@Green November/December 2023 | Page 24

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COP28

@ green | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER . 2023

Revolutionising the cement industry

Central to Big Boss Cement ’ s innovation was an unwavering commitment to decarbonisation
BY SHEILA ROZARIO

IN THE dynamic landscape of cement production , traditionally steeped in conventional methods , Big Boss Cement emerged as a transformative force , challenging industry norms and embodying an unwavering commitment to sustainable innovation . Spearheading this paradigm shift is the President and Chief Technology Officer Gilbert Cruz and Chairman Henry Sy Jr ., whose visionary approach extended beyond profit margins to embrace a future founded on eco-friendly practices .

Gilbert Cruz
Henry Sy Jr
A VISIONARY PROCLAMATION
In his discourse , Cruz brought attention to the stagnation prevalent in cement production , which clung steadfastly to the antiquated 1824 patent .
He posed a compelling question : “ Why , in an era marked by rapid technological advancement , were industry giants not prioritising the development of genuinely green cement ?”
Drawing upon an extensive background working with multinational corporations , Cruz pressed on the urgent need for a departure from the conventional 1824 patent process . This outdated method relied heavily on a kiln , the main contributor to carbon emissions .
In stark contrast , Cruz proposed a proprietary process that obviates the necessity for a kiln , opting for a more environmentally friendly and low-carbon alternative .
This innovative approach garnered significant interest from investing partners , led by Henry Sy Jr ., culminating in the establishment of Big Boss Cement in 2015 .
DECARBONISING CEMENT PRODUCTION
Central to Big Boss Cement ’ s innovation was an unwavering commitment to decarbonisation . Cruz , leveraging his wealth of experience in formulating products across various industries , recognised that a seismic shift in cement production was long overdue .
The crux of this transformation lay in reducing dependence on clinker , a culprit in carbon emissions .
Big Boss Cement ’ s revolutionary process amalgamated various materials subjected to a lower heat threshold - approximately 200 degrees Celsius , compared to the traditional kiln ’ s requirement of 1500 degrees Celsius .
This streamlined process minimised the emission of carbon monoxide and dioxide , signifying a significant stride toward genuinely green cement production .
The company ’ s emphasis on minimal clinker set it apart , achieving a commendable carbon footprint of approximately 300 kilogrammes of CO2 equivalent per ton of cement for the 10 % clinker content version . With 20 % clinker the carbon footprint is approximately 380 kg of CO2e . What is remarkeable is that this could be further reduced by more than 100kg of CO2e per formulation if the plant would be run
exclusively on renewable power .
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND OPPOSITION
Despite its ecological merits , Big Boss Cement faced formidable challenges , particularly staunch opposition from established industry giants .
The reluctance to embrace change and the apprehension of disrupting existing