Lafarge Canada Advances Lower Carbon Portfolio by Fully Converting Ontario Plant’s Cement Production

Rhea-AI Summary

Lafarge Canada has announced the full conversion of its Bath Cement Plant to produce reduced carbon portland limestone cement, branded as OneCem. This eco-efficient product significantly lowers CO2 emissions while maintaining performance. Since 2018, Lafarge has saved over 140,000 tonnes of CO2 by transitioning to OneCem, equating to taking nearly 43,000 cars off the road. The company has produced over 6 million metric tonnes of OneCem since 2011, underscoring its commitment to sustainability in the construction industry across Eastern Canada.

Positive

• Full conversion of Bath Cement Plant to eco-efficient OneCem cement.
• Saved over 140,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions since 2018, equivalent to removing 42,891 cars from the road.
• Produced over 6 million metric tonnes of OneCem since 2011, enhancing sustainable construction practices.

Negative

• None.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Leading the way in providing sustainable and innovative building solutions to the construction industry in Eastern Canada, Lafarge proudly informed that as of today their Bath Cement Plant, located near Kingston (ON), is fully converting its production of general use cement (GU) to reduced carbon portland limestone cement - branded as OneCem - the company’s eco-efficient alternative.

Marilyn Towers, Mississauga (ON) - project built with OneCem (Photo: Business Wire)

Over the past few years, Lafarge has continuously worked towards full conversion to OneCem, a sustainable product that presents significantly less CO2 emissions while providing the same performance and durability. “As the leader in the Cement Industry in Eastern Canada, we are committed to developing our green portfolio and advancing towards a sustainable future with OneCem as a step on the journey,” commented Andrew Stewart, Vice President, Cement, Lafarge Eastern Canada.

According to Robert Cumming, Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs, Eastern Canada, “From 2018 to 2021 only, we have saved more than 140,000 tonnes of CO2 by converting GU cement to OneCem in our plants across Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia - the equivalent to taking 42,891 cars off the road, which would have consumed 59,640,854 liters of gasoline. With the recent conversion of the Bath Plant’s GU production to OneCem, these numbers will continue to grow.”

The portland limestone cement, OneCem, contributes to lowering the industry’s carbon footprint not only during the manufacturing process - while cement typically represents only 11% of a concrete mix, it can account for more than 80% of all energy required to produce concrete. “At the Bath Plant, we are excited to increase our OneCem production and to provide our customers with this sustainable product, so that every project they build with our product can have a smaller carbon footprint,” affirms Ignacio Arroyo, Bath Cement Plant Manager.

According to Guido Cosentini, General Manager at Toronto Redi-mix, “We have had a successful partnership with Lafarge Canada for almost 30 years now – Toronto Redi-mix’s full transition from GU to OneCem has been very smooth. The product has presented great results right from the beginning – the performance and quality have been identical to standard cement. For us, the main benefit is certainly the sustainable aspect of OneCem. We look forward to maintaining a fantastic partnership with Lafarge Canada and using OneCem for many more years to come.”

Across Canada, Lafarge has produced over 6 million metric tonnes of OneCem since 2011, and users can be confident in its performance whilst reducing the carbon footprint in the built environment and community. “OneCem is the go-to product today for general use cement with lower environmental impact than traditional cements while maintaining fantastic performance in the field. As we move forward, our objective at Lafarge is to continue innovating and further the conversion of our customers across Eastern Canada to more sustainable products like OneCem,” concludes Andrew Stewart.

Quick Facts

• From 2018 to 2021 only, we have saved more than 140,000 tonnes of CO2 by converting GU cement to OneCem in our plants across Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia - the equivalent to taking 42,891 cars off the road, which would have consumed 59,640,854 liters of gasoline. With the recent conversion of the Bath Plant’s GU production to OneCem, these numbers will continue to grow.
• While cement typically represents only 11% of a concrete mix, it can account for more than 80% of all energy required to produce concrete.
• Across Canada, Lafarge has produced over 6 million metric tonnes of OneCem since 2011, and users can be confident in its performance whilst reducing the carbon footprint in the built environment and community.

Associated links

https://onecemcement.com/
https://www.lafarge.ca/en
Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator | Natural Resources Canada

About Lafarge Canada Inc.

Lafarge is Canada’s largest provider of sustainable construction materials and a member of the global group, Holcim. With 6,000 employees and 350 sites across Canada, our mission is to provide construction solutions and products that build progress for people and the planet. The cities where Canadians live, work, and raise their families along with communities’ infrastructure benefit from the sustainable portfolio provided by Lafarge, consisting of Aggregates, Asphalt and Paving, Cement, Precast Concrete, Ready-Mix Concrete, and Road Construction.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220622005043/en/

For media inquiries

Anna Salomao

anna.salomao@lafargeholcim.com

Source: Lafarge Canada Inc.

FAQ

What is Lafarge's new cement production initiative as of 2023?

Lafarge has fully converted its Bath Cement Plant to produce OneCem, a reduced carbon portland limestone cement.

How much CO2 has Lafarge saved through its cement conversions?

From 2018 to 2021, Lafarge saved over 140,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions through its transition to OneCem.

What does OneCem represent for Lafarge and the construction industry?

OneCem is Lafarge's eco-efficient alternative cement that significantly reduces CO2 emissions while ensuring performance.

How many tonnes of OneCem has Lafarge produced across Canada?

Lafarge has produced over 6 million metric tonnes of OneCem since its introduction in 2011.

What is the environmental impact of switching to OneCem?

Switching to OneCem helps lower the carbon footprint of the construction industry, as cement accounts for a large portion of concrete's energy consumption.