H+H is the leading manufacturer of aircrete solutions in the UK, providing innovative products for wall building. Sustainability is a key focus for H+H, in particular reducing carbon emissions to reach its net zero emissions goal by 2050.
At least 85% of H+H’s emissions come from materials in its supply chain used to make aircrete, namely: cement, lime, sand, water, pulverised fuel ash (PFA), and aluminium powder. As part of its sustainability initiatives, H+H works closely with its suppliers to decrease the environmental impact of its systems.
Cemex, a global construction materials and solutions company, has been working with H+H to supply cement for its aircrete for over ten years. As part of Cemex’s Climate Action Programme ‘Future In Action’, it is focusing on decarbonising its solutions to reduce emissions associated with its products throughout the whole life cycle. This initiative has enabled H+H to switch its cement supply from CEM I 52,5N cement to the more sustainable alternative, Cemstone.
Cemex Cemstone, CEM II/A-L 52,5N is a factory produced Portland-limestone cement with a lower carbon footprint compared to other types of Portland cements. CEM I 52,5N cement is a traditional Portland cement, the most common type of cement used around the world contains greater than 95% clinker, which is a major source of CO2 emissions in cement manufacturing.
Clinker is produced by heating limestone (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) and other raw materials such as clay in a rotary kiln at very high temperatures. The key reaction that occurs in this process is the calcination of limestone, which decomposes into calcium oxide (CaO) and releases carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct. The fossil fuels burned to heat the kiln for this process also contribute to the carbon emissions of clinker.
Cemstone achieves comparable performance to CEM I 52,5N but only contains around 80% clinker, therefore replacing CEM I 52,5N cement with Cemstone helps to reduce the embodied carbon of Cemex’s products as well as the companies it supplies.
Cemex UK’s decision to position Cemstone as its core cement product is part of its broader strategy to cut CO2 emissions. This initiative aligns with Cemex’s comprehensive decarbonisation roadmap, which focuses on incorporating low-carbon raw materials and high levels of alternative fuels usage in the cement manufacturing process.
To learn more about H+H UK’s plans for a more environmentally conscious future, explore the sustainability roadmap.