#United States #Chicago #Holcim North America #Slag Cement Association #Sustainable Concrete

Holcim North America's Sustainable Construction Excellence

Holcim North America has recently garnered significant recognition for its contributions to sustainable construction. At the 2024 Slag Cement in Sustainable Concrete Awards, Holcim was honored for its excellence in three distinct projects across various categories, underscoring its commitment to innovative building solutions that prioritize environmental responsibility. The award ceremony occurred on April 2, 2025, in Toronto, Ontario, marking a pivotal moment for the company.

Holcim’s Recognition and Awards

The accolades were shared by Patrick Cleary, the Senior Vice President of Cement Sales at Holcim, who expressed pride in the awards highlighting the company's commitment to durable, eco-friendly building practices. These awards were primarily for two categories: Lower Carbon Concrete and Durability. Holcim's innovative approaches in projects not only emphasize sustainability but also address critical issues like aging infrastructure in urban settings.

Project Highlights

1. Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance
- Among the top innovations was Holcim's recognition for the Seattle Storm Center, the WNBA’s dedicated training facility. This project utilized a special mix—featuring slag as a supplementary cementitious material—which achieved a remarkable 40% reduction in carbon emissions compared to regional averages. Moreover, the facility aligns with the First Movers Coalition’s goal of significant carbon reductions by the year 2030, meeting a staggering 80% of its targets.

2. Newbury MA Concrete Pavement Intersection
- Another notable project is the newly completed concrete pavement at the intersection of Middle Road and Hanover Street along Route 1 in Newbury, Massachusetts. This endeavor marked an important milestone, as it was Massachusetts' first concrete paving project in 50 years. Thanks to the use of slag cement, the pavement is projected to have a service life exceeding 75 years, setting a new standard for future infrastructure projects in the state.

3. Study on Slag Cement Use in Minnesota
- Holcim also played a crucial role in supporting the Minnesota Department of Transportation's evaluation of slag cement systems on Interstate 94. This study showed the potential for enhanced performance and reduced clinker usage in concrete pavements, reinforcing the viability of adopting sustainable materials in road construction.

Holcim's Continued Commitment

Since its inception, the Slag Cement Association has continually recognized leading practices in eco-friendly concrete construction. Holcim's repeated success across various categories, including Architectural and High Performance, cements its role as a frontrunner in sustainable building technologies. The company's initiatives are critical not only to environmental well-being but also to enhancing the overall quality and resilience of infrastructure.

About Holcim

Holcim maintains a robust operational footprint in the United States, with nearly 350 sites across 43 states and a workforce of 7,000 employees dedicated to promoting better building practices. The company focuses on providing innovative solutions that ensure both structural integrity and eco-efficiency in community development. In 2023, Holcim reported net sales of CHF 27.0 billion, establishing itself as a global leader in sustainable building solutions.

In conclusion, Holcim North America’s recent accolades reflect a significant achievement in the construction industry, showcasing the impactful strides made towards sustainable development. The future looks promising as Holcim continues to lead in transforming concrete practices for generations to come.