𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 'Isn’t this just greenwashing?' If there was a top three list of questions I've been asked about our transformation over the years, this one would be on it: Aren’t your efforts and sustainable products just greenwashing? A lot of times this question is packed more diplomatically of course. But it does not change the underlying concerns. And this is good! We need those critical questions to foster change and drive the transformation of the cement industry. This is why I will never get tired of answering them. I don't believe in greenwashing. We need to convince through results, let them speak for us, and be transparent on them. Just a few examples: ➪ This June saw the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cap2U project by Linde and Heidelberg Materials in Lengfurt, Germany, where CO₂ will be captured from cement production on an industrial scale and processed so that it can be reused in the food industry. ➪ We are working intensively on new types of cement with a lower carbon footprint: By reducing the proportion of limestone and lowering the firing temperature in the cement kiln, we will soon offer cement with a reduced carbon footprint from our German plant in Paderborn. ➪ We are developing renewable electricity sources in numerous Group countries. In Belgium, we were able to cover a larger share of energy demand of our cement plant in the Port of Ghent with wind energy for the first time in 2023. ➪ The binder used for our special 3D printing concrete significantly reduces the CO2 emissions compared to pure Portland cement and the process requires less material for the finished building compared to traditional construction methods. As one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of building materials, environmental responsibility is (and MUST be) at the heart of our business. Along with a focus on a convincing business case and all while maintaining the same high product quality & reliability that customers have come to expect from us. #sustainability #evobuild #evozero Heidelberg Materials
Michael Weitz
7mo
Inspiring stuff Dominik! A long way to go, but your continuous appetite to find scalable solutions, and prove them in the market is a big part of the solution.
Miles Haladay
7mo
Is it greenwashing, no, but I am not sure it is the solution either. Both can be true here. From what I see, Heidelberg mostly relies on CCS projects funded by governments. How does this scale long-term? CCS never comes down in price! I am a HUGE fan of your team and the team at Holcim. You have many great people working on this problem. I just wish price parity with traditional methods was more on your radar. Maybe the developed world can eat the green premium, but India and the rest of the developing world can't. I also know that Heidelberg can't do this alone and stay in business. Thanks for what you have done. Please let us know how we can go faster together and more towards a world where green cement doesn't have a green premium.
Vetle Houg
7mo
Totally agree! As I see it we have proven that we don't just put up ambitious targets, but also achieve them by putting action behind them.
Nicolai Schulz
7mo
People confidentaly vote a political party that represents nothing but the definition of climate capitalism- and then criticize the free economy for greenwashing? Clearly shows the „peak“ of modern, western society in Europe. 😂
The point of calling it greenwashing relates mainly to the fact that while you are making all these tiny positive initiatives then your production sites are running at full load and we do not see any impact. It goes for cement, iron and steel, transportation, you name it. Main target will always be, how can we maintain as much of the well know business as usual that we know will secure income, which is the reason we see no game changing stuff from the settled companies. It is merely a license to operate partially funded by innovation schemes etc. etc. With this attitude you are actually at great risk of your business being overtaken by innovative companies as you stand still and will suffer the slow death by CO2 and general emission penalties. Transform!!!
Companies like Heidelberg Materials can be a huge contributor for the transformation towards a #CircularEconomy ♻
Kyler Allison
7mo
Thanks for sharing!
It's always a good time to question if our goals are ambitious enough and our investments transformative. We agree that transparent action and critical evaluation are essential, especially in the face of urgent crises. Fear of greenwashing shouldn't paralyze us. Heidelberg Materials has been a trusted ally in biodiversity for years, showing transparency, advocating for sustainable practices, and implementing them. Your commitment goes beyond compliance; you're leaving a positive legacy for nature, and we're proud to support that. The shift to a greener, more sustainable built environment starts with you, at the supply chain's beginning. We'll be there to support and challenge you along the way.
Independent Management Consultant | Business & Strategy Advisor | Industry & Market Analyst
7moLieber Herr von Achten, Heidelberg Materials is a keading cement producer and the self-proclaimed leader in cement decarbonisation. Therefor you should not be surprised if people ask you about greenwashing. I am surprised that you are asked this so often. This has three mean reasons: 1. People are very critical 2. Facts are difficult to understand 3. Your communication needs an improvement I would be happy to discuss the issue with you, maybe together with a few of your experts. I am convinced, after the discussion you will come to a different view to improve your leadership. Beste Grüße Joe Harder