Microsoft Backs Fortera’s Low-Carbon Cement Revolution with Strategic Investment
In a groundbreaking move to accelerate the transition to sustainable building materials, Microsoft, through its Climate Innovation Fund (CIF), has invested in Fortera, a trailblazer in green cement manufacturing. This strategic partnership not only secures Microsoft’s rights to procure Fortera’s innovative ReAct™ low-carbon cement but also grants access to environmental attribute certificates (EACs), helping the tech giant reduce its Scope 3 emissions. The investment underscores Microsoft’s commitment to fostering nascent markets for low-carbon technologies as part of its ambitious goal to achieve carbon negativity by 2030.
The collaboration centers on supporting the construction of Fortera’s first full-scale commercial facility, which is designed to produce 400,000 tons of low-carbon cement annually. By leveraging Fortera’s proprietary ReCarb™ technology, this facility promises to deliver cement with 70% lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to traditional ordinary portland cement (OPC). Moreover, the technology integrates seamlessly with existing cement production infrastructure, ensuring rapid deployment and scalability without disrupting current operations.
Microsoft’s Role in Scaling Low-Carbon Cement Markets
As one of the world’s largest technology companies, Microsoft recognizes the critical role that sustainable building materials play in reducing global emissions. The company’s datacenters, which form the backbone of its cloud computing services, rely heavily on concrete—a material responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions. By investing in Fortera, Microsoft aims to grow the market supply of low-emissions cement while creating an early demand signal that encourages broader industry adoption of novel low-carbon products.
“Corporate investment can assist in jumpstarting and scaling nascent markets like low-carbon cement,” said Brandon Middaugh, General Manager of Sustainability Markets & Climate Innovation Fund at Microsoft. “Our team was attracted to Fortera’s approach due to its potential for deep emission reductions, competitive cost targets, and its expected compatibility with existing production infrastructure.”
This investment aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to address its Scope 3 emissions, which include indirect emissions from its supply chain and the use of its products. By securing procurement rights for Fortera’s ReAct™ cement and EACs, Microsoft is taking a proactive step toward decarbonizing its construction footprint.
Fortera’s Game-Changing Technology
At the heart of Fortera’s innovation is its ReCarb™ technology, which reimagines the way cement is produced. Unlike traditional methods that release significant amounts of CO2 during the calcination process, Fortera’s approach captures and recycles CO2 emissions, effectively reducing the carbon footprint of cement production. The result is a product that not only cuts emissions by 70% but also maintains performance standards and near-term cost parity with conventional cement.
What sets Fortera apart is its ability to integrate its technology into existing cement plants, creating a “bolt-on” solution that requires minimal disruption to current operations. This compatibility ensures that cement producers can adopt Fortera’s technology without overhauling their infrastructure, significantly accelerating the path to widespread adoption.
“Microsoft’s collaboration with Fortera aligns with our goal to advance novel technologies to commercially available products,” said Ryan Gilliam, CEO of Fortera. “Across a range of sectors, Microsoft has played a catalytic role in overcoming market barriers to decarbonization. Their investment highlights the impact our full commercial-scale plant brings to the low-carbon building materials space.”
A Growing Momentum for Sustainable Construction
The partnership between Microsoft and Fortera builds on the latter’s growing commercial traction. Fortera’s flagship ReCarb Plant in Redding, California, has already demonstrated the viability of its technology in real-world applications. Additionally, the company has forged strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Graymont, one of North America’s largest lime producers, further solidifying its position as a key player in the low-carbon cement market.
Fortera’s success extends beyond its technological innovations. The company has successfully placed its ReAct™ cement in various construction projects, proving its practicality and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. These milestones have positioned Fortera as a leader in the race toward zero-CO2 cement production.
To further strengthen governance and oversight, Erik Urosa, Group Manager of Impact Investments at Microsoft, will join Fortera’s board of directors as an observer. His expertise and insights are expected to guide Fortera’s growth and ensure alignment with sustainability goals.
Paving the Way to a Carbon-Free Future
The construction industry is at a crossroads, facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Cement production alone accounts for a staggering share of global emissions, making it a prime target for innovation. Fortera’s ReCarb™ technology offers a promising solution, combining deep emission reductions with scalability and cost efficiency.
Microsoft’s investment in Fortera exemplifies how corporate leadership can drive meaningful change in hard-to-abate sectors. By creating early demand for low-carbon cement and supporting the development of scalable technologies, Microsoft is setting a precedent for other organizations to follow. This collaboration not only advances Fortera’s mission but also contributes to the broader effort to decarbonize the built environment.
For industries seeking to meet their sustainability targets, Fortera’s approach provides a blueprint for success. Its seamless integration with existing infrastructure, coupled with its proven ability to reduce emissions, makes it an attractive option for cement producers worldwide. As Fortera scales its operations and expands its reach, the impact of its technology could ripple across the global construction industry.
About Fortera
Fortera is revolutionizing the global construction industry. The company’s proprietary ReCarb® technology integrates seamlessly with existing cement facilities, ensuring that partners can keep their kilns, make the most of their limestone, and fully leverage their established distribution networks. Fortera’s breakthrough approach transforms waste CO2 into productive feedstock, enabling plants to produce more from existing resources. The company has proven it can produce cement at cost parity with portland cement while reducing CO2 emissions by 70%. Fortera operates a 15,000-ton-per-year facility, regularly placing product in real-world commercial projects, and is executing on a global commercial pipeline. For more information on how Fortera delivers proven, cost-competitive, and deployable low-carbon cement technology worldwide, visit forteraglobal.com.
