The construction sector is seeing an increasing trend towards environmental responsibility and ‘green buildings’. Construction materials supplier AfriSam says that its products can help customers achieve sustainability goals.

“The sustainability drive in the construction sector is gathering momentum,” says AfriSam cementitious executive Hannes Meyer. “The carbon footprint of construction materials is where contractors can make immediate gains when looking to align a project with more stringent environmental standards.”

The company notes that its focus on energy efficiency, cement extenders, water conservation and biodiversity has helped minimise the environmental and carbon impact of its products and states that, since 1990, it has reduced its volume of carbon dioxide emissions per ton of cementitious material by 33%.

In a carbon-intensive industry such as cement manufacturing, it is difficult to reduce the carbon impact without a depth of expertise and constant investment in innovation, asserts AfriSam process engineer Marieta Buckle, adding that it is also important to consider the cost implications of any changes, given South Africa’s need for a just transition to a sustainable future.

“In our position as a developing country, our future will demand the construction of millions of houses – structures that require considerable quantities of cement,” says Buckle. “The way we pursue our just transition must take into account the affordability of these homes for the vast majority of citizens.”

Having considered a wide variety of options available, AfriSam says that it has implemented strategies that have the least cost impact on customers and the market.