At Heidelberg Materials, we are committed to continuously reducing our CO₂ emissions following the principle of avoidance before capture. We do this by maximising the use of alternative fuels, particularly biomass, reducing the share of CO₂-intensive clinker in cement by incorporating alternative materials, optimising our product mix and increasing the efficiency of our plants. However, only about one third of emissions from cement production can be reduced through these measures. The remaining two thirds are process-related and stem from the deacidification of limestone and currently unavoidable from a technical perspective. The only viable solution for these emissions – which also occur in other industrial sectors – is to capture the CO₂ for subsequent use or storage. This is known as Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS). There is broad scientific consensus that CCUS is essential for dealing with emissions that are unavoidable or difficult to avoid. They complement the expansion of renewable energies, the circular and hydrogen economy, the increase in energy and resource efficiency and the potential of natural CO₂ sinks.
