Morata de Jalón Cement Plant Achieves Europe’s First ‘Zero Waste’ Certification

Introduction

Cemex has made a significant advancement towards sustainable and environmentally responsible production with its cement plant in Morata de Jalón, Zaragoza, Spain. The plant has become the first in Europe to receive the prestigious ‘Zero Waste’ certification from AENOR, the Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification.

Waste Recovery and Circular Economy Commitment

The Morata de Jalón plant was recognized for recovering at least 90% of the waste generated during its industrial processes, effectively avoiding landfill disposal. Currently, the plant achieves nearly 95% waste recovery. This milestone highlights Cemex’s strong commitment to the circular economy and minimizing environmental impact.

Additional Certifications and Recognitions

• Government of Aragón’s Circular Seal
• ISO 50001 for Energy Efficiency
• ISO 14001 for Environmental Management
• RSA+ Seal for Corporate Social Responsibility
• Business Excellence Bronze Seal from the Government of Aragón

Leadership Statement

Alfonso Conde, Director of the Morata de Jalón cement plant, stated: “This certificate is the result of the team at Morata’s constant effort to minimise our ecological footprint. Cemex is committed to practices that promote recycling, reuse, and material/energy recovery, and this recognition validates our efficient resource management strategy.”

‘Zero Waste’ Certification and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The ‘Zero Waste’ certification from AENOR ensures responsible waste management by prioritizing the transformation of waste into secondary raw materials such as wood, paper, cardboard, and scrap metal. This approach:

1. Reduces landfill waste volume
2. Supports the circular economy by reincorporating materials into production
3. Contributes significantly to Cemex’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action

Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality and Environmental Innovation

This certification aligns with Cemex’s roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. It reaffirms the company’s leadership in environmental innovation and commitment to sustainable industrial development within Spain.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article highlights Cemex’s efforts in waste recovery and circular economy practices, directly linking to SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and the reduction of environmental impact through energy efficiency and waste management relate to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. Targets under SDG 12
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. The article mentions a 95% waste recovery rate and the ‘Zero Waste’ certification, aligning with this target.
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The plant’s practices of transforming waste into secondary raw materials support this target.
2. Targets under SDG 13
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning. Cemex’s roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050 and energy efficiency certifications (ISO50001) reflect this integration.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Waste Recovery Rate
   • The article explicitly states that the Morata plant recovers close to 95% of waste generated, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 12.5.
2. Certification Standards
   • Zero Waste Certification by AENOR: Indicates responsible waste management and circular economy practices.
   • ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard: Measures energy efficiency improvements relevant to climate action.
   • ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard: Reflects environmental management performance.
3. Carbon Neutrality Roadmap
   • Progress towards carbon neutrality by 2050 can be tracked through emissions data and reduction milestones, implied as part of SDG 13 indicators.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: worldcement.com