At the AFOCO 2025 Technical Day, François Jacquemot, Responsable Matériaux & Process au CERIB, a proposé une intervention approfondie consacrée à la performance de l’industrie et de la construction face aux défis de la réduction carbone et de l’économie circulaire.
The challenges of the sector: reducing the carbon footprint of concrete
Concrete remains an essential building material, but also a significant contributor to CO2 emissions.
The work presented by CERIB shows that more than 60% of the carbon footprint of an integrated formwork wall comes from cement.
Hence the importance of acting at several levels:
- Optimize formulations to reduce the amount of binder;
- Use low carbon binders, such as metakaolin-based alternative binders or limestone additions;
- Improve manufacturing processes (cured, vibro-compaction, immediate release).
Innovation at the heart of solutions: the actions of CERIB
CERIB expands research and application projects to support industrialists:
- Formulations of metakaolin-based concretes and limestone additions, allowing up to 25% carbon footprint reduction;
- Studies on the use of ACT 1d-Ecocem binder in prefabricated products, particularly for integrated formwork walls and pavements;
- Integration of recycled concrete aggregates into masonry blocks, with validated laboratory and factory performance.
These innovations are part of a significant normative evolution (NF EN 206/CN, FD P 18-483-2, etc.), which aims to enhance the durability and traceability of low-impact materials.
Towards a circular economy in construction
Circular economy becomes a strategic priority. The CERIB's work shows that up to 30% recycled concrete aggregates can be incorporated into certain standard products, while ensuring their mechanical and environmental performance.
This approach helps reduce waste, preserve natural resources and promote short circuits.
Support companies in the field
Beyond R&D, CERIB has a "decarbonation" action plan:
- Organization of webinars (already more than 10 sessions and 395 participants);
- Making factory diagnostics (58 diagnoses conducted since 2023);
- Dissemination of tools and experiences to help industry build their own roadmap towards carbon neutrality.
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