Sustainability is no longer just a marketing term—it has become a technical necessity. In an interview for Top Stavebné magazine, Peter Tužinský, Commercial Director of CEMMAC, a. s., explains how requirements for cement are changing, what role EPD certifications play, how blended cements according to EN 197-5 contribute to lower carbon emissions, and why modern production technologies are essential for the future of the construction industry.

High-quality construction materials are one of the key foundations of sustainable construction. Modern projects must meet demanding requirements for durability, safety, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

This means that materials are no longer assessed only by their strength and workability, but also by their overall environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle.

In this context, EPD certifications are becoming increasingly important. They provide transparent information about carbon footprint, energy consumption, and other environmental impacts. This allows designers and investors to make informed decisions and optimise buildings to meet both current and future standards.

At the same time, the future clearly belongs to blended cements, especially those produced according to EN 197-5, which enable a significant reduction in carbon footprint while maintaining high quality and long-term durability.

The market has changed significantly in recent years. Investors and designers increasingly require materials that are:

-environmentally responsible,

-high-strength,

-easy to process,

-compatible with modern construction technologies,

-transparently declared through EPD documentation.

Demand is growing for cements with a lower carbon footprint, which naturally leads to wider use of blended cements. These products reduce the amount of clinker and replace it with more sustainable components—a trend that will continue to shape the construction sector in Europe and Slovakia.

To produce modern blended cements while maintaining consistently high quality, cement plants need to invest in advanced technologies such as separate grinding. This process enables more precise control of the fineness of individual components and improves the performance characteristics of the final cement product.

However, the successful introduction of these cements will also require construction companies to adopt concrete produced from blended cements according to EN 197-5. This is a natural step forward and an essential part of achieving future environmental goals.

CEMMAC has been continuously investing in the modernisation and environmental improvement of its production processes. The most important measures include:

-a high share of alternative fuels,

-reducing the consumption of primary raw materials,

-modern filtration technologies,

-energy optimisation of production lines,

-a strong focus on the circular economy,

-production of cements with EPD certifications,

-preparation for the future through blended cements according to EN 197-5.

A key direction is also technological modernisation, including separate grinding, which will be essential for producing next-generation cements.

Concrete has exceptional thermal mass properties. It can absorb heat and gradually release it, helping to stabilise indoor temperatures.

This provides several benefits:

-reduced heating requirements in winter,

-slower overheating during summer,

-lower operating costs,

-improved living comfort,

-support in achieving A0 energy efficiency classes and passive building standards.

Modern concretes with optimised compositions also enable thinner yet stronger structures, improving architectural flexibility and more efficient use of space.

The future of construction will be shaped by a combination of environmental and technological innovations. The most important trends include:

-blended cements according to EN 197-5,

-separate grinding as an advanced cement production method,

-low-carbon and carbon-neutral cements,

-self-healing concrete,

-3D concrete printing,

-next-generation prefabrication,

-highly recyclable materials,

-EPDs as a standard part of project documentation.

Concrete roads and highways also have significant future potential. Concrete pavements offer a more favourable Total Ownership Cost (TOC) compared with asphalt, especially over a long service period of 30–50 years.

An excellent example is the Malacky–Rohožník concrete road, which has demonstrated long-term durability and very low maintenance requirements.

One of the most important projects in recent years is the R2 Kriváň–Mýtna Expressway, one of Slovakia's key transport infrastructure projects.

CEMMAC supplied approximately 73,000 tonnes of cement for this section. The largest share—up to 61,000 tonnes—was high-strength CEM II/A-S 42.5 R cement, designed for structures requiring rapid strength development and long-term durability.

This cement was used mainly in structures where high strength, fast setting, and long-term stability were essential—requirements that are absolutely critical for motorway infrastructure.

The R2 project demonstrates how high-quality materials and modern construction technologies can contribute to safe, durable, and environmentally responsible infrastructure.

The future of construction will depend on the ability to combine technical innovation, sustainability, and material quality—and CEMMAC is actively contributing to this transformation.