By Staff Reporter LafargeHolcim, the holding company for local cement manufacturer Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe has joined Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) “Business Ambition for 1.5°C,” becoming the first global building materials firm to sign the pledge, with intermediate targets for 2030. This commitment builds on LafargeHolcim’s leadership in green construction with cutting-edge solutions such as its green concrete, ECOPact and circular cement, Susteno. In a statement yesterday, Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe said as a subsidiary firm, fully subscribed to the commitment. In its 2030 goals, LafargeHolcim is further lowering its target for CO2 intensity in cement to 475kg net CO2 per ton of cementitious material (net CO2/t.cem.). Europe is on track to become the first region to reach this net zero ambition, building on its CHF 160 million investment roadmap launched last year. LafargeHolcim will also partner with SBTi to develop a roadmap for aligning climate targets to a 1.5°C future in the cement sector, pushing the boundaries of green construction. LafargeHolcim CEO said: “I believe in building a world that works for people and the planet. That’s why we are reinventing how the world builds today to make it greener with low-carbon and circular solutions. I am very excited to be working with SBTi, taking a rigorous science-based approach to shape our net zero roadmap and accelerating our efforts to substantially lower our CO2 footprint. I will not stop pushing the boundaries to lead the way in green construction.” Chief Sustainability Officer Magali Anderson added that: “As the world’s largest cement producer, we have a key role to play in addressing today’s climate crisis. On our way to becoming a net zero company, we are not only part of the solution, we are committed to supporting our customers in their CO2-reduction ambitions. No company can tackle today’s climate challenge alone, that’s why we are partnering for impact.” SBTi director Alberto Carrillo also said: “We at SBTi are delighted that LafargeHolcim has joined the group of over 290 industry leaders committed to a 1.5°C future. As the largest player in one of the most carbon-intensive industries, LafargeHolcim’s leadership demonstrates that a net zero economy is within reach.” The SBTi has approved LafargeHolcim’s commitment to reduce scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions 21%2 per ton of cementitious materials by 2030 from a 2018 base year. With this target, LafargeHolcim commits to reduce scope 1 GHG emissions 17.5% per ton of cementitious material and scope 2 GHG emissions 65% per ton of cementitious materials within the same timeframe. By 2030, LafargeHolcim is aiming to: ● Accelerate the use of low-carbon and carbon-neutral products such as ECOPact and Susteno ● Recycle 100m tons of waste and byproducts for energy and raw materials ● Scale up the use of calcined clay and develop novel cements with new binders ● Double waste-derived fuels in production to reach 37% ● Reach 475 kg net CO2 per ton of cementitious material (net CO2/t.cem) ● Operate its first net