SCG Vietnam Advances Sustainability Goals

SCG Vietnam has reached a key milestone by obtaining international Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification for all 19 key cement products in Vietnam.

SCG Vietnam’s core cement portfolio receive international EPD certification

This certification not only strengthens SCG’s competitive edge but also affirms the company’s compliance with rigorous international standards, including BSEN (certified by the British Standards Institution) and ASTM (certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials).

 It paves the way for expanded access to high-demand markets such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. This achievement is a testament to SCG’s unwavering pursuit of its Inclusive Green Growth Strategy, which focuses on technological optimization, carbon reduction, and product lifecycle transparency to drive the green transformation of the building materials sector.

Mr. Burin Udomsub, General Director of SCG Vietnam Cement - Building Materials Co., Ltd., stated: “As Vietnam prepares to implement energy labeling for construction materials, SCG is taking the lead by expanding its portfolio of green products, with cement remaining a strategic focus. Sustainability is at the core of SCG’s strategy, and adopting international green standards such as the EPD plays a vital role in making our environmental information transparent. With 19 core EPD-certified cement products now, customers can make informed choices for eco-friendly materials, while our brand reputation is further strengthened in both domestic and international markets. This marks a crucial step in realizing SCG’s Inclusive Green Growth Strategy and promoting sustainable transformation within Vietnam’s building materials industry.”

Superior product quality and sustainability are the cornerstones of SCG’s market leadership

As urbanization accelerates and Vietnam targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient building materials has become more pressing than ever. In this context, the international EPD serves as a critical tool for disclosing the environmental impact of products. Based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, EPD evaluates a product’s environmental footprint throughout its lifecycle - from raw material extraction and production to transportation, use, and disposal. This information is independently verified by a third party, ensuring transparency and reliability. Within the construction sector, EPD certifications are key for developers, partners, and markets to identify sustainable materials suitable for international green building standards such as LEED, BREEAM, and LOTUS.

Recognizing the growing demand for sustainable building materials, SCG has proactively integrated green criteria into its cement production value chain in Vietnam. A clear example of this effort is the EPD certification across all core cement products - reinforcing SCG’s transparency and commitment to supporting the construction industry’s journey toward net-zero emissions.

To meet high standards of EPD certification, SCG has implemented a comprehensive range of environmental protection and carbon reduction measures across its operations. Its cement plants have been equipped with advanced technology to optimize operational efficiency and lower environmental footprints. Notably, one of key initiatives is the Waste Heat Recovery system, in place since 2014, which captures approximately 30% of the heat generated during production and converts it into electricity. This system helps save around 60 million kWh of electricity annually - equivalent to a reduction of 33,807 tons of CO₂ compared to using conventional power sources. In addition, SCG’s plants have increased the use of biomass to replace coal in the clinker firing process, achieving a 30% substitution rate. This helps reduce the consumption of about 90,000 tons of coal per year, translating to an emission cut of approximately 157,715 tons of CO2. The adoption of high-quality clinker materials combined with advanced blending technologies also enhances production efficiency and further lowers CO2 emissions by an estimated 141,575 tons per year. These innovations reduce carbon emissions by up to 20% compared to conventional cement products. In fact, each ton of cement produced can reduce CO₂ emissions equivalent to the annual absorption of 12 fully grown trees.

With full EPD certification, SCG’s core cement products are driving innovation across the construction value chain 

SCG’s cement ecosystem has been developed to flexibly meet a wide range of market needs - from residential construction to large-scale infrastructure. Leading the portfolio is SCG Low Carbon Cement, offering superior durability and workability - better than conventional products. Its compressive strength after three days is about 7% higher than standard Portland cement and 45% higher than the national standard TCVN 6260:2020. For projects requiring fast turnaround and high stability, SCG’s industrial cement provides exceptional performance and consistency. For infrastructure projects demanding durability and high load-bearing capacity, Song Gianh Cement, with two decades on the market, remains a trusted choice. For residential and housing applications, STARMAX Cement stands out for its smooth consistency, ease of application, and superior surface finish across Vietnam’s diverse climate conditions. The SCG cement portfolio also includes specialized options like SCG PCB50 – Bulk, SCG PCB40 CLC – Bulk, and SCG Hydraulic (PCC) EXP, catering to specific construction needs.

The full EPD certification across SCG’s core cement products is not only a strong declaration of environmental responsibility but also reaffirms the company’s leadership in sustainable materials, contributing to the construction of a greener future.

By Van Luong, Vietnam Business Forum