Lower carbon cement gaining popularity in BC

A cement that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 10 per cent is becoming the leading choice for the bulk of new concrete construction projects in British Columbia.

And it is contributing to a better quality air shed in the province’s lower mainland, according to the Cement Association of Canada.

Launched two years ago in Canada, Contempra now accounts for about half the domestic cement consumed in B.C.

So far, more than 23,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year have been taken out of the atmosphere—comparable to saving 9.7 million litres of gasoline or not burning 9,800 tonnes of coal.

Lafarge manufactures the lower carbon cement in its Richmond cement plant; Lehigh Hanson produces it in its Delta cement plant.

In addition to several condominium, commercial and institutional projects in B.C., other Contempra projects already completed or ongoing include the Arthur Erickson Building, the Wall Center False Creek Development and ONNI’s Evelyn master-planned community.