ENVIRONMENT

The main component of concrete is the gray slurry called cement, which results from the firing of raw materials to produce clinker and the subsequent grinding with additional materials, such as gypsum, limestone and others. The baking process results in the release of significant amounts of CO₂, which come from the raw materials and the required energy (fuel and electricity).

Considering that the world's population is expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, combined with increasing urbanization, it stands to reason that the need for sustainable construction becomes especially critical. The way we produce and use cement products will be paramount to achieving a sustainable future for all. One of the important innovations carried out at the Drepano plant (and for the first time at a Titan plant), in April 2018, was the trial production of a new type of low CO₂ clinker. The importance of the project was very great as limiting CO₂ emissions is a key concern and effort for the Group. In order to carry out the test, detailed production planning was required as the kiln operation mode would change to a great extent (different quality targets in flour and clinker, other flour raw materials, fuel limitation, reduction of the kiln zone, etc.). During the industrial test there was strict monitoring of the process and continuous cooperation between Production, Quality Control and Group Technical Directorate executives. The results justified the effort, as the quality goal in the clinker was achieved on the one hand and lower calorific consumption on the other hand, resulting in reduced CO₂ emissions.