Lafarge Cement Company and Their New, Green System

Innovations for Sustainability– Rays of Hope for the Future

The state of the planet is dire, and the only real solution is innovation. Outside-the-box thinking and methods of production, and new approaches recycling are key in moving forward in a way that’s best for this planet and everyone on it. iSustain is deeply committed to sustainability, and draws inspiration from companies around the world that are working tirelessly to improve the way they function. Lafarge is one such company. They take sustainability seriously, and we are proud to provide alternative fuel to help reduce emissions with their improved and deeply innovative process for producing cement. At iSustain, we seek to bolster the work of companies who are working toward leaving a smaller environmental footprint, and Lafarge is working toward that same goal.

As North America’s largest provider of diversified construction materials, Lafarge is making a colossal impact for sustainability. Their mission is to “provide construction solutions that build better cities and communities.”

Lafarge, a Global cement Maker, is leading the way for sustainable processes as the most carbon-efficient cement plants. This 60-year old company is making huge strides for the industry, and earlier this year, launched a new lower carbon fuel (LCF) system at their Richmond BC Canada cement plant. This new process has the potential to replace 50% of the plant’s fossil fuel consumption with LCF, which is comprised of materials like construction waste, wood, and otherwise non-recyclable plastics. Through Lafarge, these otherwise throw-away items are being used for good.

Reducing Emissions and Landfill-Fated Items

On top of minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, Lafarge’s new system will also contribute greatly to decreasing landfill waste. The LCF used to fuel their process is made up mostly of non-recyclable plastics and nylon fibers that generally find their way to landfills. Conversely, these materials will be diverted to the Richmond plant in the amount of 100,000 tons of waste per year, saving them from that landfill fate.

Lafarge has been outwardly concerned about sustainable practices since its inception in the late 70s. This company was founded with principles of action that held environmental responsibility close to heart from day one. They are always seeking ways to increase their environmental performance at their operations, but beyond that, they are always working to develop innovative solutions that result in sustainable design and construction.

Habitat for Humanity Net Zero Energy Homes

Innovation often takes its best shape through collaborative efforts. As such, Lafarge North America partnered with Stantec, an international architecture and engineering firm, and donated a highly innovative, residential duplex made from precast concrete to the Habitat for Humanity community in Edmonton, Alberta. The goal was the erection of a net zero energy home. These two creative companies worked together on a project to design and construct the ultimate energy efficient housing solution to serve as a model for sustainable housing development in the future.

Not only did this collaboration provide housing for two families in need, but it also serves as a blueprint for energy efficient home construction that other industry leaders can draw inspiration from. It paves the way for similar efforts, and serves as an example of what is possible.

It’s projects and companies such as this that offer hope for our collective future. An earnest approach to sustainability is key, and bearing in mind the impact our actions have on the earth is imperative, Creative solutions, like the ones implemented by Lafarge, are the only way to forge ahead. iSustain is a leader in qualifying, blending, and providing alternative fuel to sustainability leaders like LaFarge, and we’re so proud to be a cog in the machine, a proponent for such progress.