BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 15. The Azerbaijani Cement Producers Association is striving to promptly address climate challenges and take measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to one of the association’s, leaders representing Neqsol Holding, Israil Asaliyev who told Trend.
"The Association of Cement Producers in Azerbaijan was founded in 2023 to meet the country's 40% greenhouse gas emission reduction goal. The partnership includes the major cement plants as Norm Cement, Holcim Azerbaijan, Arkoz Gazakh Cement Plant, and Reges Cement. We choose to tackle climate issues collectively," Asaliyev noted.
He said the association has been working with various stakeholders: produces of construction materials, , government officials, and businesses since May 2024 to create a comprehensive "roadmap" to mitigate the construction industry's climate change impact.
"The cement industry worldwide accounts for up to eight percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, which is a significant figure. Since global issues are difficult to tackle rapidly, the action plan for November 2024 (COP29) to reduce industry climate impacts will be long-term," Asaliyev emphasized.
However, according to him, Azerbaijani companies have already taken certain possible actions.
"For example, in Norm Cement, up to 90 percent of the raw materials used in cement production are waste generated from other industries (from stone quarries, metallurgical productions). Additionally, Norm Cement is exploring the use of waste from the oil industry as an alternative energy source. Holcim Azerbaijan offer a range of eco-friendly building solutions. They recycle the construction waste from old buildings and use it as sublayers for new roads and buildings in the Karabakh area. Furthermore, by using alternative fuel resources, Holcim is able to recover both energy and material from selected wastes, thereby saving non-renewable natural resources. Thus, these companies contribute to fulfilling the climate agenda," Asaliyev said.
To note, Azerbaijan produces approximately five million tons of cement annually to meet the country's needs and those of several neighboring states.