MODERN CEMENT MANUFACTURE AND THE CEMENT INDUSTRY'S SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

The Sustainability Initiative of the cement industry is a joint action of 10 internationally active cement producers, who have formed the Cement Sustainability Initiative under the chairmanship of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). The Initiative had a study carried out by the Batelle Memorial Institute, covering all aspects of sustainability: economics, ecology and social aspects, in order to develop workable and durable strategies for the industry. The Initiative drew up an Action Plan, describing precise measures to be realized within the next several years by the companies engaged. The spectrum of the agenda items embraces all fields of modern cement manufacture: from climate protection and emission reduction, use of primary and alternative raw materials and fuels, workers' health and safety, to internal business processes. Heidelberg Cement already introduced quite a number of projects, which shows that there is no contradiction between sustainability and economic cement production: improved energy efficiency by reconstruction of kiln lines, use of alternative fuels including biomass, production of cement types with reduced clinker content by the use of slag, and introduction of innovative processes. These are examples of a successful way to be continued in the future, which is further emphasised by HeidelbergCement's unhesitating commitment to CO₂ reduction.

• INTRODUCTION

• THE CEMENT INDUSTRY'S SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

• HEIDELBERG CEMENT'S BOARD COMMITMENT: SUSTAINABLE VALUE CREATION - OUR COMMITMENT

• MODERN CEMENT MANUFACTURE

• INNOVATIVE PROCESSES

• REFERENCES