Industrial ecology

 
 

Cement manufacturing does have an impact on the surrounding environment so Bamburi is committed to reconciling industrial imperatives with the preservation of ecosystems.

 

Becoming more sustainable is a commitment in all of Bamburi's operations

Cement manufacturing consumes large quantities of non-renewable raw materials: minerals and fossil fuels. It is also an important source of CO2 emissions.

 

In response to this environmental challenge, Bamburi Cement Limited has taken up the challenge from the Group towards the path of industrial ecology. This approach is inspired by the cycles of creation, destruction and recycling that occur in nature.

 

By rethinking industrial processes from start to finish, one industry's waste products can become another industry's resources.

 

  

Why find uses for waste?

Bamburi Cement Ltd. is aware of the impact of its activities on the environment. As a result, Bamburi started thinking at a very early stage about ways of reconciling industrial imperatives with the preservation of ecosystems. Adding value to waste by using it as alternative fuel or raw material enables Bamburi to:

  • limit greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of nonrenewable raw materials and fossil fuels (oil, coal, etc.),

  • diversify energy resources and reduce energy costs by limiting dependence on traditional fuels,

  • serve the community by recycling waste that would otherwise need to be processed and eliminated.

 

Industrial ecology practices are, therefore, beneficial for the community and the environment and also have benefits for Bamburi.

 

Clinker

Clinker is the main ingredient in cement. These hardened granules are obtained by firing a mixture of approximately 80% limestone and 20% clay to a high temperature. Cement is obtained by grinding clinker, in some cases supplementing it with additives.

Industrial waste

Industrial waste is the residue from industrial production, processing or use. Waste products from one industrial process can serve as alternative fuels and raw materials for another. Co-incineration enables enterprises to conserve fossil fuels and raw materials while serving the community by processing waste in an economical way that reduces CO2 emissions.

CO2 and cement

Why does manufacturing cement produce CO2?

 

Cement manufacturing is the source of 5% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The cement industry is a natural producer of CO2:

  • 60% of emissions are due to the transformation of raw materials at high temperatures (decarbonation of limestone),

  • 40% result from the combustion needed to heat the cement kilns to 1500°C.

Alternative Fuels at Bamburi Cement Limited

Used Tyres

Used tyres, classified as non-hazardous material, are used as an alternative fuel in cement kilns. The potential impacts from the open-air burning and landfilling from residual ashes or landfilling of whole tyres are thereby avoided. Tyres are introduced at different points of the process depending on the type of kiln.

Find more information on the Geocycle page.