Holcim Romania, under a new visual identity, adopts an integrated decarbonization model and launches ECOPlanet PLUS, a high-performance, 30% less emission of CO2 additive cement

Holcim Romania adopts a four-pillar business decarbonization model across the entire value chain of the construction sector and launches ECOPlanet PLUS, high performance, additive cement with 30% less CO2 emissions, in the transition to Net Zero.

All this in the context of the launch of a new visual identity, both company-wide as well as for the new integrated range of bagged products, aligned to the global identity, out of a desire to speak with one voice about the ambition to become a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions.

As proof of its commitment to sustainability at the local level, Holcim Romania provides operational evidence, communicates the efforts and results achieved in more than 25 years of activity in Romania and sustainability ambitions for 2030.

“This is an important moment for our company in the process of achieving our Net Zero goals and in our efforts to become a leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. The world is constantly changing and the need for sustainable solutions is essential to build better for future generations. We are committed to reducing our net carbon footprint in cement production with 50% by 2030 compared to the year we started our operations in Romania. Since the start of Holcim’s operations in Romania until today, we have made key investments to modernize, technologize and decarbonize our operations, worth more than EUR 900 million, to support our ambitious mission,” said Bogdan Dobre, CEO Holcim Romania and Market Head Moldova.

Read more about

Romanian Easter traditions. Where to buy cozonac

read more

An integrated four-pillar decarbonization model

Holcim aims to decarbonize its business on a four-pillar model, from operations, to innovative product developments, to the construction and building use phase. The decarbonization model is proven by facts and results generated over time, both locally and globally:

• ➔ DECARBONIZE HOLCIM OPERATIONS – invest in technologies that enable the use of alternative fuels, alternative raw materials and green energy
• ➔ DELIVERING PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE AND LOWER CO2 EMISSIONS – building smarter, with lower resources, decarbonising construction
• ➔ DEVELOPING FUTURE BUILDING SOLUTIONS – helping to build greener cities and use buildings more sustainably
• ➔ ENCOURAGE THE USE OF RESOURCES FROM CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE – stimulate circular construction through recycling

7% of global CO2 emissions are generated by the cement industry. We are aware of our role and responsibility in making our operations greener, a process through which we in Holcim Romania are aiming for a 50% reduction of our CO2 footprint in cement production by 2030, compared to the year we started our operations in Romania. In more than 25 years of operating in Romania, Holcim has already reduced its net CO2 emissions by more than 25% and increased its energy efficiency by 25%.

Thus, Holcim’s efforts to achieve the goal of decarbonizing Holcim Romania’s operations, as the first strategic pillar of the decarbonization model, are directed towards:

1. reducing emissions from the production process

• Holcim Romania aligns with the Group’s circularity strategy in terms of the use of alternative raw materials. With our expertise in innovative product formulations, we are globally replacing natural raw materials such as limestone with more than 20 low-carbon alternative materials such as construction and demolition waste. Also globally, we are boosting the use of alternative raw materials, which contribute to cement decarbonization up to 50% compared to regular Portland cement.

2. Reducing emissions from fuel and electricity

• We fuel our plants around the world with alternative fuels, using end-of-life materials from biomass to municipal waste. In Romania, we aim to exceed the European average of Holcim plants in the European Union of 60% substitution rate of industrial thermal energy produced from classic fossil fuels with alternative energy recovered from waste (used tires, municipal and industrial waste, etc.) by 2030
• We also use renewable energy in all our locations, and to improve energy efficiency we invest in waste heat recovery facilities and in replacing energy-consuming equipment with modern equipment. We aim to implement dedicated purchases of renewable energy, with investments planned to steadily increase its use in our workplaces.

The launch of ECOPlanet PLUS, additivated cement with 30% less CO2 emissions

We deliver high performance products and solutions with low CO2 emissions. Following the 2021 launch of the first ECOPlanet bulk green cement and ECOPact green concrete range, Holcim is launching ECOPlanet PLUS, a high-performance, 30% less CO2 emission coated additive cement.

The launch of ECOPlanet PLUS aligns with Holcim’s brand promise to accelerate the transition to sustainable construction. ECOPlanet PLUS is a Climate Class A solution, a high performance cement with 30% lower CO2 emissions than the European benchmark cement.

Modern technologies and raw materials from responsibly managed sources are used to produce ECOPlanet PLUS. This new product contributes to improving environmental aspects by conserving natural resources through the content of recycled materials, but also by using green energy sources.

The new cement is ideal for multiple applications, ensuring consistently superior results according to strength class. ECOPlanet PLUS is developed to ensure the durability of residential, commercial and industrial buildings, including renovation and modernization works.

New brand vision

Sustainability is at the heart of our strategy, and the rebranding process is a natural step to align the local visual identity with the Holcim Group’s global identity to communicate in unison our values, ambitions and efforts to transform the built environment towards a sustainable one.

The new visual identity is modern, in the colors of nature, forward-looking. It encapsulates a holistic offer, developed in the four pillars of building decarbonisation. At Group level, it represents our commitment to green transformation, from the ground (through cement) to the sky (through seeded buildings).

Holcim is at the center and connects all dimensions of the built environment – circular – with infinite possibilities: ”The transition to net zero requires unprecedented collaboration across the entire value chain. We are aware of our role in the industry and in the world we live in, so we are in turn trying to empower our collaborators, stimulating the transition to a sustainable built environment by promoting green solutions. And the new visual identity, both in terms of colors and aspirational message, shows that we are committed to building a greener, smarter world for all,” added Bogdan Dobre, CEO Holcim Romania & Market Head Moldova.