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The approval of these targets highlights CIMPOR's leadership in the transition to a sustainable future and aligns its operations with climate science criteria.

The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved CIMPOR's short-term decarbonization and net-zero emissions targets. This validation represents a significant milestone in the company's commitment to sustainability and the fight against climate change.

SBTi is an internationally recognized initiative resulting from the collaboration between the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Established in 2015, SBTi aims to help companies set emission reduction targets aligned with climate science and the goals of the Paris Agreement. Currently, around 5,000 companies and financial institutions worldwide are part of this initiative, demonstrating their trust in climate science.

SBTi confirmed that CIMPOR's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets meet the rigorous criteria outlined in the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard. Additionally, SBTi classified CIMPOR's ambition for Scope 1 and 2 targets as being aligned with a 1.5°C trajectory, the most ambitious limit set by the Paris Agreement.

CIMPOR's Commitments                                                                                                                                                                                

Global Net-Zero Emissions Target: CIMPOR is committed to achieving net-zero GHG emissions across its entire value chain by 2050.

Short-Term Targets:

CIMPOR is committed to reducing:

• Scope 1 gross emissions by 19.5% per ton of cementitious product by 2030, using 2022 as the base year (*);
• Scope 2 gross emissions by 55.7% per ton of cementitious product over the same period;
• Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services by 29.4% per ton of clinker and cement purchased during the same timeframe.

(*) The target boundary includes emissions and removals associated with land use and biomass.

Long-Term Targets:

CIMPOR is committed to reducing:

• Scope 1 and 2 gross emissions by 95.2% per ton of cementitious product by 2050, using 2022 as the base year (*);
• Scope 3 absolute GHG emissions by 95% over the same period.

(*) The target boundary includes emissions and removals associated with land use and biomass.

The validation of these targets by SBTi reinforces CIMPOR's commitment to leading the transition to a more sustainable future and positions the company as an example in the cement sector and the global industry. This achievement demonstrates CIMPOR's ambition to align its operations with the principles of climate science, contributing to climate change mitigation and the achievement of global sustainability goals.

Note:

Within the framework of SBTi, CO2 emissions are categorized as follows:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company (e.g., emissions from the combustion of fuels in company facilities or vehicles).
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of electricity, steam, heating, or cooling purchased and consumed by the company.
• Scope 3: All other indirect emissions across the value chain, including upstream activities (e.g., purchased goods, transportation) and downstream activities (e.g., use of sold products, waste management).

These categories help companies measure and set reduction targets for their entire carbon footprint.

CIMPOR was recently featured in the Marcas com História program on CNN Portugal, as well as in three mini-programs dedicated to its Production Centres.

These contents celebrate nearly 50 years of CIMPOR's history, highlighting the company's impact on the industry, its operations, and plans for the future.

All episodes are available on an exclusive landing page from CNN Portugal, so those who missed the broadcasts or wish to rewatch them can access all the content.

What can you find?

• The Marcas com História episode, entirely dedicated to CIMPOR
• Mini-program on the Souselas Production Centre
• Mini-program on the Alhandra Production Centre
• Mini-program on the Loulé Production Centre

The episodes feature CIMPOR's CEO for Portugal and Cape Verde, Cevat Mert, Finance Country Director, Diogo Felgueiras, Commercial Country Director, Ignacio Gómez, Chief Human Resources Officer, Rita Baptista, and Industrial Operations Country Director, Adrianno Arantes. They are joined by testimonies from the Directors of the Alhandra, Souselas, and Loulé factories, as well as various employees from the production units, who share their experiences and perspectives on CIMPOR.

Click here to access the CNN Portugal landing page and watch or rewatch all the episodes.

Cimentaçor, a company of the CIMPOR group, has been recognized as the 3rd Best Company in the Azores for 2023 in the prestigious ranking promoted by AçorMédia/Açoriano Oriental.

This distinction reflects Cimentaçor's outstanding performance, maintaining its position among the Top 10 companies in the Azores for over two decades. In the 27th edition of this initiative, which provides a comprehensive assessment of the region's business landscape, Cimentaçor stands out as the 2nd best company in terms of return on equity, the 3rd best in terms of return on revenue, and the 4th best in productivity.

Over the past four years, Cimentaçor has consistently ranked in the TOP 5 of this ranking:

This achievement is the result of the commitment, dedication, and hard work of the entire team, which continues to contribute exemplary efforts toward the company's excellence.

CIMPOR Cape Verde participated in the XXVII edition of the Cape Verde International Fair (FIC), held from November 20 to 23, 2024, at the Enapor facilities in Mindelo, São Vicente. This multisectoral event, themed “For Peace and Sustainable Development”, provided a strategic opportunity to strengthen business connections and explore new opportunities in the market.

At its stand, CIMPOR Cape Verde showcased its range of products, services, and sustainable initiatives, including the project to reactivate the pozzolana factory in Santo Antão. This project focuses on using local materials to produce cement, supporting sustainability goals and fostering economic growth in the region.

As part of its participation, the company hosted a meeting with partners from the northern islands at Hotel Porto Grande, underlining its commitment to fostering close cooperation and collaboration within the local market.

The FIC has established itself as a key platform for promoting innovation, building partnerships, and identifying promising market niches. CIMPOR Cape Verde is proud to have taken part in this significant event, reinforcing its ties with both the local community and international stakeholders while contributing to the sustainable development of Cape Verde.

CIMPOR is the exclusive sponsor of the Decarbonisation category of the 5^th edition of Negócios Sustentabilidade 20|30, a cycle of conferences and content promoted by Jornal de Negócios that aims to debate the challenges and good practices in sustainability. Focussed on the environmental, social and governance aspects of sustainability, this event is one of the largest in its field in Portugal, providing companies and governments with perspectives on how to contribute to a more responsible future.

The first conference of this edition took place on 20 November at the Pestana Palace in Lisbon, with the theme "Garantir o Futuro – Que caminhos para a descarbonização, floresta, água e resíduos?". The event was attended by Sandrine Dixson-Declève, President of the Clube de Roma, one of the world's leading authorities on sustainability and climate change, and by Adrianno Arantes, COO of CIMPOR and Sandro Conceição, Director of Co-Processing and Energy at CIMPOR.

As the exclusive sponsor of the Decarbonisation category, CIMPOR reaffirms its commitment to more sustainable industrial practices by supporting this cycle of debates, which has made a strong contribution to advancing responsible and innovative practices in Portugal. The 2024 edition will continue with debates on the social and governance areas, with the next conference to be held in December in Porto.

The Conferência do Jornal Público: “Descarbonização: que caminho para Portugal?” was held on 15 of November at the Museu do Oriente, an event that brought together companies, academics and decision-makers to debate the impacts of the decarbonisation strategy, which is essential for Portugal's environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness. The central theme of the conference was around analysing the challenges and progress of the decarbonisation process, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, boosting both the country's ecological and economic sustainability.

The Conferência do Jornal Público was attended by Sandro Conceição, Director of Co-Processing and Energy at CIMPOR, who was part of a panel on the paths to be taken to transform Portuguese industry towards a more sustainable future.

The round table discussed topics such as the transition to renewable energies, technological innovations for decarbonisation, resource management and energy efficiency, as well as the cost and competitiveness challenges that companies face in adapting to the new environmental parameters. One of the central points was also the viability of heavy industries, which face major challenges against a backdrop of growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions.

The conference included other panels dedicated to the structural axes of the decarbonisation process, covering everything from the use of innovative technologies, such as green hydrogen and carbon capture, to circular economy strategies applied to industrial processes. The event provided a unique platform for debate between entrepreneurs, legislators and citizens committed to reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener and more competitive future. The closing ceremony was attended by the Minister for the Environment and Energy, Maria Graça Carvalho.

Hakan Ozkan, Technical Assistant Manager at Betão Liz, was present at the National Structural Concrete Meeting, which took place in Porto between November 13 and 15, 2024, where he presented two scientific articles highlighting innovation and sustainability in concrete and aggregate production processes.

The first article, entitled “Production of Artificial Aggregate by Utilizing Quarry Waste Material”, explores an innovative solution for reusing industrial waste. This work develops a method for producing artificial aggregates from aggregate washing sludge (WAS) and granulated blast furnace slag. The results presented show that the artificial aggregate created has a promising performance in concrete, with an optimum replacement rate of 30%. The solution is part of a wider research project, already patented by the Turkish Patent Office, which represents an important response to the growing demand for sustainable solutions in industry.

The second article, “The Effect of Fines Content on Durability of Concrete Produced with Two Different Water/Cement Ratios”, investigates the impact of limestone fines on the durability and strength of concrete in two series of mixtures, optimized for different service conditions. This work highlights DURABET concrete, a solution developed specifically for highly durable structures and applied in large-scale projects such as the Izmit Bay suspension bridge, the fourth largest suspension bridge in the world.

Click here to read the articles

Hakan Ozkan's participation in this event underlines CIMPOR and Betão Liz's commitment to developing technologies and products that promote more sustainable and resilient construction, in line with the sector's needs and today's environmental challenges.

On October 25, the Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis, visited the Alhandra Plant to learn about the company's ambitious strategic decarbonisation plan, which includes an investment of 360 million euros in the Alhandra, Souselas and Loulé plants. The main goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, positioning CIMPOR as a leader in the transition to a more sustainable and technologically advanced industry, through projects such as replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources of energy and improving energy efficiency in its plants.

At the Alhandra Plant, investments in heat recovery systems and the replacement of equipment to increase energy efficiency stand out. These projects will enable the plant to reduce CO₂ emissions by 190,000 tonnes per year and produce 84 GWh of renewable energy for self-consumption. In Souselas, the conversion of a kiln for the production of calcined clays will enable a reduction of up to 70,000 tonnes of CO₂ emitted per year, reinforcing the company's commitment to sustainability.

The visit was attended by Suat Çalbiyik, Chairman of CIMPOR Global Holdings, and Cevat Mert, CEO of CIMPOR Portugal and Cape Verde, who emphasised the importance of investment for the national economy and for meeting sustainability targets. Minister Pedro Reis praised CIMPOR's commitment and reaffirmed the importance of carbon neutrality and energy efficiency for the country's reindustrialisation, underlining the role of foreign investment as a key driver for Portugal's economic growth.

CIMPOR implements 5G Private Mobile Network at Alhandra Production Centre.

CIMPOR has implemented the 5G Standalone Private Mobile Network (MPN 5G SA) at the Alhandra Production Centre. This pioneering and innovative project, developed in partnership with Vodafone, Ericsson and SAP, represents a decisive step towards modernising CIMPOR's industrial processes.

The new 5G Standalone network brings with it a series of advanced technologies that will optimise operations, reduce costs, mitigate risks, and reduce the environmental footprint. The main advantages of this cutting-edge solution include:

Remote Maintenance and Assistance: Use of augmented reality glasses for predictive maintenance, allowing problems to be analysed and resolved remotely;

Intelligent Video Surveillance: Real-time monitoring with specific cameras, increasing safety and operational efficiency;

Wireless Sensorisation: Real-time monitoring and preventive fault detection, guaranteeing greater efficiency and reducing downtime;

Remote Inspection of Facilities: Use of drones for quick and accurate inspections, reducing the time and costs associated with these operations;

Virtual Visualisation of Infrastructures: Implementation of digital twin, a digital representation of the facilities that offers a global and detailed view of the infrastructures.

This project will not be limited to the Alhandra Plant, as it is the beginning of an ambitious path for CIMPOR. The 5G network will soon be implemented in Souselas and Loulé Plants, reinforcing CIMPOR's commitment to innovation and sustainability and allowing us to achieve a higher level of efficiency and safety.

CIMPOR thus continues to take solid steps towards a more modern and responsible future, in line with market needs and the challenges of Industry 4.0.

Cimentaçor, a Cimpor Group company, recently completed a large-scale self-consumption energy project on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores, in partnership with SunEnergy.

This project involved the installation of 1,700 550W photovoltaic solar panels, totalling 935 kW of power.

This initiative will enable Cimentaçor to reduce its energy consumption by approximately 200,000 euros per year and reduce CO₂ emissions by around 200 tonnes per year.

Cimpor emphasises environmental sustainability as a priority, reinforcing its commitment to the circular economy.

Environmental sustainability is a priority for Cimpor. We are aware of our impact as an industry with high and regular energy consumption and, therefore, the installation of solar panels for self-consumption is a natural step to take in order to reinforce the brand's concern with the circular economy,’ says Sandro Conceição - Cimpor's Coprocessing and Environment Director.

SACOPOR, a CIMPOR group company that produces and commercialises paper bags for the cement and mortar industry, has inaugurated a new production line. This new line represented an investment of 11.5 million euros.

SACOPOR, the largest paper company in Portugal, currently has a production capacity of 130 million bags a year, and the new line will increase the annual production to around 160 million bags. It will also increase the number of jobs by around 18%.

This investment reinforces the company's commitment to supplying quality products and boosting its growth in the domestic and international markets.

"The new production line allows us to enter new business areas due to its versatility as well as the increase in print quality. Included in this investment were two new state-of-the-art six-colour in-line printers, unique in Portugal. Increased product quality, new technical solutions and increased sales to external clients, both on the domestic and international markets, are the main objectives. At the same time, we have obtained FSC certification and we will have more news in the short term with the launch of new products, following market trends. This is a sign that we are aligned with the sector's growth strategy and that we are keeping pace with its evolution," explains Amaro Freire, Director of SACOPOR.

Antwerp Declaration – 73 industry leaders spanning almost 20 industrial sectors presented ‘The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal’ to Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo and Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. The declaration underlines the commitment of industry to Europe and its transformation and outlines urgent industry needs to make Europe competitive, resilient, and sustainable.

CIMPOR has signed the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal:
We sign up for the Antwerp Declaration because we recognize the urgent need for collective action to address the environmental challenges facing our industry and our planet. By joining the Antwerp Declaration, CIMPOR reaffirms its steadfast commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices within an European Industrial Deal framework that also confronts the current challenges of economic slowdown, high energy prices, and strong global competition, while establishing a context of confidence in Europe’s industrial future.

CIMPOR understands the significant role that the cement industry plays in global carbon emissions and acknowledge our responsibility to minimize our environmental footprint while remaining competitive.

We believe that by actively participating in this initiative, we can contribute to meaningful progress towards reducing carbon emissions, promoting circular economy principles, and fostering sustainable construction practices. Together, let us cement our commitment to sustainability through the Antwerp Declaration and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Link: https://antwerp-declaration.eu/

We have successfully completed our participation in the 2024 edition of Tektónica - International Construction Fair, which CIMPOR attended in order to strengthen ties with the sector and present the latest innovations in construction solutions.

We would like to thank everyone who visited our stand and contributed to enriching this experience. We remain committed to building the future together.

The EnviroTech 2024 Conference and Exhibition organized by World Cement took place in Lisbon, from March 10^th to 13^th, 2024, and brought together leading figures in the global cement industry.

Suat CALBIYIK, Chairman of the CIMPOR Global Board, and Berkan Fidan, CIMPOR Global CTO, participated in the conference with their speeches titled "deOHclay: Operational Experiences from the Pioneer," sharing industrial experience and vision on calcined clay production technologies and calcined clay blended cements, which are important strategies of CIMPOR Global's Sustainability and Decarbonization Roadmap, along with their latest updates.

We are proud to mark the reopening of Betão Liz's production centre in Gavião - Famalicão, completely renovated after 10 years of closure. This milestone represents not only the resumption of operations, but also a new chapter in our history. The modernisation of this facility reflects our commitment to offering quality products and services while boosting the local economy.

We are excited to resume production and strengthen ties with the community.

The project to install Self-Consumption Production Units (UPAC) at the Maia Commercial Depot is underway. The installation of 1.500 solar panels will generate approximately 1 300 MWh per year, avoiding the emission of 450 tonnes of CO₂. The aim is to autonomously produce around 40% of our energy needs, further reducing indirect CO₂ emissions.

This is another significant step towards building a more sustainable future.

With a total investment of 192k €, the project is funded by the EU through the Next Generation EU and the Portuguese/EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

Click here to read the project sheet.

It is with great pride that we celebrate 2.000 days without lost-time injuries at SACOPOR!

Many congratulations to the entire team for their unwavering commitment to safety at work.

This achievement is the result of everyone's daily commitment.

May we continue to have Safety as a Value, in everything we do.

CIMPOR proudly sponsored the trophy ceremony for the winners of the 16^th edition of the Construir 2023 Awards, held at the @Montes Claros - Lisbon Secret Spot. This initiative, organised by @Jornal Construir, celebrated the talent and effort of companies and professionals from the various construction sectors.

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CIMPOR has been a sponsor of the Construir Awards since 2017 and, in this edition, was present at the event with a stand to promote the brand's range of products.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners! Discover the highlights of this edition at https://www.construir.pt/2023/10/17/conheca-os-vencedores-dos-premios-construir-2023

CIMPOR was present at TEKTÓNICA from the 4^th to the 7^th of May 2023, at FIL - Feira Internacional de Lisboa.

Committed to reduce CO₂ emissions by 37% by 2030, here are some of the initiatives that Cimpor presented in the quest for carbon neutrality by 2050:

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CIMPOR renewed its sponsorship of “Querido Mudei a Casa, ready for the New 2022 season.

The strong human component and the professionalism of the programme, which “changes the lives of so many families”, are factors that ensure its continued popularity on Portuguese television.

Continuing a partnership that began in 2017, CIMPOR seeks to both support the programme and advertise its wide range of construction solutions sure to meet the specifics of any project, particularly dry mortars, tile grout, and cement-based adhesives.

Click here for more information about this product range. 

This public recognition of CIARGA’s performance in innovation is an excellent example of value generated within the country, affording a notable contribution to the brand’s visibility and image.
 

We’re committed to strengthening our country!

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For more information about the event please click here

On the 8^th of June, the Book “Álvaro Siza in detail” – volume 1 was launched at the Fernando Távora auditorium at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto, the publication of which was sponsored by CIMPOR.

In addition to Álvaro Siza Vieira, architects Eduardo Souto de Moura, António Madureira, and Nuno Teixeira also attended the book launch. This 2-volume work, edited by House Details Architecture, contains references to three projects by Siza Vieira: Casa na Maia (co-deaigned with António Madureira), Casa Nuno Sousa, and Casa na Foz Velha, which include technical drawings, text, photographs and an interview. 

The architect behind a panoply of projects both within Portugal and abroad, Álvaro Siza Vieira is recognised as being the most renowned Portuguese architect and one of the most relevant names in World Architecture. Having been the first Portuguese architect to win the Pritzker award in 1992, Álvaro Siza was followed by Eduardo Souto de Moura, who won the international award in 2011.

CIMPOR is proud to have been part of such a relevant publication, the high quality and diligence of which is considered a “treasure” by the most renowned Portuguese architect of all time.

CIMPOR sponsored the 16^th International Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction Proceedings, which took place between the 31^st of May and the 2^nd of June 2022 at the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC) in Lisbon.

Run by the LNEC, ICAAR 2020-2022 aimed to approach and discuss various topics related to the deterioration of concrete (due to ASR - Alkali-silica reaction) and the resulting structural consequences. This international conference was attended by over one hundred people, including researchers, academics, and AAR professionals from various countries. 

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In addition to three days of plenary lectures and scientific and technical sessions, the conference also hosted a technical visit to affected and rehabilitated structures in Central Portugal between the 3^rd and 5^th of June.

CIMPOR therefore benefited from this scientific and technical gathering, which promoted the sharing of knowledge and experiences in the field.

CIMPOR sponsored The 10^th Portuguese road/rail Congress, which took place in Lisbon from July 5–7, 2022, at the National Laboratory of Civil Engineering.

This event's theme, "The digitalization and transformation of the transport system," aimed to draw attention to a crucial component, an intelligent transportation system. Many topics relating to rail and road traffic were on the agenda.

This edition of the Congress, which was sponsored by the Portuguese road/rail Center, included Angola as a guest nation, in addition to the participation of representatives from other CPLP nations. In all, about 350 people took part.

In this way, CIMPOR hopes to contribute to the quest for more effective, strategic economic growth in the transportation industry. This gathering was helpful for the sharing of information & experience amongst the attendees.  

Click here for more information

CIMPOR’s range of mortars is a smart solution designed to cater to various applications – from plastering to masonry and flooring. In addition to the guaranteed quality ensured by the CIMPOR brand, our mortars have proven themselves across the numerous projects in which they have been employed to date.

They may be the most common elements used in construction, but mortars are also the most undervalued. This devaluation can be seen across many levels of the construction process, ranging from design to execution, leading to various outcomes.

When mortar is undervalued during the design of a building, the most common marker is a simplistic description of the mortar to be used, based on no more than a few markers and with little concern paid to their specific purpose in each phase of the work. In fact, even in cases where distinct features are established for mortars, the truth is that many do not identify the type of cement or sand that should be used. To add to the points mentioned above, a lack of specification, regulation and even guidance makes it particularly difficult to determine the traits required for the mortar in terms of the measurable performance characteristics that must be considered for each type of mortar used.

This means that the selection, conservation, and use of materials intended for mortars musttake place on-site, where they are also mixed - all matters deemed to be of little importance. In fact, it is common for the entire mortar preparation process to be carried out by less experienced teams, its on-site application left unmonitored.
 

THE EMERGENCE OF INDUSTRIAL MORTARS

Rapid development in the construction sector, which began in the second half of the 1990s, has naturally led to new problems and circumstances requiring new solutions. The explosion of construction itself has, from the outset, led to a search for solutions that increase efficiency – efficiency is required due to more contracts being entered into and shorter completion times.

In Portugal, this shift has led to a surge in the use of industrial mortars, specifically with the emergence of bulk solutions, which made it possible to respond to many of the inefficiencies of mortars when applied on-site. The sale of pre-mixed mortars eliminates the time required to mix them on-site, freeing up the labour previously used for this task for the execution of other tasks that provide more value.

Storage of mortar in silos allows for more ready-to-use mortar to be stored in the same area rather than traditional solutions. In addition, the fact that they are produced industrially, with all the related advantages in terms of product constancy and dosage accuracy, means they can be applied both manually and mechanically which is method of applying plastering mortars with a very high productivity rates.

LX LIVING PHOTO | SALES PROMOTER - REWARD PROPERTIES | GENERAL CONTRACTOR - ALVES RIBEIRO, S.A

In addition to these advantages is the increased ease of maintaining site cleanliness (thanks to the absence/reduction of sand piles) and, where pneumatic mortar transport systems can be used, a significant decrease in the need for lifting equipment.

In the last 15 years, a recession has been witnessed in the construction sector, which has led to a resumption of traditional methods of mortar production for purely cost-related reasons. However, two factors havecome together to limit this recession: the fact that it is always challenging to go back to less efficient methods and the changes in the nature of the work.

The latter is, to a large extent, the leading cause for the expansion of industrial mortars. Despite the decrease in the average size of the projects, their nature has changed, particularly in terms of increasing numbers of renovation and restoration work in urban areas, which pose their own challenges. These have led to the need for technically more demanding solutions requiring smaller machines and therefore less storage space.
 

CIMPOR SOLUTIONS

As such, CIMPOR has been developing solutions that meet market needs, employing a combination of continuous development and experience gained over two decades to provide solutions specifically adapted to the developments witnessed in the construction sector.

CIMPOR’s range of mortars caters to a wide range of applications – plastering, masonry, and flooring. In addition to the guaranteed quality ensured by the CIMPOR brand, our mortars have proven themselves across the numerous projects for which they have been employed to date. Notable projects include the CUF Tejo Hospital, Villa Baixa and, more recently, LX Living.

The 14^th edition of the Construir Awards ceremony took place at the Cineteatro Capitólio, Parque Mayer, in Lisbon, on the 13^th of December.

Promoted by the Jornal Construir and sponsored by CIMPOR, this initiative aims to distinguish the effort and the talent of companies, institutions and professionals from the various sectors of Construction, particularly in the areas of Engineering, Architecture, Construction and Real Estate.

Resulting from the vote of Jornal Construir readers, the awards were delivered to the companies and projects which stood out for their innovation, boldness, excellence and merit, in 2021.

Congratulations to all Nominees, Winners and to the Jornal Construir for the initiative.

Click on Winners and Nominees to access full information about the "Construir 2021 Awards". 

Suspended in the sky, in the middle of the Arouca Geopark - a recognised UNESCO Global Geopark - lies the 516 Arouca bridge, connecting the Canelas and Alvarenga riverbanks.

The 516 Arouca is composed of steel railings and cables, forming its 516-metre-long span, with a width of 1.20 metres, and 175-metre-height as it towers above the Paiva River.

The metal grid decking, which is supported by dozens of steel cables, rests on two concrete pillars. Supplied by Betão Liz- Esmoriz, a CIMPOR Group company, the main concrete used in these projectswas C30/37.S4.XC4(P).D22.Cl0,4 (CPF). The main supply difficulty encountered was the time taken to reach the site, which could be up to 2 hours, requiring special adjuvants to ensure the concrete remained workable for a longer time.

Crossing the 516 Arouca bridge is a fantastic experience, but there is so much more to enjoy here

Whether from the top of the bridge or on the footpaths leading up to it, the views are spectacular and the surrounding natural world is mostly untouched.

In this classified area, which is part of Rede Natura 2000, eagle-eyed visitors are likely to see several magnificent species of bird, from the large short-toed snake eagle to the tiny two-tailed pasha, in what is also the natural habitat of roe deer, wild rabbits, red squirrels, otters, Iberian wolves, common buzzards and so many more.

Home to hundreds of animals, some of which are endangered species, the geopark is a true refuge for so much fauna. Beyond the fauna, the flora is also diverse and rich here throughout the year.

Click here for more information and a video of the iconic structure in the Municipality of Arouca.

The Portuguese prefabricated collective housing project located in Vale de Cambra, in the district of Aveiro, was awarded 2^nd Prize for Building of the Year in the Portuguese-speaking world by ArchDaily, one of the most notable architectural websites worldwide. 

Designed by Portuguese architectural firm Summary, this peculiar project uses prefabricated and modular construction systems to make up two floors: the ground floor, which is intended to function as multifunctional service areas leading directly out onto the public road, which can be transformed into an open space, and the upper floor can encompass 6 housing units with 45m² .

Farcimar, a local, Auroca-based company founded in 1989, managed the building work on this project, having been recognised for its quality, innovation, and specialisation in prefabricated products and execution of projects. 

The walls are entirely free from paint and coatings, both inside and outside, the precast reinforced concrete - the primary material used in the Construction - being kept visible throughout this 998m² building. CEM II/A-L 42.5 R cement, supplied by CIMPOR, was used to produce the precast elements.

Primarily focused on producing and marketing, recognised, certified, quality products, CIMPOR, the market leader of the Portuguese cement sector, is proud to have contributed to this Portuguese development that excels in innovation, quality, and versatility.

Click here to view the Technical File.

CIMPOR recently joined the Portugal Sou Eu programme, an initiative run by the Ministry of Economy, aiming to promote and enhance the National Economy by identifying products and services of Portuguese origin.

CIMPOR's goal for sustainable economic growth is to mobilise and actively involve the Country, by encouraging national manufacturing and promoting the consumption of Portuguese products and services.

We commit to empowering our Country!

CIMPOR brand ranked first in the Construction and Engineering Sector in 2020, in terms of Relevance and Emotional Reputation indicators, according to the Reputation Study of Brands in Portugal – RepScore 2021 – run by consulting firm OnStrategy.

This annual study runs continuously in compliance with the ISO20671 (strategy and strength assessment) and ISO10668 (financial evaluation) standards, covering over 40 business sectors and more than 2000 brands, auditing their Relevance, Positioning and Reputation among the Portuguese population, with 2020 encompassing a short period pre-pandemic, followed by the full onset of the pandemic. 

CIMPOR stood out in the areas of awareness, admiration, relevance, trust, preference, and recommendation. It also registered the highest growth in these attributes in the Construction and Engineering Sector.

We commit to empowering our Country!

CIMPOR IS PROUD TO LAUNCH THE CIMFLEX RANGE - A RANGE OF CEMENT ADHESIVE PRODUCTS NOW SUITABLE FOR OUTDOOR USE, WHICH STAND OUT FROM MORE CONVENTIONAL PRODUCTS - CIMBASIC AND CIMPRO - WHICH ARE BEST SUITED TO INDOOR USE ONLY.

Tile and stone wall cladding are SOME OF the most widely used in Portugal. This trend has come about mainly a result of both technical and aesthetic factors, as well as the durability and resistance of these materials to weather conditions, not to mention, of course, the historical heritage of both.

In fact, it is a system that, when used effectively, contributes to building durability and resistance while also providing a pleasant aesthetic in keeping with Portuguese tradition. The fact that these materials are, for the most part, produced in Portugal, should also be highlighted, both because choosing these materials means supporting national industry and because of the reduced environmental impact (carbon footprint) of using locally sourced materials.

However, it has often been found that problems and anomalies tend to arise with these types of claddings over time. In this regard, it is worth noting the extent to which tile and stone may be loosened and fall off buildings, in addition to the other problems a building may present, which, in extreme cases, may become a risk hazard. These anomalies have been found to affect the general perception of the benefits of tile and stone cladding. However, these anomalies often result from factors that are, in fact, perfectly avoidable. One common cause for tile and stone coming loose is an inappropriate material being selected with which to fit the cladding.

In Portugal, tile and stone are overwhelmingly installed using cement-based adhesives. These adhesives have been produced industrially for several decades, and unlike other building materials, the use of uncontrolled, on-site solutions is commonplace. However, while cement adhesives are made using properly controlled industrial processes and tend to be well-applied, the issue remains in selecting the most appropriate adhesive for the job.

According to studies conducted over the last decade, most of the cement adhesives sold in Portugal are on the lower end of the performance scale. They are usually intended exclusively for indoor use, to apply small, porous pieces, and are therefore completely unsuitable for outdoor use. These same studies also reveal that the most frequently sold tiles in this country are made of low absorption materials, often intended for outdoor façades or flooring. These two facts lead us to an alarming conclusion: the tile and stone cladding on our buildings is often applied using adhesives that aren't fit for the purpose.

Some market players have been made aware of the issues relating to the durability of buildings thanks to continuous efforts made by associations connected to the sector. As such, they have begun requiring that high-performance cement adhesives are used (CIMFLEX 40, 50 and 60 range), even for indoor applications, when the properties of the materials to be bound would allow for the use of an adhesive with a much lower performance. Although this trend does not have any adverse effects on the quality or durability of the façades, it may result in an increased cost without providing added value.
 

SOLUTIONS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS

Continuously seeking improvement and excellence, and to help our customers avoid problems such as these, which tend to arise either as a result of either a lack of awareness or of knowledge, CIMPOR has launched its own range of cement adhesives. The - CIMFLEX - range of products is most suitable for outdoor applications, clearly differing from more conventional products -  CIMBASIC and CIMPRO, which are best suited for indoor use only.

The CIMFLEX range, which consists exclusively of flexible cement adhesives, comes in three different versions, aiming to meet the various technical requirements inherent in the outdoor application of tile and natural stone. In increasing order of performance, these are: CIMFLEX 40, CIMFLEX 50 and CIMFLEX 60.

The more conventional range, for indoor use, is provided in two versions: CIMBASIC, the best value product, but which is only suitable for the application of porous, traditional, small ceramic tiles, and CIMPRO, which is suitable for use with most tiles applied to indoor environments with no special technical requirements. Our familiarity with the entire range of tile and stone applications means that CIMPOR also provides a range of 16 colours of mortar joint sealants. The TAPAJUNTAS FLEXÍVEL is suitable for indoor and outdoor joints ranging between 1 and 15 mm. Like any CIMPOR solution, our cement adhesives are manufactured in our factories, undergoing strict quality controls.

Looking to contain the spread of the virus and ensure the health, well-being and safety of all our Customers, Suppliers and Employees as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we request, whenever possible, that you use our Customer Portal https://cliente.cimpor.com/pt/, or the e-mail atendimentocimpor@cimpor.com, to place your Order or the Order of your Customer, thus avoiding the use of paper Requisition.

We believe that we will all be more responsible and more protected by this measure.

We count on your precious collaboration!

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