Our Objectives

Concrete Actions

To achieve our objectives, we have already implemented a number of specific actions as an integral part of daily operations.

> Reduction of CO2 footprint by at least 50% compared to 2021 emissions
With IBF Eco2, we have developed a new product line that will reduce the CO2 footprint of concrete production by at least 50% compared to 2021 emissions. This is only possible because we collaborate with leaders within material technology.

> Recycling of water
Water from cleaning mixers is purified and reused in new Ready mix concrete.
> Solar energy
Several of IBF's factories have solar panels installed on their roofs. So far, we have produced 1 million kWh and are in the process of expanding with solar power systems at all locations in Denmark.
> Heating with biofuel
Biofuel is used for heating several production buildings and office facilities.
> Electric trucks
Diesel trucks are gradually being replaced with electric trucks across our production units.
> Returned concrete becomes silo blocks
Ready mix concrete returned from the construction site is cast in molds and turned into new IBF silo blocks.

Part of an active industry

Besides our internal responsibility, we contribute to a collective improvement throughout the industry through the Danish Concrete Association. The association, gathering more then 50 key players including IBF, has introduced the Sustainable Concrete initiative. This initiative aims to create a future where the CO2 footprint from concrete construction is 40-50% lower than today. More specifically, the future is 2030, and the improvement should be achieved without compromising quality, comfort, and economy.

The initiative is based on 35 concrete actions that, over the next 10 years, aim to fulfill the ambitious goal of halfing the CO2 emissions from concrete constructions.

The concrete actions are divided into five tracks and presented in the Danish Concrete's roadmap towards 2030.

Partner in a Research Project in Collaboration with the Danish Technology Institute

IBF is a partner in a 4-year research project, CALLISTE, led by the Danish Technological Institute. The project aims to develop a cement with 50% less CO2 footprint than traditional cement. The research project brings together 12 players within concrete production and research.

Our role in the project is to develop concrete recipes and production methods for concrete goods, such as paving products. The work will document that the new cement, developed in the project, can be used for production on an industrial scale.

Collaboration with Contractors and Consultants for a Greener Footprint

In addition to our cross-industry collaboration, we focus on creating better transparency for our partners, contractors, consultants, and customers. We do this by:

> Financing and participating in Danish and European standardization work,
IBF participates directly and through industry collaborate with Danish Concrete in the development of standards. 

S472 - Danish
S328 - Danish
TC178/WG1 European
TC165/WG9 European  

> Developing EPD's (Environmental Product Declarations). IBF has invested in software to develop product- and project-specific EPD's, making it possible, for example, to get an overview of the individual product's CO2 footprint.

Investments in innovation

We continuously develop solutions that can handle the climate changes already affecting our daily lives. Similarly, we integrate technologies and processes that can positively impact the climate and reduce resource consumption.

Examples of these include: 

> Use of recycled concrete in new products
> Development of permeable pavements that can handle larger amounts of rain
> Development of recipes and permeable drainage products for rainwater infiltration
> Integration af NOxOFF technology on pavements and roof tiles

Projects 

The examples mentioned above have already formed the basis for establishing local projects. In addition, we have been a collaborating partner on the following projects:

> 70 concrete pipes without cement on a residential street in Viby near Aarhus, Denmark

As one of the, firsts in Denmark, we have laid concrete pipes completely without cement. Over the summer in 2022, 70 concrete pipes were installed on a residential street in Viby near Aarhus. Aahus Water is the client, and Arkil was responsible for the construction task.

> School Path af Recycled Concrete

At Lisbjerg School, we have delivered pavement tiles made af recycled concrete. The school path is 500 meters long, providing the children with a strong and more sustainable surface that will last many years into the future. By using recycled concrete in the tiles, we avoid, among other things, the use of gravel, which is expected to become a scarce resource in the future. Additionally, recycling concrete significantly increases the concrete's ability to absorb the CO2 that has previously been released.

> 10.000 m2 of permeabel paving at Køge Campus, Denmark

Køge Municipality has managed the rainwater after establishing Denmark's largest climate-secured parking lot at Køge Campus. The 10,000 m2 parking lot with permeable paving can handle vast amount of rainwater in a short time - and is secured against the increasingly severe cloudbursts expected in the future.

Without expanding the existing rainwater system or establishing a basin, the parking lot can handle a rainfall amount corresponding to a 10-year event. The permeable paving keeps the area free of water and drains the rainwater down into the bearing layer - with a delay further into the existing rainwater system.