The range features a variety of bespoke concrete mix designs and includes the Vertua ultra zero option. This product is claimed to achieve a 70% reduction in embodied carbon emissions. CEMEX says the remaining unavoidable emissions offset through working with Natural Capital Partners, a carbon offset and carbon neutrality specialist.
To contribute towards the 70% reduction, CEMEX is introducing a new geopolymer cement solution, which was developed at its Global Research & Development Centre in Switzerland and can be used in certain applications.
In addition to Vertua ultra zero, the range also features other low carbon concretes which can be used in a range of applications and include an option for customers to choose the added benefit of offsetting the residual CO2.
The Vertua line of low CO2 products was originally launched by CEMEX in France in July 2018. The company adds that the range will be gradually extended to other geographies in the future.
After engineering carbon reductions into the concrete mix design, CEMEX calculates the embodied carbon generated from extraction and processing of raw materials, product manufacturing and distribution. The residual carbon is then offset, ehich CEMEX says makes the concrete "CarbonNeutral" from cradle-to-customer.
Carbon offsetting is the removal or reduction of emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere in order to compensate for emissions made elsewhere.
CEMEX says it will facilitate this by investing in projects which physically remove CO2 where possible from the atmosphere, such as planting more trees or protecting against deforestation through an independently audited and verified project. A CarbonNeutral certificate is then issued to the client.
Andy Spencer, VP corporate affairs, sustainability & ERM for CEMEX Europe, said: “We know that carbon offsetting is only an interim measure while we further develop technology that is still in early stages. At present we believe it is a good way to sequester the remaining CO2 from our lower carbon solutions to take important climate action now. We are sure this will prove a relevant solution as the construction sector looks to take rapid action to improve the sustainability and climate impacts of the built environment.”
