The Cement Association of Canada (CAC) has launched Contempra cement that reduces CO2 emissions by 10%. The new cement produces concrete with strength and durability that are comparable to material produced with standard Portland cement.
The introduction of Contempra to the Canadian market represents the industry's commitment to significantly enhance its environmental footprint by offering innovative, sustainable products to meet the current building requirements.
Contempra cement is produced by mixing regular clinker with about 15% limestone. The decrease in the quantity of clinker used in cement manufacturing process directly minimizes the greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumed by the process. Major features of the innovative cement are versatility, resiliency, durability, sustainability, safety, energy-efficiency and contribution to the LEED status.
The Contempra cement will contribute to the highly sustainable construction and cleaner atmosphere in Canada. It is expected that the implementation of the new cement in appropriate concrete applications will decrease Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 900,000 t per year. The amount is equal to planting 23 million trees per year and removal of 172,000 cars from the road.
Contempra brand is well-established in Europe and is used in several residential and commercial applications for more than 25 years. It is called Portland-limestone cement in the European market. Contempra has received approval for use in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. The product will be approved for application in other regions once the company adopts the 2010 National Building Code of Canada.