GHG Emissions, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  October 3, 2024

Lafarge Canada Commissions Low-Carbon Fuel Facility

Lafarge Canada Inc., a member of Holcim Group, commissioned its Low-Carbon Fuel (LCF) facility at its Exshaw cement plant.

The provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions in Canada collaborated with Geocycle Canada for the project. The $38 million facility will reduce the plant's reliance on traditional fuels by replacing up to 50% of natural gas used for one of its kilns. The alternative thermal energy utilized is derived from construction demolition waste (CDW), primarily discarded wood that would otherwise end up in landfills and emit methane.

"Our commitment to building a sustainable future is at the core of everything we do," said Brad Kohl, president and CEO of Lafarge Canada (West), in a statement. "The LCF project is a prime example of how innovation and collaboration can drive positive change, lowering our environmental footprint through the use of waste biomass materials while closing the material loop to conserve natural resources.”

Geocycle Canada, also a member of Holcim Group, is responsible for co-processing the CDW into low-carbon fuels. This method ensures no residue is left behind, offering a complete solution. The materials are carefully selected and processed to maintain high safety and quality standards.

Lafarge's new LCF facility was made possible through $10 million in funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) through the Government of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund. 

The Exshaw plant, a key supplier of cement across Canada and the Pacific Northwest of the United States, supports major infrastructure projects while advancing Lafarge’s coast-to-coast sustainability efforts. The LCF facility is projected to divert up to 120,000 tons of construction demolition waste from landfills each year, reducing CO2 emissions by as much as 30,000 tons annually. Sourced from partners like ECCO Recycling, these materials contribute and align with Canada's net-zero goals for 2050.

The initiative is a key part of Lafarge Canada’s broader sustainability strategy and is supported by the Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund and grants from the Province of Alberta. 

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