@Green November/December 2023 | Page 25

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER . 2023 | @ green

COP28

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profit structures became apparent . However , Cruz and his team stood resilient , rejecting acquisition offers designed to stifle their innovative process .
Cruz also shed light on the historical resistance of the cement industry to innovative approaches . He recounted instances where attempts to broaden the focus on the carbon footprint , specifically in cement and steel , were met with resistance .
PAVING THE WAY FOR A LOW-CARBON FUTURE
The impact of Big Boss Cement extended beyond the borders of the Philippines , for this cement is produced in central Luzon with a fantastic low carbon footprint of 300kg CO2e as calculated by Matthias Gelber .
This figure far surpassed the targets set by industry leaders for 2030 , emphasising the potential of Big Boss Cement ’ s methodology to spearhead a low-carbon future on a global scale .
Contrary to conventional expectations , Big Boss Cement ’ s green alternative proved environmentally superior and economically advantageous . The streamlined process offered substantial cost savings , rendering it a viable option for existing industry players willing to embrace change .
BALANCING PROFITABILITY AND THE PLANET
The pandemic saw the fragility of global supply chains , prompting a reevaluation of manufacturing processes . Big Boss Cement ’ s innovative model stood poised to weather economic uncertainties , offering an environmentally friendly and financially prudent option .
Continuous improvement was the lifeblood of innovation , and Big Boss Cement exemplified this ethos . While the current methodology yields impressive results , Gilbert Cruz and his team remained dedicated to pushing the boundaries of possibility .
One of the most intriguing concepts on the horizon was “ liquid cement ”. This futuristic idea , born from a collaborative effort involving Gilbert Cruz , envisioned cement in a liquid state .
While this might sound like science fiction , it represented a potential leap forward in construction technology , especially in extraterrestrial environments .
“ And this liquid cement is not , again , something new . I was part of a company that NASA and the European Space Agency funded in the 90s . The question given to the scientist group was how to make concrete on the moon . It ’ s called Mooncrete .
“ So that is where the liquid cement idea came about . Meaning , if you go to outer space , you use all the available materials and pour in the liquid [ reacting sulphur }, and it becomes concrete .”
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Big Boss Cement ’ s journey is more than a corporate success story ; it is a ripple in the pond of industry practices . As the company challenges the status quo , its influence extends beyond its immediate sphere . This is a case where a developing country ’ s technology could provide the template for a global low-carbon cement technology transfer .
Other players in the cement industry are beginning to take note , recognising that sustainable practices are not just ethical but also essential for long-term viability , causing the cement industry , often perceived as conservative and slow to adapt , to witness a seismic shift . – @ Green
One of the most intriguing concepts on the horizon was “ liquid cement ”. This futuristic idea , born from a collaborative effort involving Gilbert Cruz , envisioned cement in a liquid state .”