From Local to Landmark: Al Jouf’s Green Cement Shapes NEOM’s Future
Saudi-based Al Jouf Cement Co. announced the approval of its new green cement for use in NEOM projects. The green cement is a result of successful development research conducted in partnership with ASAS Al-Mohileb Co., a leading brand for high-quality ready-mix concrete.
It marks another initiative that reinforces Al Jouf’s commitment to finding suitable solutions to preserve the environment and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
“This strategic adoption of green cement technology in big construction projects like NEOM marks a milestone in revolutionizing sustainable buildings. As a leading office solutions provider in Riyadh, we believe this will significantly benefit the commercial real estate sector in Saudi by enhancing the quality, durability, and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure in the country.”
Paul Salnikov, CEO of The Executive Centre
From an industry point of view, this collaboration is a strong testament to the power of innovation and coalition in addressing the challenges of modern construction while embracing sustainable practices at its core.
About Al Jouf Cement
Established in 2006, Al Jouf Cement is headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is a publicly traded Saudi joint-stock company listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).
The company operates a state-of-the-art cement plant in Turaif, Northern Borders Province, and maintains an average total production capacity of 10,000 tons per day. Al Jouf is a local brand well-known for its production and sale of different types of cement, including ordinary Portland, agglomerated (clinker), salt-resistant, and pozzolanic cement.
Al Jouf’s success in the industry over the years has allowed them to expand and diversify their product portfolio and cater to the unique requirements of local and international markets.
The company’s dedication to maintaining high-quality standards makes it one of the pioneer cement producers in the country. This is evident in their compliance with international standards and certifications, such as ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems.
Key Characteristics of Al Jouf’s Green Cement
The vision behind utilising green cement in NEOM projects is to encourage the integration of sustainable practices in Saudi’s urban and environmental transformation projects.
Here are the key characteristics of Al Jouf’s green cement that make it stand out as the perfect alternative to traditional cement.
Significant Reduction in Carbon Emissions
Regular cement production is a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, accounting for approximately 8% of global emissions. Green cement reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 30%, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Sustainable Alternative to Imported Additives
Green cement in concrete offers the perfect alternative to imported additives such as granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash.
Ideal for Large-Scale Construction
Green cement represents a low reaction temperature with concrete, making it ideal for large-scale construction.
Enhanced Durability and Longevity
By reducing water absorption and permeability, green cement significantly enhances the concrete’s durability and longevity.
Superior Chloride Resistance for Marine Construction
Green cement is highly resistant to chloride penetration, making it suitable for construction in coastal and marine environments.
Supports High-Quality Concrete Production
The composition of green cement allows it to support the production of high-quality concrete products that adhere to unique and stringent standards.
Resilience in Challenging Environments
Green cement is designed to perform exceptionally well in challenging environments where traditional building materials may degrade. It contains properties that are highly resistant to sulfur and chloride salts, reducing its vulnerability to chemical reactions when in contact with groundwater, soil, and marine environments.
Increased Structural Strength
The high resistance of green cement strengthens structures, reinforcing the foundations of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure exposed to harsh conditions.
Compressive Strength and Cost Efficiency
The compressive strength of green cement matches or exceeds that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), offering improved heat insulation and fire resistance. This, in turn, reduces the need for ice to cool concrete, contributing to lower production costs.
“At The Executive Centre, we have consistently recognised the importance of creating eco-friendly workspace solutions that meet not only modern environmental benchmarks but also being conscious about reducing our carbon footprint on the earth, contributing to a greener, more resilient urban landscape. We believe green cement, with its unique characteristics, will play a crucial role in achieving these goals," Salnikov added while emphasising the benefits of green cement.
The NEOM Project
NEOM is a visionary project launched in 2017 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to create a futuristic region in northwest Saudi Arabia powered by 100% renewable energy.
Led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), NEOM is a place that prioritises people and nature, creating a redefined vision for sustainable living, work, and prosperity. The project aims to house over a million residents by 2030 and to create a place where humanity can progress with minimal environmental impact. It will be home to THE LINE, Oxagon, Trojena, and Sindalah.
The NEOM City underscores innovative urban development and the need for eco-friendly construction materials and practices. The approval to use Al Jouf’s green cement for NEOM projects is a crucial step forward in setting a precedent for sustainable buildings across the region and beyond.