Buzzi Unicem USA and Lehigh University awarded grant from US DoE to develop a decarbonization project, involving the use of calcined clays in cement

Bethlehem, PA February 5, 2024 - Lehigh University and Buzzi Unicem USA announced today that they have been awarded a $2 million grant from the US Department of Energy Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) to develop a project regarding low-carbon non-ordinary Portland cements that can decarbonize industries by advancing low-temperature calcined clays. The calcined clays will be used as an alternative concrete binder, achieving durability with clay beneficiation. Calcined clays offer a promising low CO₂ supplementary cementitious material with a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional cement. The initial project started in early 2023.

The grant fits in with the recently announced $171 million in funding for 49 projects, promoted by the US Department of Energy Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO), to reduce industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and accelerate the development of innovative decarbonization technologies.

Dr. John Fox, Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, leads the research project team for Lehigh University. The team also includes Dr. Clay Naito, Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Dr. Carlos Romero, Director and Principal Research Scientist of the Energy Research Center; and Dr. Paolo Bocchini, Professor and Director of Graduate Programs, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Dr. Bocchini remarked, “Buzzi Unicem USA has been instrumental to this project by providing the initial funding and the impetus for this line of research. The grant from DoE will allow us to take the research to the next level. This project is the ideal model for industry-university collaborations.”

“We have established a roadmap that demonstrates our commitment to becoming carbon neutral, in line with the decarbonization strategy of the Buzzi group, envisaged in “Our Journey to Net Zero'”, adds Massimo Toso, President & CEO Buzzi Unicem USA. “It’s a significant effort for the company and we are therefore proud of this award which rewards the dedication of the teams involved. Looking to the future, the business intends to roll out several more projects designed to further its sustainability strategy”.

The Portland Cement Association (PCA), the premier policy, research, education and market intelligence organization serving America’s cement manufacturers, elected Buzzi Unicem USA’s President and CEO, Massimo Toso, as the PCA Board Chairman. The elections took place this week, during the final meeting of 2023.

He has served the last year as Vice Chair.

“We must confirm our goal to be part of the carbon reduction program defined by the PCA Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality and be sure that cement and concrete will remain the most resilient and sustainable construction materials in the market.” Toso remarked.

In October 2021, PCA’s Board of Directors set forth the industry’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality, defining the overall strategy for the cement, concrete and construction industries to collaborate in initiatives to cut carbon emissions and reach neutrality by the year 2050.

Buzzi Unicem USA congratulates our President and CEO on his new role with the PCA!

From starting as the Signal Mountain Cement Plant in October 1923, to what is now our Buzzi Unicem USA Chattanooga Plant, numerous changes have taken place over the years, along with the creation of cherished memories and stories.

Our Chattanooga Plant observed their 100^th Anniversary with a celebration held at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Over 300 current employees, retirees, customers and other special guests attended the event. Guests had the opportunity to explore a history walk featuring photos and historical facts about the Plant over the years, and the Nervi exhibit, displaying the work of Pier Luigi Nervi, the Italian architect who used reinforced concrete in his designs. Attendees also enjoyed tours of the Chattanooga Plant, providing an insider’s view of cement plant operations.

We proudly congratulate the Chattanooga Plant on this milestone anniversary and look forward to the next 100 years!

Portland Cement Association recently honored two of our Buzzi Unicem USA plants with the Chairman’s Safety Performance Awards. Our Chattanooga, TN and Maryneal, TX facilities received the awards for operating without having a reportable injury or illness during the year. Fifteen member plants received the honor, representing more than 10% of all active cement facilities in the United State and its territories. 

Buzzi Unicem USA commends these facilities for their dedication to excellence in employee safety and health.

On September 4th, at the age of 90 years and 2 months, Sandro Buzzi concluded his earthly journey.
We like to remember with affection and emotion his role as an enthusiastic, optimistic, passionate and empathetic leader.

Sandro Buzzi had a long, beautiful, challenging and successful life. His story is inextricably linked to that of the company, since 1957, when as a young chemical engineer he was called by his father Luigi, to take care of the transition from natural to artificial cement. Over the years he had developed an almost unique knowledge and specialization of cement technique and technology. His passion for the product led him to extend his scope of knowledge and work to product application as well, especially the standards and quality of the nascent ready-mix concrete industry. Starting in the 1980s, he held various top executive roles within the group and, supported by brothers Franco and Enrico, was the architect of the main phases of company development (acquisition of Unicem in 1997 and Dyckerhoff in 2001).

Sandro Buzzi also had a great love for the sea, in particular offshore sailing. He participated in many competitions as a skipper, at all levels, all over the world. With his sailing hobby, he applied the same passion for technology, by embracing the use of the sextant and the development of innovations such as twin foils coupled with canting keel.

We will continue to follow his example of dedication and love for work, family and business.