Asia Cement Corporation Tops National Carbon Reduction Rankings

Low-Carbon Cement Solution Debuted at COP29

Asia Cement Corporation (ACC) has once again strengthened its leading position in sustainable development with its outstanding achievements in carbon reduction. On November 25th, the Industrial Development Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs recognized ACC's Hualien Plant as the "Outstanding Company in Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction" for the tenth consecutive years, making it the factory receiving most awards in Taiwan and a true pioneer in  carbon reduction efforts in the country. Chen Chih-hsien, Chief Deputy Plant Manager of Asia Cement Hualien Plant, who attended the award ceremony, stated that ACC has always been committed to innovation and action, fully implementing a circular economy and pursuing sustainable production. This honor not only belongs to ACC but also symbolizes the joint determination of the industry to promote green manufacturing.

Low-clinker cement is considered one of the key technologies for reducing carbon emissions in the cement industry. ACC's many achievements on carbon reduction among years are the result of combination of technology innovation and practical actions. In the production of cement, approximately 60% of carbon emissions come from limestone calcination, 35% from fuel combustion, and 5% from indirect consumption of electricity. To address these primary sources of carbon emission, ACC has taken comprehensive measures to thoroughly improve its production processes. These proactive measures adopted to develop low-carbon cement include replacing partial limestone with mineral fines, slag, and incinerated recycled materials; part of the coal with solid recovered fuels, wood chips, and sewage sludge; investing in equipment that improves efficiency; and adjusting the usage of clinker in the formula. Through continuous refinement of low-carbon innovation measures, ACC achieved even better carbon reduction results in 2023, reducing CO₂e emissions by 50,776 tons compared to the previous year. Additionally, the company produced 87,000 tons of low-carbon cement, providing a more environmentally friendly option for the market.

ACC's carbon reduction achievements have not only been recognized in Taiwan but have also attracted attentions abroad. During the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) published the "Net Zero Roadmap Report" which specifically mentioned, "Asia Cement Corporation is now supplying more low clinker cements." This not only acknowledges ACC's long-term commitment to low-carbon technologies but also demonstrates that the company is taking concrete actions to fulfill its environmental commitments.

On a separate note, ACC's Hualien Plant recently received the 2024 Green Factory Label from the Industrial Development Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs for its comprehensive performance. This is the first time in Taiwan that a cement and ready-mixed concrete plant has obtained this certification. During the review, ACC's Hualien Plant's hardware obtained Green Building Label from the Ministry of the Interior, and its software passed the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Clean Production Evaluation, meeting requirements of 32 major items and 228 indicators. ACC emphasized that it will continue to focus on sustainable concepts, break through the development bottlenecks of traditional industries with innovative technologies, and inject new momentum into industrial transformation and global green development.