L-R: Mr. Gbenga Onimowo, Commercial Director, Lafarge Africa Plc; Engr. Stanley Mbam, Hon. Commissioner for Works, Ebonyi State; Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, GMD/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc; and Mr. Osinachi Nnajieze, Special Adviser on Legal Matters and Representative of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, at the official launch of Nigeria’s first low-carbon multipurpose cement, ECOPlanet by Lafarge Africa Plc, held recently at the Carlton Swiss Hotel, Enugu.
Lafarge Africa Plc, a prominent and forward-thinking
building solutions provider recognized for its superior cement, aggregates,
ready-mix concrete, and associated products, has introduce ECOPlanet Unicem,
Nigeria’s pioneering low-carbon multipurpose cement.
This groundbreaking cement, meticulously engineered to
achieve a substantial 30% reduction in CO2 emissions, represents a significant
milestone in Lafarge Africa’s unwavering dedication to pioneering sustainable
construction solutions. Originating from our state-of-the-art Mfamosing plant
situated in Cross River State, ECOPlanet is poised for a nationwide launch by
the end of the calendar year. Through this strategic initiative, Lafarge Africa
endeavors to double its market presence and revolutionize the construction
industry by facilitating low-carbon construction on a grand scale.
Speaking at the launch event held at Carlton Swiss Hotel in
Enugu, attended by key industry stakeholders, government officials, and
enthusiastic customers, The Group Managing Director/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc,
Lolu Alade – Akinyemi emphasised the company’s dedication to sustainability and
innovation. “At Lafarge Africa, our vision has always been to lead the building
solutions industry in innovation and sustainability. The launch of ECOPlanet
Unicem is not just about introducing a new product; it’s about redefining the
way we think about construction and its impact on our environment.”
He elaborated on the benefits of ECOPlanet Unicem, noting
its significant reduction in emissions compared to traditional cement, making
it an excellent choice for sustainable construction projects. Despite its
low-carbon nature, ECOPlanet provides superior performance, suitable for a wide
range of applications, from complex infrastructure projects to residential
buildings. The product is perfect for concreting, plastering, and on-site
block-making.
Globally, within the Holcim Group, ECOPlanet is available in
over 35 markets across all regions and supports the most advanced
sustainability building certifications, from BREEAM, LEED to EDGE. With
Holcim’s industry-leading formulation expertise, ECOPlanet’s sustainability
profile is driven by innovative low-emission raw materials. Its lower carbon
footprint is further enhanced by decarbonising its production process, led by
the use of alternative fuels, contributing to our net-zero pledge.
Gbenga Onimowo, commercial director, Lafarge Africa Plc,
added: “Over the years, Unicem has built a strong reputation, earning the trust
of consumers as a reliable and dependable option. At Lafarge Africa, we remain
committed to leading the promotion of green products to drive sustainable
construction within Nigeria’s built environment, and we are proud of this
significant achievement. ECOPlanet Unicem combines sustainability with superior
performance. Our goal is to make ECOPlanet Unicem the go-to-choice for anyone
looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on quality or
reliability,” he stressed.
The event also featured commendations from various
stakeholders. The Keynote Speaker, KK Nwozor, Dean, Faculty of Physical
Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, praised Lafarge Africa for its
innovative ECOPlanet Unicem cement, with over 30% reduction in carbon
emissions. He called on the rest of the industry to prioritise environmental
sustainability.
L-R: Mr. Osinachi Nnajieze, Special Adviser on Legal Matters and Representative of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State; Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, GMD/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc; and Professor K.K. Nwozor, Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences & Chairman, Climate Action Working Group, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State; at the official launch of Nigeria’s first low-carbon multipurpose cement, ECOPlanet by Lafarge Africa Plc, held recently at the Carlton Swiss Hotel, Enugu.
He stated: “ECOPlanet Unicem is an innovative product that
has proven to reduce our carbon footprint. The rest of the industry must
prioritise environmental sustainability.” He further emphasised the importance
of working together to decarbonise the industry and create a sustainable
future. Mr Nwozor also highlighted the need for deliberate action, focusing on
reducing, reusing, and recycling waste products. He stated his belief that
Lafarge’s efforts will inspire and motivate other industries to prioritise
environmental sustainability.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by his Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Osinachi Nnajieze, expressed his appreciation for Lafarge Africa’s choice of Enugu as the launch location for ECOPlanet Unicem. He acknowledged the state’s high environmental and climate protection policies and thanked Lafarge Africa for launching such an innovative eco-friendly product in Enugu.
Two of Lafarge Africa's Diamond customers, Sunny Nwodo and Azubuike Odogo, shared their positive experiences with the company's products. Mr. Nwodo described ECOPlanet Unicem as an exceptional product and expressed high expectations for the brand, particularly its eco-friendly advantages. "Unicem has consistently been a superior product. With its eco-friendly benefits, ECOPlanet Unicem is poised to be even better," he stated.
Azubuike Odogo commended Lafarge Africa for its leadership position in the cement industry and emphasized the significance of minimizing carbon emissions for the benefit of future generations. He stated, "Lafarge has consistently demonstrated a culture of excellence and effective branding. By utilizing ECOPlanet Unicem, we have the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable future for our children."