Share this article
The infrastructure development sector in Africa and across the world plays a critical role in the conservation of biodiversity by creating solutions that tackle such challenges. As AL for Infrastructure, we are happy to continue working with Lafarge South Africa (Lafarge), under the umbrella of Holcim in their mission to create innovative and sustainable infrastructure. As a community of infrastructure leaders, we have a role in enabling the creation of greener cities, smarter infrastructure and improving the living standards of the people in our continent.
We are currently exploring more creative ways to work with Holcim in realizing our mutual ambitions. As a global leader in the manufacture of building materials, Holcim is embracing the responsibility that comes with that stature. At AL for Infrastructure, our priority of championing for innovative and sustainable infrastructure development remains clear. With this partner, we see new opportunities to enable our community to get involved in creating solutions that work towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, production of low-carbon building materials, promoting circular economies, and digitizing all production processes.
Our partner, Holcim, is currently leading innovations in many areas of our interests. By deliberately using innovation as a differentiator, the company is using its unparalleled expertise, research, and development resources to position itself as an exemplary innovator in the industry. According to statistics, one third of the total worldwide greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings during their life cycle signifying the need for an all-round sustainable construction. To rise to this challenge, Holcim is continuing to deploy innovative solutions to address CO2 emissions in buildings.
As a leading manufacturer of building materials in the world, Holcim has undoubtedly been one of the companies with significant global carbon footprints. However, this has presented a unique opportunity for the company which is now one of the most carbon-efficient cement companies in the world. In recent years, the company has committed to emitting 40% less CO2 by 2030 and set the industry first 2050 net-zero targets, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The future-focused sustainability as envisioned by Holcim and our sector is multifaceted and requires interventions to address many aspects of Lafarge operations. Fly ash is an example of production by-products that such companies are continuously innovating new ways to deal with. Lafarge South Africa has been leading innovation on the use of fly ash, through their Ash Resources business, for the past 30 years with major breakthroughs in using it as an additive in cement manufacturing. The AL for Infrastructure Sector has now partnered with Lafarge South Africa through a Design and Innovation Challenge to find new ways to use these products. With our undoubted expertise, it is just a matter of time before our community members come together and make that happen.
