By Tina Ezin, Calabar
In a significant move towards sustainable construction, Lafarge Africa Plc has introduced EcoCrete, Nigeria’s first low-carbon ready-mix concrete, as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the building sector and promote climate-friendly innovation.
The new product, which debuts with a full conversion of the company’s Abuja Ready-Mix plant, delivers at least 20 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions when compared to conventional CEM I concrete.
The company described the development as a key step in its long-term sustainability strategy.
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the launch of EcoCrete underscores the firm’s commitment to innovation and climate responsibility.
“This marks another milestone in our efforts to decarbonise the construction industry in Nigeria. EcoCrete allows builders and developers to maintain high performance and durability standards while significantly reducing their environmental footprint,” he said.
According to him, EcoCrete builds on the success of other green products in the company’s portfolio, such as ECOPlanet Unicem and ECOPlanet Elephant cement, both launched in the last two years.
Also speaking, Lafarge Africa’s Head of Aggregates and ReadyMix, Mr. Derek Williamson, described the new product as a reliable solution for a wide range of applications, from residential housing to large-scale infrastructure projects.
“EcoCrete combines technical performance with environmental benefits. It is a smart alternative for contractors, engineers and architects seeking to meet sustainability targets without sacrificing structural integrity,” he stated.
Head of Innovation and New Product Development, Mr. Emmanuel Ilaboya, noted that the product was developed after extensive research and testing to meet both local and global standards for low-carbon construction materials.
“EcoCrete is not only a technological advancement but also a critical tool in Nigeria’s broader response to climate change. It reflects Lafarge’s vision of creating scalable solutions that address environmental challenges,” Ilaboya said.
With operations across the South West, North East, and South East of Nigeria, and ReadyMix plants in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, Lafarge Africa remains one of the country’s most expansive and innovation-driven building solutions companies.
A member of the Holcim Group, Lafarge Africa continues to align with global efforts to promote greener infrastructure, circular economy practices and low- emission development across the construction value chain
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