Sustainability: A fundamental driver for Master Builders Solutions
As we look to the future of Master Builders Solutions, one thing is clear – sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a critical driver for our growth, our strategy, and our continued success. But what does sustainability really mean for us, and how do we navigate the challenges that come with it?
Our CEO, Boris Gorella, dives deeper into the company’s approach to sustainability, how it shapes the business strategy, and the challenges ahead in reducing the CO2 footprint of concrete.
How important is sustainability to Master Builders Solutions, and what does it mean for the company’s overall vision and long-term growth?
Sustainability is very important, not just for the world’s future but also for Master Builders Solutions. We look at sustainability through two main lenses. The first is internal sustainability, which focuses on our direct environmental impact, our social responsibility, and other critical topics – how we operate as a company, how we minimize waste, reduce energy use, and contribute to a better world.
The second is how our products and solutions impact the world around us – our customers, society, and the environment on a large–scale, especially regarding carbon footprint. We are in the concrete business, and concrete is the second most used material in the world after water. The main component of concrete, cement, accounts for roughly 8% of global CO2 emissions, which makes concrete a significant contributor to climate change and a key area where we can make a difference. We want to be a driving force in reducing that impact, and that is where sustainability becomes a key opportunity for us.
What challenges do we face in tackling this issue?
The challenge we face is clear: concrete will not disappear anytime soon. In fact, as global urbanization and population growth continue to rise, demand for concrete will increase. However, its environmental impact, specifically the embodied carbon (CO2 emissions) related to cement production, is something we must address if we are to meet global sustainability goals. The source of cement’s CO2 emissions lies in the chemical process that occurs when producing clinker – the key component in cement, which is essential in binding the ingredients of concrete together. Clinker production is responsible for approximately 90% of concrete’s embodied carbon. The reason it’s so challenging is that this is a natural chemical reaction: you can’t avoid the CO2 release during clinker production. And while there are long-term solutions, like carbon capture and storage, these technologies are still evolving and may take decades to fully implement on a global scale. For the coming years, the focus must be on reducing clinker content in concrete, either by switching to cement types with lower clinker content, or by substituting part of cement, with alternative raw materials such as supplementary cementitious materials, aggregates, or recycled materials. However, these alternative raw materials are more difficult to process and can negatively impact the concrete’s overall properties such as workability, strength, or durability.
And this is where Master Builders Solutions comes in. Our business revolves around admixtures—chemical solutions used in concrete – which are crucial for reducing the amount of clinker needed while ensuring high concrete performance. Our ability to innovate in this space will be a key factor in both addressing sustainability and growing our business.
Sustainability is not only a challenge but also an opportunity for Master Builders Solutions?
Yes, it’s both. Our sustainability efforts to reduce our own CO2 footprint, improve waste management, invest in renewable energy sources for our operations, and even develop new, more sustainable products for our customers all require financial investment. However, this isn’t simply an added cost – it’s an investment in our future. If we look at it holistically, sustainability is also a massive opportunity for us. It’s an opportunity to lead in an industry that’s under increasing pressure to reduce emissions. For example, by creating more sustainable solutions for concrete, we’re helping our customers reduce their own CO2 emissions, which is becoming an urgent need for many industries as they face stricter regulations and rising costs of carbon. As CO2 certificates become more expensive and governments tighten regulations, concrete producers will need the type of innovation we provide to stay competitive.
What steps is the company taking to incorporate sustainability into its own operations?
While our biggest impact is in the products we provide – helping reduce the CO2 footprint of concrete – there are also internal measures we are taking to minimize our own environmental impact. For example, we’re looking at ways to optimize our energy consumption, reduce waste, and improve water usage across our operations. However, most of the key sustainability challenges, particularly related to CO2 emissions, are linked to our supply chain, especially the raw materials we use and the transportation required to source them and deliver our products to customers. These emissions are part of scope 3 emissions, making up a large part of our environmental footprint. As a company, we’re collaborating closely with our suppliers to enhance the sustainability of our raw materials and exploring alternative sourcing methods to reduce the environmental impact of transportation.
Additionally, we started 2025 with an impact and financial materiality assessment of our business to better identify the key sustainability topics we both influence and are affected by. This allows us to focus our efforts where they can make the most significant impact. Additionally, we are investing in the digitalization of our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data gathering and processing. By enhancing our ability to measure and analyze ESG data and improving data quality, we can make more informed decisions and drive positive change. After all, you can only improve what you measure.
Ultimately, our focus remains on what we do best – developing innovative admixtures that help our customers reduce their carbon emissions.
Looking to the future, what is the biggest opportunity for Master Builders Solutions in terms of sustainability over the next 10-20 years?
Sustainability is an ongoing journey, not a destination. The biggest opportunity for Master Builders Solutions lies in continuing to innovate and reduce concrete’s CO2 footprint. We are not just responding to customer needs – we are driving the industry forward with cutting edge admixture solutions that help build a more sustainable future.
Our strong R&D centers in Trostberg, Treviso, and Beachwood have been the birthplace of many groundbreaking innovations, such as the first air entrainer, water reducer, or concrete stabilizer, which are now industry standards. This history of innovation leadership is a core strength of Master Builders Solutions, and we will continue to push boundaries.
With the right strategy, technology, and commitment, sustainability will not only drive our success but also define our legacy.
Thank you, Boris, for sharing your insights on Master Builders Solutions’ approach to sustainability!