Have you ever heard of cleantech? In 2024 alone, EU cleantech investment reached €23.4 billion across 76 deals—nearly tripling the previous year’s total. A historic first quarter accounted for €16.9 billion of that investment, fueled by mega-deals and increased backing from public financial institutions. Notably, cleantech venture capital (VC) activity spanned 23 of the 27 EU member states, highlighting the growing traction across the continent. 

In the same year, €8.8 billion in venture capital was directed towards clean technologies, sparking a wave of sustainable technology innovations that are set to revolutionize various industries, including construction. In this article, we’ll explore how clean technologies are being applied in the building sector and why VC investment is essential to driving the next generation of green infrastructure. Let’s go! 

What is cleantech? 

First things first. Before we get into cleantech investment and what it all involves, let’s take a moment to break down what this term really means.   

Cleantech (Short for “clean technologies” has grown beyond niche sustainability circles in recent years and is now gaining more traction than ever across mainstream industries. In simple terms, this concept refers to a broad range of technologies and companies focused on improving environmental sustainability. We’re talking about innovations and business models that tackle global challenges like climate change and resource depletion.   

The cleantech umbrella covers a wide variety of products (such as solar panels and low-carbon cement), services, and processes across different sectors (energy, construction, transportation, materials, and chemicals, among others), all designed to: 

• Provide superior performance or decrease costs 

• Greatly reduce (or eliminate) environmental impact  

• Maximize the productive and responsible use of natural resources  

The role of cleantech in the construction industry 

As the construction industry intensifies efforts to reduce carbon emissions and lessen its environmental footprint. Cleantech is emerging as a key driver of sustainable transformation. Startups and leading construction firms are actively investing in and adopting clean technologies that promote eco-friendly building practices.  

Cleantech in construction focuses on improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and lowering emissions across the entire building lifecycle—from design and material selection to construction methods and operational performance. By integrating these solutions, the building industry is not only addressing environmental challenges but also unlocking new opportunities for cost savings and long-term value. 

The evolution of venture capital in cleantech 

In our recently published Top 50 Contech 2025 Report, the investment experts at Cemex Ventures shared some of the most valuable insights on the trajectory and outlook of cleantech investment throughout 2024. Amid a slowdown in venture capital activity, construction-related clean technology also saw a 15% drop compared to 2023 (2023: US$54B, 2024: US$46B). While this decline reflects ongoing market challenges, it also points to a window of opportunity for the adoption of breakthrough technologies in 2025. The Cleantech sector within the building environment has shown adaptability with a growing influx of investment driven by substantial public subsidies and increasing private sector interest in this field.  

Fast forward, let’s dig into the information about the intersection of Contech and Cleantech in Q1 2025 — that is, solutions applicable to Contech which, due to their sustainability angle, CO2 mitigation, etc., can also be considered Cleantech. During this period, the sector reached an invested amount of USD 466.44M across 23 deals — a 93% and 44% increase, respectively, compared to 2024 (USD 241.19M invested across 16 deals).

• Due to the positive start of the year in the investment activity in the Contech ecosystem, Cleantech-related transactions (applied to the built environment) have also experienced a considerable increase, compared to the same quarter last year.     

Top Deals Q1 2025: Contech + Cleantech 

• Terra CO2 closed US$82M in Series B: Terra CO2, a leading US-based low-carbon building materials company, secured US$82 million in Series B equity commitments from a mix of financial and strategic investors. Read more! 

• Ana received US$50M from S2G Investments: Ana, a Henderson, NV-based mobile power and air solutions company, received a $50M investment from S2G Investments. Read more! 

• Reneo snapped €600M: Reneo, a Hamburg-based real estate technology and investment platform, has secured a €600 million capital platform. The funding will support the decarbonization of Germany’s residential real estate sector. Read more! 

The latest (and most compelling) takeaways on cleantech investment 

• The European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal, unveiled in February 2025, aims to boost the EU’s cleantech and heavy industries with €100 billion in funding over the next 10 years. Read more! 

• In 2024, China invested $940 billion in clean energy, approaching the $1.12 trillion spent globally on fossil fuels. Read more!  

• Since the Inflation Reduction Act, clean manufacturing has become the fastest-growing area of clean energy investment in the U.S., with quarterly funding jumping from $2.5B in Q3 2022 to $14B in Q1 2025. Read more! 

• In 2025, green hydrogen is emerging as a key pillar of India’s cleantech push, driven by the National Green Hydrogen Mission and rising private investment, positioning the country as a future global leader in green hydrogen production. Read more! 

• Asia-Pacific is emerging as a cleantech investment hotspot, with the region set to drive 60% of global GDP growth in 2024 and consume half the world’s electricity by 2025. 

• The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that at least $150 trillion in global cleantech investment is needed by 2050 to keep warming below the 1.5°C threshold set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Read more!  

2025 trends in Cleantech  

Energy appetite for AI 

The computational power required to support AI’s rapid growth is doubling roughly every 100 days. This surge is driving a sharp rise in the number of data centers being built around the world, along with the energy needed to run them. As a result, AI and data centers are becoming major drivers of global electricity demand. 

But it’s not just about how much energy is used, it’s also about when and where it’s needed. Data centers require a constant, stable power supply 24/7, which puts pressure on efforts to reduce emissions. This is sparking a global race to secure data center locations that offer abundant, clean, and reliable energy at scale. 

Over the past year, major tech companies have ramped up investment in advanced nuclear technologies, from small modular reactors to fusion. These long-term solutions show promise, but most won’t be ready to deliver energy until the 2030s. 

• Google plans to increase capital investments to $75 billion in 2025 as part of its effort to expand AI and cloud capacity. 

Transitioning to greener construction 

The construction industry is shifting toward a more sustainable approach. Low-carbon construction aims to make building processes less harmful and more aligned with the environmental goals of the Paris Agreement. 

Several startups are also embracing cleaner, more sustainable materials—commonly known as green building materials—such as hemp-based concrete, bamboo, precast concrete, mycelium, and recycled plastic, among others.  

• The global precast concrete market is expected to keep growing, with projections reaching USD 247.5 billion by 2035. 

Continued focus on innovation on clean energy 

The clean energy sector has been consistently innovating, and this momentum is expected to accelerate even more in 2025. This trend is evident in the growing investments and increased public funding for energy research and development, aimed at improving technical performance and efficiency, reducing costs, advancing emerging technologies, and inventing the solutions of the future. 

Mature technologies like solar photovoltaics and wind turbines have already undergone this transformation over the past decades. Now, emerging technologies such as batteries and carbon management solutions are following their own innovation trajectories—driven by even greater urgency and rapid growth. 

• In 2024, global investment in clean energy reached a record $2.1 trillion, representing an 11% increase over the previous year and more than double the levels seen in 2020. 

Cemex Ventures and Cleantech: A Strategic Match 

Yes, at Cemex Ventures, we’ve totally clicked with cleantech. We’re all in on leading the construction industry’s shift toward a greener, cleaner future. Our team of investment pros is constantly on the lookout for the most disruptive clean technologies that can cut CO2 emissions and boost the circular economy. That’s why our investment portfolio proudly showcases what green construction is all about. 

If you’re an entrepreneur with a breakthrough cleantech solution that could shake up the construction world—we’ve got great news for you! Construction Startup Competition (teamed up with industry giants like Caterpillar, Hilti Group, Ferrovial, VINCI Group’s Leonard, Haskell’s Dysruptek, and Zacua Ventures) is open for applications until June 22. 

This is your chance to skyrocket your startup into a top-tier ecosystem of investors and major companies! 

Is prefabrication the key to solving 21st-century construction challenges? 

Prefabricated buildings are making waves as a sustainable breakthrough today, but what does this construction method really involve? Let’s take a closer look! 

What is prefabricated construction?

Prefabrication, as the name suggests, involves assembling building components off-site before transporting them to their final location for installation. 

In traditional construction, raw materials are brought to the site, where everything is built from the ground up. Prefabrication flips this approach—only the foundation is constructed on-site, while key sections are pre-built elsewhere and then delivered for assembly. 

Fun fact: In civil engineering projects like bridges and dams, steel frameworks as long as 37 meters are often prefabricated and transported to the site, streamlining construction and reducing on-site work. 

What’s the difference between prefabricated, industrialized, and modular construction?

The main difference between modular, prefabricated, and industrialized construction lies in how and where building components are manufactured and assembled: 

• Industrialized construction: Focuses on standardized industrial processes to efficiently produce building components or modules while minimizing waste. This approach is truly disruptive, leveraging process and technology enablers to enhance automation, efficiency, and scalability. It can include both prefabricated and modular construction, integrating advanced technologies and mass production methods.
• Modular construction: Takes prefabrication a step further by creating entire sections, or modules, in a controlled off-site environment. These modules, which can include interior finishes and installed systems, are then transported to the final location and assembled into a complete structure.

In short, while prefabricated and modular construction focus on where and how building components are manufactured and assembled, industrialized construction takes a broader approach: It prioritizes efficiency, automation, and standardization by integrating advanced technologies and streamlined industrial processes to optimize the entire construction workflow. 

A look back: How prefabricated construction has evolved over time

Prefabricated construction might seem like a modern trend, but its roots go back thousands of years. As early as 2600 BCE, the Egyptians used pre-cut stone blocks to construct the pyramids, allowing for more efficient building processes. The Romans later advanced this concept by incorporating prefabricated architectural elements such as columns, arches, and domes, which helped them construct massive structures more quickly and consistently.  

In the 20th century, prefabrication became a game-changer, especially after World War II. With millions of people needing housing, factory-made building components—like entire wall panels, floors, and roofs—were mass-produced and transported to construction sites for rapid assembly. This approach significantly reduced construction time and costs, making prefabrication a key solution for post-war rebuilding efforts.  

For a bit more context, it’s interesting to note that prefab building and modular construction have taken a step back in recent years. However, the prefabricated construction market was valued at US$146.4Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach US$208.1Bn by 2030.  

This market is growing rapidly, driven by urbanization, cost efficiency, and the demand for scalable infrastructure, especially in emerging economies like India and China. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region holds a major share, fueled by construction activity, labor shortages, and government support for affordable housing. Europe and North America are also expanding, with prefabricated construction gaining traction in commercial and residential sectors. 

You may be interested: The main trends in the construction world for 2025 

Benefits of prefabrication in construction

Speed of construction & cost-efficiency

Prefabrication is often faster than traditional construction because the components arrive pre-built and only need to be assembled on-site. It can also be more cost-effective. Since prefabricated components are manufactured in a controlled factory environment, transporting them is often cheaper than moving raw materials and assembling everything on-site. 

Prefabrication can reduce construction time by up to 50%!

Building smarter, building greener

Building more sustainably starts with rethinking how we construct. Traditional methods rely on frequent material transport and generate significant waste. In contrast, prefabrication centralizes production in a factory, reducing its environmental impact. 

• Lower carbon footprint: Prefabricated construction can cut carbon emissions by up to 40%. Producing components in one location and bulk reduces the need for multiple raw material deliveries and the emissions they generate.   

• Efficient energy use: Prefabrication reduces energy consumption by centralizing production in a controlled environment. Unlike traditional construction, which requires energy for on-site machinery, temporary climate control, and frequent material transport, factories optimize energy use through automation, bulk processing, and climate efficiency.   

• Key fact: Prefabricated construction consumes up to 67% less energy than traditional methods. 

• Less waste: Factory-based prefabrication minimizes waste by using advanced technology to cut materials precisely. Unlike traditional construction, where on-site inefficiencies lead to excess waste, prefab manufacturing improves material use, allowing leftovers to be reused or recycled. This streamlined process makes construction more efficient and sustainable.   

Flexibility & scalability

Prefabricated construction has become a versatile choice for a wide range of building projects. Here’s how: 

• Design flexibility: Advanced tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) create a virtual 3D model of project, allowing every detail to be planned. This ensures that components are precisely manufactured in the factory and fit together seamlessly on-site. Did you know? According to COBOD—one of the startups in our investment portfolio specializing in 3D printing—robotic arms play a major role in prefabricated construction. In fact, 13 out of 14 prefabricated projects were completed using some version of a robotic arm. 

• Efficient expansion: Adding new sections or expanding existing structures is simpler with prefabrication, as added modules integrate seamlessly with minimal disruption. 

• Adaptive project management: Prefabrication enables phased construction, allowing different parts of a project to be completed in stages and adjusted as needed. 

Where you’ll find prefab buildings today 

• Student Residence, Spain: A new student residence-hotel is under construction in Seville’s Isla de la Cartuja, set to open in summer 2025. The building will feature 496 rooms and leverage advanced prefabrication techniques, particularly in its façades and bathrooms—to improve efficiency and quality. 
• Raffles City Chongqing, China: This landmark complex consists of eight skyscrapers linked by a 300-meter-long elevated corridor known as “The Crystal.” Sections of the passage were prefabricated, lifted from the ground, and installed atop four towers, showing the potential of prefabricated construction in large-scale developments. 

• Yellow House, Chile: Architect Alejandro Soffia embraces prefabrication to create high-quality structures with minimal environmental impact. His approach starts with a slab panel as a modular unit, which is then used to form volumes, each defined by two slabs and two walls, allowing for flexible room configurations. 

How Cemex Ventures is redefining the future of prefab construction 

At Cemex Ventures, we bet on technologies and trends that can help solve the challenges in the construction industry. As prefabricated construction continues to gain traction in the built environment and set up itself as a necessary solution for industry professionals, we keep searching for innovations that enable faster, more efficient building while optimizing resources and integrating cutting-edge technologies. 

Prefab construction tackles some of the most complex challenges in modern buildings, such as rising housing costs in many cities. This manufacturing method offers an affordable alternative by streamlining production, this method uses less construction materials than traditional approaches, and shortening construction timelines, making it especially valuable for rapid-response housing. More than just a construction technique, prefabrication is a forward-thinking strategy that’s reshaping the future of building across different climates and urban landscapes. 

Are you an entrepreneur with a disruptive prefab construction solution that’s redefining the industry’s future? Get in touch with our investment team now. 

This is a wake-up call: Without any abatement measures from the building materials sector, global demand for concrete – the most widely used material in the world – is projected to generate 3.8 gigatons of CO2 emissions annually by 2050. Cement production—one of concrete’s key components—accounts for 8% of global CO₂ emissions yearly.  

The future competitiveness of the global cement industry will hinge on who can reduce their carbon footprint the most.  A groundbreaking innovator is reshaping cement production in construction with sustainability leading the charge and has now made its way into our investment portfolio to stay: Say hi to Terra CO2. 

What does Terra CO2 do? 

Simply put: Terra CO2 is a Colorado-based startup that has developed a scalable, low-carbon alternative for replacing cement in concrete.  

The American startup produces supplementary cementitious materials and carbon-neutral cement to meet the vast demand, making decarbonized concrete a practical and accessible solution for the construction industry. Terra CO2 offers two standout products:  

1. OPUS SCM: An engineered Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) that can be locally produced to address the fly ash shortage. It is derived from plentiful, cost-effective silicate rock feedstock and can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 70% when partly replacing clinker or other conventional cementitious materials. 

2. Next Gen OPUS ZERO: This visionary product is a full substitute for clinker, resulting in true zero CO2 emissions. It is an advanced cement based on proven inorganic polymer chemistry—a game-changer for the ready-mix industry. 

Why is Cemex committing investment to Terra CO2?

As the open innovation arm of Cemex, we are dedicated to actively identifying high-potential startups focused on advancing green construction and driving sustainability within the sector. With a strong emphasis on decarbonizing the built environment, promoting circular economy principles, and integrating renewable energy solutions, Cemex Ventures is eager to collaborate with startups that align with these objectives. Terra CO2 stands out as an ideal partner, thanks to its sustainable materials solution alternative to traditional SCMs and cement, which plays a critical role in accelerating Cemex’s decarbonization initiatives. 

In simple terms, Cemex is partnering with Terra CO2 to reduce harmful emissions from its production processes, driving the construction industry’s progress toward CO2 neutrality. 

So, let’s dive a little bit deeper… 

How will Terra CO2 and Cemex help each other achieve their objectives?   

In this partnership, Cemex aims to integrate Terra CO2’s solutions across its operations in the Americas and Europe, helping it fulfill its mission of becoming the global leader in carbon reduction within the construction materials industry. This agreement seeks to help Terra CO2 with the following benefits: 

• Tactical investment: The startup gains smart capital to support its continued development. 

• Partner for one of the world’s top construction firms: Cemex Ventures aims to accelerate the growth of the American startup by linking it with Cemex’s vast network and resources, creating synergies, and promoting startup-corporate collaboration. 

• Expertise & specialized knowledge: Leveraging Cemex Ventures’ expertise in progress strategies and the construction industry expertise of Cemex. 

That said, this collaboration is a two-way street: Terra CO2’s technology could help position Cemex as a leader in cutting emissions within the construction industry. This partnership also strengthens Cemex’s ambitious climate action goals outlined in its sustainability program, Future in Action, which aims to reduce Cemex’s greenhouse gas emissions generated by its production processes through its Innovation & Partnerships pillar.  

Who is Terra CO2? 

Founded in 2016, Terra CO2 Technologies is a disruptive startup dedicated to producing sustainable alternatives for cement replacement. Based in Golden, Colorado, United States, Terra CO2 is at the forefront of the sustainable materials industry.

Interesting facts: In 2024, Terra CO2 was granted by the United States Department of Energy (DoE) for the deployment of its clean technology in Utah, United States. That same year, it was named the winner of the “Decarbonization Solution of the Year” award at the inaugural Cleantech Breakthrough Awards program. 

Terra CO2’s team is a group of experts dedicated to deeply decarbonizing the concrete industry, consisting of diverse professional profiles, including scientists, engineers, geologists, plant operators, and more. 

What is their mission? Their mission is to revolutionize cement production and decarbonize concrete, aiming for zero clinker and, ultimately, zero CO2 emissions. 

What’s next?  

As with all our portfolio companies, we’ll keep you informed with all the latest news about Terra CO2 through our digital channels:  blog, social media: LinkedIn & X, and our biweekly Contech Tacos newsletter. 

But if you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative solution that’s addressing critical pain points in green construction (water efficiency, waste management, CCUS, sustainable materials, alternative fuels, and more!), we invite you to contact us! 

Press Release

Madrid, Spain. March 25, 2025. Cemex announced today its most recent investment in climate-friendly & zero carbon cement company, Terra CO2, carried out through its corporate venture capital (CVC) and open innovation unit, Cemex Ventures. Concrete is the world’s second most used material, next to water. The production of cement—a key component of concrete—is responsible for a significant share of global CO₂ emissions annually, thus reducing related emissions in its production process is a critical climate priority for the building sector. 

Terra CO2, an American-based company, produces supplementary cementitious materials and carbon-neutral cement that are scalable to meet the massive demand, making decarbonized concrete a practical and affordable solution for the construction industry. Terra’s first product, OPUS SCM, is an engineered Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) made from abundant and cost-effective silicate rock feedstock, capable of reducing up to 70% CO₂ emissions when partially replacing clinker or other traditional cementitious products. Their second product is OPUS ZERO, a 100% cement replacement solution now in full concrete trials. The breakthrough company was granted additional support in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), for the deployment of its clean technology. 

“Our path to carbon neutrality is stronger than ever. Terra CO2 has emerged as one of the most relevant technologies in today’s market for reducing the carbon footprint at a competitive cost, making it the ideal partner for Cemex,” said Alfredo Carrato, Investment and Open Innovation at Cemex Ventures. “We are thrilled to highlight the synergy with this high-potential Cleantech solution validated by key industry players, as we continue driving the revolution in construction and leading it toward a more sustainable future.” 

“Having one of the world’s leading cement producers invest in Terra CO2 validates our technology and its role in decarbonizing the industry,” said Bill Yearsley, CEO of Terra CO2. “Our approach has always been that to achieve decarbonization of cement; we need to create solutions that work as seamlessly as possible within the existing industry infrastructure. We look forward to working alongside Cemex to integrate sustainable solutions that do not disrupt our industry.” 

Following this initial investment, Cemex aims to integrate Terra CO2’s portfolio of solutions across its operations in the Americas and Europe, positioning the global building materials company as a leader in carbon reduction within the building materials industry. The American startup aims to help Cemex reduce its Scope 1 CO₂ emissions, targeting the direct greenhouse gas emissions generated by its production processes. This investment bolsters the ambitious climate action goals set out by Cemex’s sustainability and decarbonization program, Future in Action, through its Innovation & Partnerships pillar.  

About Terra CO2 

Terra is the standard for cement decarbonization. We enable our partners to unlock real zero cement from source to deployment. As the critical component in creating concrete, the foundation of modern infrastructure, cement is responsible for 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions. The CO2 and NOx emissions associated with cement make finding an alternative to current solutions a climate imperative. 

Unique to Terra CO2 is their capability to work across a diverse range of silicate rock mineralogy, not constrained by feedstock availability. Terra’s technology allows the company to create sustainable construction materials with the most abundant and accessible raw materials on earth from already approved and open mines.  

Terra’s first product, OPUS SCM (Supplementary Cementitious Material), is ready for commercial deployment, capable of replacing up to 50% OPC (Original Portland Cement) and solving the industry’s carbon emissions and dwindling feedstock challenges. Terra’s OPUS ZERO, a complete, real zero cement alternative, is in full concrete trials. Both leverage Terra’s “drop-in” reactor solution, which seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure and sets the foundation for the transition to real zero cement. 

Validated by third parties, Terra’s materials perform equal to or better than traditional cementitious products. 

Terra CO2 is headquartered in Golden, Colorado, and is led by a team of industry experts. For more information, please visit: https://terraco2.com/ 

About Cemex Ventures 

Launched in 2017, Cemex Ventures focuses on helping overcome the main challenges and capitalizing on the opportunity areas in the construction ecosystem through solutions that consider sustainability. Cemex Ventures has developed an open collaborative platform to lead the revolution of the construction industry, engaging startups, entrepreneurs, universities, and other stakeholders to tackle the challenges in the construction environment and shape the industry’s future. For more information on Cemex Ventures, please visit: www.cemexventures.com 

About Cemex 

Cemex is a global construction materials company that is building a better future through sustainable products and solutions. Cemex is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through relentless innovation and industry-leading research and development. Cemex is at the forefront of the circular economy in the construction value chain and is pioneering ways to increase the use of waste and residues as alternative raw materials and fuels in its operations with the help of new technologies. Cemex offers cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urbanization solutions in growing markets around the world, powered by a multinational workforce focused on providing a superior customer experience enabled by digital technologies. For more information, please visit: www.cemex.com 

Communications – Cemex Ventures 

Paloma Hernández 

+34 647 38 34 76 

paloma.hernandez@cemexventures.com 

Media Relations – Cemex 

Jorge Pérez 

+52 (81) 8259-6666  

jorgeluis.perez@cemex.com 

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Cemex Ventures BV is an indirect subsidiary of Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. Except as the context otherwise may require, references in this press release to “Cemex,” ”we,” ”us,” ”our,” refer to Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX) and its consolidated subsidiaries. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Cemex intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect Cemex’s current expectations and projections about future events based on Cemex’s knowledge of present facts and circumstances and assumptions about future events, as well as Cemex’s current plans based on such facts and circumstances, unless otherwise indicated. These statements necessarily involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from Cemex’s expectations, including, among others, risks, uncertainties, and assumptions discussed in Cemex’s most recent annual report and detailed from time to time in Cemex’s other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Mexican Stock Exchange (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores), which factors are incorporated herein by reference, which if materialized could ultimately lead to Cemex’s expectations, expected results, and/or the investment and projects referred herein not producing the expected benefits and/or results. Cemex assumes that the startups referenced in the list referred to in this press release have the rights to their corresponding projects. Cemex is not responsible for any ownership or rights issues that any startup may have with respect to their corresponding project. Forward-looking statements should not be considered guarantees of future performance, nor the results or developments are indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. These factors may be revised or supplemented, and the information contained in this press release is subject to change without notice, but Cemex is not under, and expressly disclaims, any obligation to update or correct this press release or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. Any or all of Cemex’s forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate. Accordingly, undue reliance on forward-looking statements should not be placed, as such forward-looking statements speak only as of the dates on which they are made. The content of this press release is for informational purposes only, and you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Cemex is not responsible for any third-party information referenced in this press release. 

There is currently no single globally recognized or accepted, consistent, and comparable set of definitions or standards (legal, regulatory, or otherwise) of, nor widespread cross-market consensus i) as to what constitutes, a ‘green’, ‘social,’ or ‘sustainable’ or having equivalent-labeled activity, product, or asset; or ii) as to what precise attributes are required for a particular activity, product, or asset to be defined as ‘green’, ‘social,’ or ‘sustainable’ or such other equivalent label; or iii) as to climate and sustainable funding and financing activities and their classification and reporting. Therefore, there is little certainty, and no assurance or representation is given that such activities and/or reporting of those activities will meet any present or future expectations or requirements for describing or classifying funding and financing activities as ‘green’, ‘social’, or ‘sustainable’ or attributing similar labels. We expect policies, regulatory requirements, standards, and definitions to be developed and continuously evolve over time. 

Thanks to new technologies and innovative materials, sustainable concrete is transforming the construction industry, reducing its environmental impact without compromising strength or durability. Discover how this alternative can help build a greener future.  

Did you know that by 2030, the demand for green or sustainable materials will grow 4.5x? You heard that right, especially driven by the automotive & construction industries. To meet the 2050 decarbonization targets, innovative technologies that turn construction materials such as concrete into a more sustainable, eco-friendly, or greener material could make all the difference. 

Let’s take a closer look at the transformative role of sustainable concrete in construction! 

Is concrete a sustainable material?

Concrete, steel, chemicals, and aluminum—along with the ships, planes, and trucks that transport them—are the backbone of the global economy. However, they also account for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Construction is one of the industries racing to reduce harmful emissions from its operations, and its future competitive landscape will be shaped by those who can most effectively lower carbon capture and storage costs.  

Concrete is a strong and durable building material made from a mix of Portland cement, water, and aggregates such as sand, gravel, and rocks. Its longevity makes it essential for sustainable construction, but its biggest environmental challenge lies in cement production—a highly polluting process that generates 3 gigatons of greenhouse gases globally each year. 

*Fun fact: A gigaton of CO2 is equivalent to about 2.7K times the weight of the Empire State Building. 

It’s important to note that cement is a hard-to-abate sector requiring scaling breakthrough technologies, such as CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage), to an industrial level to reach net-zero. However, significant reductions in cement and concrete emissions can be achieved in the near term by leveraging existing technologies, using lower-carbon cement blends, and adopting design techniques that minimize the carbon footprint of structures. 

So, the short answer to whether concrete is a sustainable material requires us to dig deeper into this complex concept… 

What is the key difference between sustainable concrete and traditional concrete?

The main differences between sustainable concrete—also known as “green concrete”—and traditional concrete are as follows: 

• It is a more durable version of concrete. 

• It requires less energy for production. 

• It generates only a fraction of the carbon footprint compared to Portland cement. 

• This eco-friendly version of concrete is made using recycled industrial waste from the coal industry through a geopolymeric process. 

The result is more sustainable concrete alternatives, capable of replacing OPC while maintaining impressive strength and durability. 

3 methods to improve concrete sustainability

As we mentioned earlier, understanding how to make concrete more sustainable starts with making cement more eco-friendly. Here’s how: 

Clinker down, sustainability up

Clinker, the main ingredient in cement, is behind 90% of its emissions. 

While we don’t yet have a way to completely replace clinker on a large scale, there are ways to cut its use significantly. One promising solution is LC3 (Limestone Calcined Clay Cement), which can lower CO2 emissions by about 40%. LC3 swaps out half the clinker for calcined clay and ground limestone—materials that don’t release carbon when heated. Plus, clay needs less heat, which means using less fuel and even switching to electricity instead of fossil fuels. 

Moving beyond fossil fuels

Switching fuels and using electricity are key to cutting emissions from energy use in cement production. By partially heating the kilns with clean electricity and replacing fossil fuels with low-carbon alternatives, it’s possible to reduce reliance on coal and make the process more sustainable. Low-carbon fuel alternatives, common in various industries, include near-term drop-in options like biomass and plastic waste, as well as longer-term solutions such as green hydrogen. 

For example, HiiROC, a cutting-edge clean hydrogen technology startup from our investment portfolio, has developed an innovative process for low-cost, zero-CO2-emission hydrogen production. Cemex partnered with the UK-based startup to scale its injection into cement production and increase the substitution rate of fossil fuels in a first-of-its-kind project at its Rugby cement plant. 

Capturing carbon

Point-source carbon capture is a major way to cut emissions in cement and concrete production. This process traps and stores CO2 from large sources, like power plants or factories, keeping it out of the atmosphere. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) typically involves three key stages, while carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is streamlined into just two. 

According to the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), the CCUS process could lower the industry’s carbon emissions by 36%, making it the most impactful solution for reducing emissions. 

Innovations in sustainable concrete

Sustainable concrete innovations are revolutionizing the way we build. These are some cutting-edge examples:   

Geopolymer concrete

It is a prime example of sustainable concrete. This variant stands out for using industrial by-products, such as fly ash and blast furnace slag, instead of cement. By doing so, it significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to conventional methods and decreases reliance on limited natural resources.  

This environmentally friendly material offers a range of advantages over traditional concrete. For instance, it can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% and help prevent these industrial by-products from ending up in landfills by putting them to clever use. 

Curious to know more? Can concrete be recycled? 

Self-healing concrete

Self-healing concrete is a trailblazer for green construction. It fixes its own cracks, extending the life of structures while saving money and reducing waste. The secret? Tiny capsules inside the concrete release healing agents when cracks appear, triggering a reaction that seals the damage. With this breakthrough solution, maintenance costs drop, and also the need for constant repairs or replacements. 

Translucent concrete

Green concrete innovations go beyond cutting CO2 emissions or boosting durability—they’re also about creating visually striking structures that harmonize with their surroundings.  

Take translucent concrete, for example. Embedding optical fibers into the mix lets natural light flow through while staying strong, making it ideal for energy-efficient buildings designed to maximize daylight.  

Cemex Ventures is on a mission to enhance concrete’s sustainability 

Cemex Ventures is seeking solutions to make construction more sustainable. In fact, one of the startups we’re highlighting is MIXTERESTING, part of the 2nd edition cohort from our exclusive startup accelerator, Cemex Ventures Leaplab: 

MIXTERESTING

The Austrian startup—one of the winners in the Green Construction category of Construction Startup Competition 2024—has developed software that enables its customers to create CO2-efficient concrete by digitally simulating the mixing process, accelerating the development cycle by up to 10 times. This allows them to achieve 5-7% higher margins through more efficient and innovative concrete mixes while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 20% through performance-based optimization. 

Stay tuned for the upcoming launch of the Cleantech Construction Map 2025, and keep up with the latest Contech news by subscribing to our biweekly Contech Tacos newsletter! 

In today’s world, most people spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, making time spent outside a relatively small part of the day. For many, living and working in cramped high-rise apartments with limited greenery and poor ventilation adds to a feeling of disconnection from nature. 

This disconnection can disrupt our well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and even our physical health. Biophilic design aims to bring natural elements indoors, helping us stay focused and feel more grounded. 

In the last decade, biophilic design has really taken off in architecture, especially as we face bigger and bigger environmental challenges. Yet, questions and debates remain about how best to incorporate nature into construction practices. 

Keep scrolling to read more! 

What is biophilic design?

Let’s take it back to where this concept started to really get what it’s all about -The term biophilia is defined as ‘the urge to affiliate with other forms of life. Originating from Greek, it translates literally as ‘love of life’ by biologist Edward O. Wilson in the 1980s, when he noticed that people have a natural connection to the outdoors.  

The Biophilia Hypothesis is based on the idea that people evolved in nature and are biologically wired to seek environments with certain features, like water sources or lush greenery. This built-in connection to nature has a big impact on our physical and mental well-being. So, it’s no surprise that these ideas are now showing up in modern architecture.  

Simply put: Biophilic design is a practice that seeks to create healthier, more productive, and aesthetically pleasing indoor environments by weaving natural elements into building designs. 

What is the difference between biophilic and sustainable architecture?

Biophilic architecture & sustainable architecture are two design philosophies focused on enhancing both environmental health and human well-being. Although they share similar goals, each takes a unique approach. Knowing the distinctions between these two can help guide design choices for different projects. 

 Here’s a quick breakdown to clarify the difference: 

• Biophilic architecture emphasizes integrating natural elements into built spaces to deepen people’s connection with nature, enhancing comfort and well-being. 

• Sustainable architecture on the other hand, focuses on minimizing a building’s environmental footprint by using resources efficiently, selecting eco-friendly materials, and incorporating energy-saving technologies. Its primary aim is to create structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their entire lifecycle. 

Key elements of biophilic design

Biophilic design is much more than just adding a few plants; it’s a holistic approach that weaves natural patterns into the very fabric of built environments!   

Stephen Kellert was a professor of social ecology at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Throughout his career, he played a key role in developing the field of biophilic design and became one of its strongest advocates. His six principles provide a practical framework for brainstorming design ideas, helping you think about how to incorporate nature into your project: 

Environmental features

This element relates to characteristics of the natural ecosystem found in the built environment, such as:  

• Sunlight: Use large windows or skylights to allow plenty of natural light inside.  

• Plants: Adding indoor plants or green walls for a touch of nature.  

• Water: Including water features like fountains, ponds, or aquariums.  

• Façade greening: Plants are growing on building exteriors to add greenery and improve air quality. 

Natural shapes and forms

Can you imagine buildings with a life of their own? Buildings that incorporate biophilic design replicate natural features or mimic the flowing forms of nature rather than sticking to the straight edges and right angles typically found in modern architecture. These designs could even mirror local geology or unintentionally resemble living forms. Here are some examples:  

• Shells and spirals  

• Arches, vaults, and domes  

• Animal (mainly vertebrate) motifs  

• Egg, oval, and tubular forms  

• Tree and columnar supports 

Natural patterns and processes

Patterns and processes have always existed in nature—like the way materials age over time, the unique markings on animals, or the textures of wood and stone. Designs that engage the senses, like bold color contrasts or textured surfaces that feel interesting to touch, can capture attention and make spaces feel more inviting.  

An example of this feature could be a rough natural stone wall that invites touch, or furniture with vibrant colors that catch the eye and spark interest. 

Light and space

Lighting plays a crucial role in biophilic design. Proper lighting can make rooms feel larger, while open-air interiors evoke a sense of freedom and connection to nature. How can you achieve this effect? Mirrors, for instance, can distribute light throughout a space, while glass chandeliers and sculptures interact with light, colors, and shapes as rays reflect off them. 

Place-based relationships

This element focuses on connecting a space’s design with its local surroundings and history. It involves using materials, shapes, and references that reflect the culture, landscape, and unique context of the location, creating an environment that feels authentic and rooted in its place.  

For example, in offices located in a mountainous region, incorporating local stone and patterns inspired by the nearby mountains strengthens the visual and emotional connection to the natural surroundings, making the space feel like an extension of the mountainous landscape. 

Evolved human-nature relationships

While all the elements we’ve described reflect the human connection with our natural environment, this one focuses on fundamental aspects of our relationship with nature and how they can be reflected in the built environment. This can include a sense of safety and protection, a balance of variety with regularity, fostering curiosity and exploration, and creating a sense of accomplishment and mastery over our environment.  

Our attachment and attraction to nature can also be harnessed through biophilic design, by incorporating green walls, large windows with scenic views, or natural ventilation that connects the indoors with the surrounding landscape. 

Examples of biophilic design

Apple Park – California  

A well-known example of biophilic architecture, Apple’s headquarters in California is celebrated for its seamless integration of nature into its design. Apple Park follows the natural contours of the land, is surrounded by around 9,000 trees, and features a central courtyard filled with wildlife. This environment gives employees a sense of well-being and a strong connection to nature. 

The Jewel – Singapore 

A standout project in Singapore, The Jewel is an entertainment and retail complex at Changi Airport. It features the world’s largest indoor waterfall, the 40-meter-tall Rain Vortex, along with 100,000 plants, supporting Singapore’s vision of becoming “a city in a garden” and setting a model for urban biodiversity. 

Second Home – Lisbon 

Second Home co-working spaces are found around the world, designed to bring nature into the workplace and spark creativity. The Lisbon location feels like an urban jungle, located above the historic 19th-century Mercado da Ribeira. Filled with thousands of plants and plenty of natural light, it effortlessly combines co-working areas with community space. 

Garden & House – Tokyo 

Unlike the larger biophilic design examples, Garden and House is a modest 8×4 meter, five-story structure standing 30 meters tall. At first glance, it seems to have no walls, but its exterior is made of glass windows. Each floor is integrated with gardens, and the abundance of plants gives the illusion that each concrete floor is floating. The building was designed by Ryue Nishizawa, a renowned Japanese architect and the youngest to receive the prestigious Pritzker Prize. 

Cemex Ventures enhances biophilic design through green construction

Here’s an impactful statistic: the global biophilic design market is projected to reach US$3.14 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 10.2% over the analysis period from 2023 to 2028. Cemex Ventures is committed to helping drive the construction revolution, which includes identifying the most promising solutions in the Contech ecosystem that can push biophilic architecture/design methods into the industry. 

Does your startup have a solution that can drive this revolution under our green construction focus area? 

The Japanese have long been renowned for their expertise in architecture, pioneering the use of wood as a primary construction material and developing some of the earliest architectural designs integrated with nature. But did you know they were also ahead of their time in terms of recycling resources? Here’s why.  

Back in the 17th century, recycling was fully integrated into Japanese society. Instead of tossing out manuscripts and documents, they soaked and meticulously reworked these materials into brand-new sheets of paper. This innovative process not only gave used paper a second life but also represented a major leap in recycling history by demonstrating how we could reduce the need for fresh paper. 

Keep scrolling to see how resource recycling is currently transforming the environment, our communities, the business landscape, and, of course, the construction sector. 

What is recycling, and why is it important? 

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be discarded as trash and transforming them into new products. 

Until recently, our society has used a linear economy approach to production, described as a “take, make, dispose” model. The downside to a linear model has resulted in an overconsumption of raw materials.  

Therefore, sustainable resource consumption is now a major concern in the 21^st century, driving the adoption of practices like resource recycling and the evolution of a circular economy — a comprehensive economic system aiming to eliminate waste and promote the continuous use of resources. The 5 core principles guiding this system are reduce, reuse, recycle, recovery, & landfill. 

Benefits for business

There’s no doubt that recycling is an important issue today for companies.  Here we highlight 3 key reasons why businesses — and you — should recycle resources:  

• Protect the environment: Recycling used materials helps reduce the need for new resources, lowering the pollution levels associated with their production. For example, recycling paper can reduce air pollution by 73% as it requires less energy and fewer chemicals than producing new paper. This process also slows down the rate at which we extract resources from the earth, protecting and conserving natural resources for future generations. 
• Reduce costs: Using recycled materials is significantly cheaper than creating brand-new ones and is much more efficient. By incorporating recycled materials, businesses can cut their costs. These savings can be reinvested into Research & Development (R&D), creating a virtuous cycle, as recycling is crucial to the circular economy. For example, the American company Rothy’s has revolutionized the footwear industry by making shoes from recycled plastic bottles. By cutting costs using this material, the company has been able to reinvest those savings into R&D to improve its processes and expand its product line, demonstrating that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand.  On the other hand, many companies can avoid paying penalties for environmentally harmful production processes and even benefit from tax deductions. For example, the EU Waste Directive rewards companies that implement recycling programs with such tax breaks. 
• Elevate corporate image: Businesses committed to recycling & green logistics* are viewed more favorably by customers, investors, and the community. This not only improves corporate reputation but also attracts customers who value sustainability. 

*Note: In corporate terminology, the concept of green logistics involves enhancing the sustainability of supply chains and adjusting logistics processes to reduce emissions. For instance, using energy-efficient transportation methods or optimizing routes to minimize fuel consumption. 

Types of recyclable materials: Examples 

Steel

Here’s an interesting insight about steel: It’s the most recycled material in the world and retains its quality through recycling, allowing it to be reused multiple times. While the initial production of steel results in high CO2 emissions, the recycling process significantly mitigates this impact.  

More than 90% of a steel building or fixture can be recycled and repurposed for new projects, making steel a key player in resource metal recycling. As a result, this industry has achieved a 36% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the past 30 years. 

Recycled steel is also one of the most durable materials in construction, suitable for applications such as ductwork, roofing, doors, and windows. This metal is non-flammable and is particularly beneficial in areas prone to earthquakes or other natural disasters due to its resistance to warping. 

Concrete

Yes, you read that right — recycled concrete does exist, and it’s revolutionizing the building industry! It involves reusing concrete from demolished structures, sidewalks, and roadways in new construction projects and refurbishments. Here are its 3 main advantages: 

• Carbon emissions reduction: By reducing the need to produce new cement, a major source of CO2 emissions can be cut down. Plus, less concrete waste in landfills means fewer methane emissions. When concrete and other construction materials break down in landfills, they can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. 
• Cost-effectiveness: It costs less because it uses fewer raw materials in its creation. 
• Waste cutback: Using recycled concrete lessens the need for virgin raw materials, such as aggregates, which make up between 65% & 75% of a cubic meter of concrete. 

Plastic

Every year, the world produces 381 million tons of plastic waste, and this figure is projected to double by 2034. The problem is that plastic takes over 500 years to decompose, so failing to recycle it will result in this waste piling up in landfills and oceans, causing significant environmental harm. Increasing recycling rates will lower the demand for new plastics, which will in turn cut greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production.  

For instance, the packaging industry is the largest source of plastic waste, generating approximately 142 million metric tons annually. However, in 2023, this same industry used more recycled plastic in its operations than any other sector. This sector incorporated an average of 20% recycled material into its products. 

Fun fact: Scotland has the world’s longest bridge made from recycled plastic—the Easter Dawyck Bridge. Built from over 50 tons of waste plastic, it can support vehicles up to 44 tons and is fully recyclable. 

Wood

Last but not least, recycled wood is an incredible recyclable material due to its different use cases. It can be repurposed into furniture, beams, and moldings, or utilized as a construction material. For example, using it in green construction improves indoor environmental quality by enhancing insulation & regulating humidity. By reducing the demand for new timber, recycled wood also helps minimize deforestation. 

Even lower-grade wood is valuable as it can be used as fuel to produce environmentally friendly energy. For example, some power plants primarily burn this type of wood to generate electricity. 

Cemex Ventures enhances resource recycling through innovation 

Cemex Ventures is looking for solutions that make construction greener. In fact, one of the startups we’re spotlighting is WtEnergy, a company in our investment portfolio that recycles nonrenewable resources and transforms them into clean energy: 

WtEnergy

In 2022, Cemex invested in the Catalan startup Waste to Energy Advanced Solutions (WtEnergy). Their technology converts biomass and non-recyclable waste into a low-carbon energy solution called syngas. This solution can be used in the short term as an alternative to fossil fuels or in the medium and long term through transformation into different clean gases such as biomethane or pure hydrogen.  

A year later, the European Union awarded Cemex and WtEnergy a €4.4 million grant for implementing a waste-to-fuel technology using syngas at Cemex’s cement plant in Alicante, Spain. The EU has recognized the project as “the first of its kind” in the cement industry. 

On the other hand, at the end of 2023, Cemex announced its involvement in the European HYIELD project aimed at producing green hydrogen from waste, receiving a €10 million grant from the European Union. Europe currently generates 300 million tons of waste with the potential to make over 30 million tons of renewable hydrogen. It is this potential that HYIELD seeks to harness. 

If your startup has a disruptive recycling solution for the construction industry, get in touch with us! 

Did you know that renovating & refurbishing a house instead of building a new one can reduce embodied carbon by over 68% compared to a new build? The construction industry is under increasing pressure to integrate sustainability into all its stages and processes, and addressing embodied carbon in buildings is a smart and lucrative solution that could reduce carbon emissions by 4.6 billion tons.

To meet the European Union’s sustainability goal, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral continent by 2050, the construction sector must strive for near-complete decarbonization. Achieving this ambitious goal is both a challenge and a major opportunity for companies and startups in the industry.

This blog presents key strategies & solutions to address the issue of decarbonization in the building sector. Keep reading to learn more!

What is embodied carbon?

Starting with the basics, embodied carbon refers to all emissions generated during the life cycle of the building materials, these are known as embodied emissions and include extraction (in activities such as mining), manufacturing, transportation, construction, and disposal.

To be a bit more technical, you can differentiate between two types of carbon emissions in the construction sector:  

1. Embodied emissions: This refers to the total amount of CO2 emissions emitted in the production of the building.
2. Operational emissions: These are the ongoing emissions that result from a building’s energy use during its operational phase, specifically those based on day-to-day activities. For example, all the energy and water consumed in its heating & cooling processes.

An interesting fact about embodied emissions is that industrialized construction can reduce them by up to 37% compared to traditional methods. This is because instead of building on-site, industrialized construction involves the manufacture of standardized components off-site. As a result, only the materials needed are produced, which minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency, resulting in less embodied carbon emissions.

What’s the difference between embodied emissions & greenhouse emissions?

To avoid confusion between the two terms, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a broader category that includes all emissions that contribute to climate change. This term also includes embodied emissions as well as emissions from other sources & sectors such as agriculture and energy.

Why should you care about embodied carbon?

Now that you understand what embodied carbon means, you might be wondering why it has become such a hot topic in the industry lately. Here are a few reasons:

Impact on climate change

Addressing embodied carbon is an important way to mitigate global warming. Currently, annual embodied emissions from buildings account for 11% of the construction sector’s total emissions, while operational carbon emissions account for 28%.

However, it is estimated that between 2030 and 2040, half of all building emissions will be embodied. Carbon emissions generated today will contribute to future climate change such as extreme temperatures and weather events, making it a critical issue for companies in the sector to tackle.

Adherence to sustainability standards

Attention, this is hot off the press! In 2024, the European Union (EU) will introduce voluntary (still unnamed) certification for activities that reduce carbon emissions in various sectors, which will contribute significantly to achieving its ambitious climate goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

There is a growing focus on green building standards & voluntary certification systems, such as the recently updated Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. LEED ranks building projects using a point system that ranges from Platinum (highest rating) to Certificate (lowest rating).

Government incentives

Governments are providing incentives and grants to developers and builders who actively reduce the embodied carbon of their buildings and create low and carbon-neutral homes. For example, the 2021 Toronto Green Standard (TGS) offers rebates on development charges (fees paid by construction companies to the municipality where the project is located) for projects that reduce embodied carbon.

Another clear example of these incentives is the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) of 2022, United States, which provides grants, tax incentives, and loans for buildings that are designed to be more energy-efficient and climate-resilient. This legislation provides US$2.15 billion in funding specifically for the procurement of low-carbon materials for construction & renovation projects.

How to reduce embodied carbon in construction: Strategies & solutions

Embodied carbon is not a matter we can overlook. Here are 5 innovative solutions you can incorporate into your construction business:

• Low-carbon materials: Concrete is the second most widely used material on Earth after water. Its success is due to its versatility and durability, but it also has a major drawback – its production generates an estimated 7% of global CO2 emissions and is the largest contributor to embodied carbon in the built environment.  Low-carbon concrete is one of the key players that’s changing the game in the industry. It can reduce CO2 emissions from construction projects by up to 40% by 2030.

For instance, in 2020, Cemex launched Vertua, a range of low CO2 concrete products that offer a 30%- 70% lower carbon footprint.

• Circularity: Circular practices in construction transform waste and reduce reliance on new materials. Effective waste management solutions eliminate multiple stages of the product lifecycle, such as raw material extraction. This circular approach significantly reduces embodied carbon emissions, extends the life of materials, and minimizes their environmental impact.
• Greener equipment: Traditional diesel-powered construction equipment contributes about 3% of embodied carbon for new construction projects, according to a McKinsey analysis. However, some equipment manufacturers are at the forefront of developing zero-emission electric construction equipment, such as electric excavators. Given the need for zero-emission construction equipment, IDTechEx forecasts that the global market for electric construction equipment will grow from US$10.2 billion in 2023 to US$44.8 billion in 2030.
• Innovative technologies: Groundbreaking solutions such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) make it possible to assess the embodied carbon and environmental impact of different materials throughout a building’s lifecycle. This capability helps builders select the most appropriate sustainable materials with the lowest environmental impact for their projects, supporting their efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Cemex Ventures reduces embodied carbon through innovation

Cemex Ventures is looking for solutions that reduce embodied carbon in the built environment and make construction greener. We are highlighting two startups from our investment portfolio, Carbon Upcycling & Vizcab, that have addressed this issue in a visionary way:

Carbon Upcycling

In 2022, Cemex invested in Carbon Upcycling Technologies (CUT), a revolutionary Canadian startup that uses today’s pollution to build the materials of tomorrow by converting CO2 gas into solid products. Its solution enables the reduction of carbon emissions in cement and concrete production by up to 30% through clinker substitutes. In 2023, the disruptive startup was featured in our Cleantech Construction Map under the Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS) vertical.

Vizcab

Cemex invested in Vizcab after it was named one of the winners of Construction Startup Competition 2023. The French startup has made a significant impact on reducing embodied carbon in the industry with its platform that can measure and reduce the carbon impact of construction projects. Its solution is aimed at developers, architects, engineers, and building manufacturers, offering a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that accurately measures carbon emissions at different stages of a building’s life cycle. Vizcab was featured in our Cleantech Construction Map 2024 & named Top 50 Contech Startup of 2023.

Does your startup have a transformative solution that can make the industry more sustainable? Contact us to discuss how your startup can contribute to a greener future together with Cemex.    

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is just one way the construction industry is transforming emissions into sustainable solutions. A game-changing innovator is reshaping the landscape of green construction and now has made its way into our investment portfolio to stay. Meet KC8. 

The Australian-based startup is driving sustainability innovation within the industry, paving the way towards a carbon-neutral future. With a team with more than 20 years of experience, KC8 has developed an unrivaled carbon capture solution.

Keep scrolling for a deep dive into KC8 & how our investment is making a significant impact in the construction industry! 

What – does KC8 do? 

KC8 Capture Technologies has developed an affordable carbon capture solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels in heavy industries. Their innovative solution is a direct response to the continuous increase in carbon pricing over time. As a result, industry processes that emit CO2 have an unprecedented chance to embrace KC8’s environmentally friendly carbon capture process, which not only aligns with their green objectives but also significantly reduces operational costs. 

To better understand its technology, it’s important to note that traditional solvents used in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) often pose environmental hazards. However, KC8 offers an unparalleled value proposition with its proprietary non-toxic, non-volatile solvent that has zero environmental impact. This has resulted in the safest and most tolerant solvent for CO2 removal available in today’s market.  

KC8’s cutting-edge technology enables up to 95% CO2 capture, enhances energy efficiency by 15%, and reduces overall operating costs by 50% for partners in heavy industries compared to conventional amine solvents.   

Why – invest in KC8? 

As the open innovation arm of Cemex, we are committed to continuously seeking out high-potential startups focused on green construction that enhance sustainability in the sector. With a focus on decarbonizing the built environment, advocating for circular economy principles, and embracing renewable energies, Cemex Ventures is keen to collaborate with startups aligned with these objectives. KC8 emerges as an ideal partner due to its CCUS technology, which acts as a pivotal tool in accelerating Cemex’s decarbonization efforts. 

Put simply: Cemex is partnering with KC8 to affordably reduce CO2 emissions originating from its production processes, advancing the construction industry’s journey towards CO2 neutrality. 

So, let’s dive a little bit deeper… 

How – will KC8 and Cemex help each other achieve their objectives? 

In this partnership, Cemex aims to take KC8’s technology to the next level in the largest project of its kind to date for the startup, helping it fulfill its mission of becoming the global leader in CO2 capture techniques. This agreement seeks to help KC8 with the following benefits: 

• Strategic investment: The startup obtains smart money for its ongoing development. 

• Supplier for one of the world’s biggest construction giants: Cemex Ventures seeks to foster the growth of the Australian startup by connecting it to Cemex’s extensive network and resources, aiming to forge synergies and foster startup-corporate collaboration. 

• Expertise & specialized knowledge: Leveraging Cemex Ventures’ expertise in growth strategies and the construction industry expertise of Cemex. 

However, the benefits of this collaboration are bidirectional – it’s a win-win! KC8’s disruptive clean technology has the potential to position Cemex as a leader in carbon capture in the construction industry. Cemex, by investing and partnering with this sustainable solution, intends to pilot its technology in one of its leading cement plants, to capture 100 tons per day of CO2, an ambition that is 10 times greater than the current project scopes. 

This partnership strengthens Cemex’s ambitious climate action goals outlined in its sustainability program, Future in Action, which aims to reduce Cemex’s carbon footprint in its production process by 2030 through its Innovation & Partnerships pillar. Also, this investment aligns with Cemex’s sustainability roadmap, pushing it closer to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions status by 2050. 

Who – is KC8? 

In 2021, KC8 Capture Technologies Ltd acquired UNO Technologies, a company with extensive experience, and subsequently changed its name. KC8 is an Australian-based startup that operates in Australia and the United States. The company is at the forefront of the Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage industry, spearheading efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in hard to abate industries.  

In 2023, KC8 was awarded funding through the ARPA-E Phase 2 Flexible Carbon Capture and Storage program by the United States Department of Energy (DoE). Also, it was featured in our Cleantech Construction Map 2023 under the CCUS vertical. In 2024, the startup was named a Top 50 Contech Startup for 2024, in the Green Construction focus area. 

KC8’s team has extended experience and a diverse background in the chemical and processing industries that has allowed them to take an innovative approach to the carbon capture problem: 

What is their mission? Their mission is to commercialize the low-cost and environmentally friendly CO2 capture processes that form the foundation of KC8’s technology. 

Their challenge is to address the growing climate change issue through their solution to lowering emissions across all sectors – both energy and industrial – around the world.  

What’s next?  

Like all our portfolio companies, we’ll keep you updated with all the news about KC8 through our digital channels: blog, social media: LinkedIn & X, and our biweekly Contech Tacos Newsletter. 

But if you’re an entrepreneur with a solution that’s addressing critical pain points in green construction (carbon tools, circular construction, CCUS, sustainable materials, alternative fuels, and more!), we invite you to contact us! 

Press release

Cemex Ventures invests in acclaimed CCUS startup to become front runners in carbon capture 

Madrid, Spain. July 8, 2024. Cemex announced today its most recent investment in frontrunning carbon capture startup, KC8 Capture Technologies (KC8), carried out through its corporate venture capital and open innovation unit, Cemex Ventures. This investment in KC8’s technology has the intention of scaling such technologies to new heights in the largest project of its kind to date for KC8. 

KC8, which is an Australian-based startup, provides the construction industry with an affordable pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels. Traditional solvents used in Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) rely on solvents that can present an environmental hazard, but KC8’s value proposition is their proprietary non-toxic, non-volatile solvent designed to have no impact on the environment. Moreover, the startup’s breakthrough technology is designed to enable up to 95% CO₂ capture, optimize energy efficiency by 15%, and cut down overall operating costs by 50% for partners in heavy industries, such as Cemex, in comparison to conventional amine solvents. 

Following this initial investment, Cemex seeks to test KC8’s technology in a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study at one of its leading cement plants with the aim to capture more than 100 tons per day (TDP) of CO₂, an ambition that is 10 times greater than current project scopes. 

“The path to carbon neutrality is paved by not only sustainable investments, but also active and aggressive clean technology adoption by industry leaders who are producing on a global scale with a considerable impact within construction”, said Gonzalo Galindo, Head of Cemex Ventures. “We are thrilled to help promote the growth of KC8 by connecting the startup to Cemex’s extensive network and resources and to find synergies in order to foster the construction industry revolution.” 

“As a global supplier in carbon capture technologies, we are very excited to be working with the global Cemex organization in the further development of our technology supporting the cement industry,” said Greg Ross, Executive Director.  “The support of Cemex Ventures will undoubtedly be a major part of our success and we look forward to further collaboration as we implement larger scale projects.” 

This technology has the potential to position Cemex as a leader in carbon capture in the construction industry. It aims to help Cemex reduce its Scope 1 CO₂ emissions to reduce the direct greenhouse gas emissions derived from its production processes. This investment bolsters the ambitions climate action goals set out by Cemex’s sustainability program, Future in Action, through its Innovation & Partnerships pillar.  

About KC8 Capture Technologies 

KC8 Capture Technologies Ltd (www.kc8capture.com) is a process licensing company developing carbon capture technologies. KC8 is an Australian based and operates in Melbourne, Perth and now has an office in the USA. The company has developed carbon capture technologies which are currently going into a commercial demonstration phase in both cement kiln flue gas and gas turbine flue gas. Through research and development, it controls 11 patent families with over 40 awarded international patents and many more pending. 

About Cemex Ventures 

Launched in 2017, Cemex Ventures focuses on helping overcome the main challenges and capitalizing on the opportunity areas in the construction ecosystem through solutions that consider sustainability. Cemex Ventures has developed an open collaborative platform to lead the revolution of the construction industry, engaging startups, entrepreneurs, universities, and other stakeholders to tackle the challenges in the construction environment and shape the industry’s future. For more information on Cemex Ventures, please visit: www.cemexventures.com 

About Cemex 

Cemex is a global construction materials company that is building a better future through sustainable products and solutions. Cemex is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through relentless innovation and industry-leading research and development. Cemex is at the forefront of the circular economy in the construction value chain and is pioneering ways to increase the use of waste and residues as alternative raw materials and fuels in its operations with the help of new technologies. Cemex offers cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urbanization solutions in growing markets around the world, powered by a multinational workforce focused on providing a superior customer experience enabled by digital technologies. For more information, please visit: www.cemex.com 

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Cemex Ventures B.V. is an indirect subsidiary of Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. Except as the context otherwise may require, references in this press release to “Cemex,” ”we,” ”us,” ”our,” refer to Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX) and its consolidated subsidiaries. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Cemex intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect Cemex’s current expectations and projections about future events based on Cemex’s knowledge of present facts and circumstances and assumptions about future events, as well as Cemex’s current plans based on such facts and circumstances, unless otherwise indicated. These statements necessarily involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from Cemex’s expectations, including, among others, risks, uncertainties, and assumptions discussed in Cemex’s most recent annual report and detailed from time to time in Cemex’s other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Mexican Stock Exchange (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores), which factors are incorporated herein by reference, which if materialized could ultimately lead to Cemex’s expectations, expected results, and/or the investment and projects referred herein not producing the expected benefits and/or results. Forward-looking statements should not be considered guarantees of future performance, nor the results or developments are indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. These factors may be revised or supplemented, and the information contained in this press release is subject to change without notice, but Cemex is not under, and expressly disclaims, any obligation to update or correct this press release or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. Any or all of Cemex’s forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate. Accordingly, undue reliance on forward-looking statements should not be placed, as such forward-looking statements speak only as of the dates on which they are made. The content of this press release is for informational purposes only, and you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Cemex is not responsible for any third-party information referenced in this press release. There is currently no single globally recognized or accepted, consistent, and comparable set of definitions or standards (legal, regulatory, or otherwise) of, nor widespread cross-market consensus i) as to what constitutes, a ‘green’, ‘social,’ or ‘sustainable’ or having equivalent-labelled activity, product, or asset; or ii) as to what precise attributes are required for a particular activity, product, or asset to be defined as ‘green’, ‘social,’ or ‘sustainable’ or such other equivalent label; or iii) as to climate and sustainable funding and financing activities and their classification and reporting. Therefore, there is little certainty, and no assurance or representation is given that such activities and/or reporting of those activities will meet any present or future expectations or requirements for describing or classifying funding and financing activities as ‘green’, ‘social’, or ‘sustainable’ or attributing similar labels. We expect policies, regulatory requirements, standards, and definitions to be developed and continuously evolve over time.