The construction sector is one of the largest consumers of raw materials. Nowadays, there are second opportunities for raw materials and waste that can be used in other value chains. One of the key materials we work on is aggregates, construction materials used with a cement binder to form concrete and can build structures such as highways, walkways, parking lots, airport runways and railways. Aggregates are composed of geological materials such as gravel, sand and crushed rock.
Our partner CEMEX Poland is working to make more sustainable aggregates and concrete. The latter is the second most consumed material in the world. Therefore, they have created Vertua, a portfolio of more sustainable products that leverage cutting-edge technology and innovation to meet construction needs. Vertua has 5 sustainable attributes: Lower Carbon CO2 Footprint, Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, Recycled Materials (materials reuse & waste minimization) and Design Optimization.
Aggregate materials help make concrete mixes more compact to decrease the consumption of cement and water. As a result, the material has become an indispensable ingredient in constructing and maintaining rigid structures. According to CEMEX, the design phase of most construction projects generally requires a careful analysis of the source of the aggregates, including their type and size and the material properties of the aggregates needed at various stages of the construction process.
In the frame of Reincarnate and circular economy, and together with other partners, CEMEX is developing solutions to extend the life cycle of a building and thus reduce construction and demolition waste. They have industry expertise and have taken initiatives to measure the sustainable impact of construction projects through Vertua, enabling investments to be made in an environmentally friendly way without compromising technical performance.
CEMEX Poland actively supports all initiatives whose goals are consistent with their global climate strategy “Future in Action.” An example of such an initiative is Reincarnate, under which CEMEX intends to develop, among other things, concrete products with a low carbon footprint and the possibility of using recycled aggregates.
“We are pleased that through our involvement in this venture we can share good practices and ideas with both Polish and foreign partners, as well as learn from their knowledge and experience. We are convinced that our cooperation will result in many innovations that will benefit the European industry in the future,” says Michał Grys, Director of the Materials Division, Member of the Management Board at CEMEX Poland.
