Xella is accelerating its low-carbon strategy by 2025
Summary for decision-makers
Xella: Decarbonization, circular economy and ESG for a sustainable building sector
Xella is making progress towards reducing its carbon footprint, having achieved 40% of its decarbonization targets since 2021 and aligned with the SBTi. The company aims for a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030. Xella invests in the circular economy, safety, and training, and links compensation to ESG performance, earning the EcoVadis 2025 Silver Medal.
Summary
- A decarbonization trajectory aligned with SBTi standards
- A gradual industrialization of the circular economy
- Construction site safety and industrial performance
- Skills, training and the transformation of professions
- ESG governance integrated into the management of the company
- An industrial strategy in transition
Enjoy your reading!
Xella's 2025 sustainability report highlights concrete progress in decarbonization, the circular economy, and safety. The industrial group, specializing in cellular concrete and calcium silicate, confirms a trajectory aligned with its 2030 objectives, while progressively integrating ESG issues into its operational management.
A decarbonization trajectory aligned with SBTi standards
Xella continues its climate roadmap with science-based targets, in line with the initiative Science Based Targets (SBTi)Since 2021, approximately 40% of the emissions reduction targets for 2030 were reached.
In 2025, the results show:
- – 8% reduction in CO₂ emissions for Scopes 1 and 2,
- – 4,7% on Scope 3.
These performances rely on several operational levers:
- improvement of theenergy efficiency of industrial sites,
- increased use of renewable energies,
- optimization of manufacturing processes,
- reduction of carbon inputs in formulations.
In the materials sector, these actions directly concern the production of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and silico-calcareous blocks, two construction systems used for the building envelope.
"Sustainability is no longer just a roadmap; it is integrated into the daily management of the business."
However, one structural limitation remains: the reduction of Scope 3 emissions is highly dependent on the supply chain, which implies close coordination with suppliers.
A gradual industrialization of the circular economy
One of the major themes of the report concerns the waste reduction and material reintegration in production cycles.
Xella announces it has reduced 90% of production waste is sent to landfill for BCA and silico-calcareous.
Several concrete actions are being implemented:
- installation of crushers on industrial sites,
- reintegration of residues into product formulations,
- developing partnerships to recycle waste from demolition,
- Optimizing recipes to limit the use of virgin raw materials.
In practice, these approaches make it possible to transform waste into secondary raw materials, incorporated into new works.
One example of application concerns deconstruction sites, where recovered blocks can be reintroduced into production lines after processing.
These guidelines are in line with the principles of the AGEC law (anti-waste for a circular economy) and increasing requirements for building waste management.
Construction site safety and industrial performance
The report also highlights an improvement in safety indicators, with a decrease in 18% of accidents resulting in work stoppage.
This result is based on:
- 5,3 million euros invested in safety equipment and devices,
- training programs deployed on 52 production sites in Europe.
These actions directly concern factory operators, but also those involved in logistics chains and handling phases.
For construction companies, these advances have an indirect impact on product reliability and continuity of supply.
"Safe work. Safe life."
However, vigilance remains necessary in complex industrial environments, where the risks associated with heavy equipment and production flows remain high.
Skills, training and the transformation of professions
Xella also invests in skills development, with 1,9 million euros allocated to training in 2025, About 21 hours per employee.
The priority areas focus on:
- the development of technical skills,
- the integration of digital tools,
- uses related toartificial intelligence in industry.
These developments respond to the transformations in the sector, particularly in the design and management of projects via digital tools (BIM, production management, industrial data).
For a design office or a project manager, these changes directly influence the quality of technical exchanges with manufacturers.
ESG governance integrated into the management of the company
Since 2023, Xella has integrated ESG criteria into the remuneration of its executives, directly linked to the objectives of reducing CO₂ emissions.
Governance relies on a dedicated team, responsible for:
- to guide the environmental strategy,
- monitor performance indicators,
- ensure regulatory compliance.
This structure makes it possible to align financial and operational decisions with climate objectives.
In 2025, this approach will be recognized by obtaining the EcoVadis silver medal, with an increase in the score of 57 to 70/100.
The company positions itself as follows:
- from 10% highest rated in the manufacture of concrete products,
- about The top 15% in his sector,
- and in 23% across all sectors.
"This recognition reflects the collective commitment of the teams."
An industrial strategy in transition
The 2025 report highlights a gradual transformation of Xella's industrial model, geared towards materials with low carbon footprint and a more circular production process.
The integration of environmental, social and governance issues into operational practices reflects an evolution in the construction materials sector, which is facing increasing regulatory and climate requirements.
In this context, the ability to reconcile industrial performance, technical innovation and reduction of environmental impact is a key lever for building stakeholders committed to the low-carbon transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main results of Xella's decarbonization strategy in 2025?
By 2025, Xella has achieved an 8% reduction in CO₂ emissions on Scopes 1 and 2, and 4,7% on Scope 3. This progress is based on improved energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy and the optimization of manufacturing processes.
How does Xella manage waste reduction and recycling in its production?
Xella has reduced production waste sent to landfill for autoclaved aerated concrete and calcium silicate by 90%. Actions include installing crushers, reintegrating residues into formulations, and developing partnerships to recycle demolition waste.
What ESG accreditations has Xella obtained and what is its sector ranking?
In 2025, Xella received the EcoVadis silver medal with a score that went from 57 to 70/100. It is among the top 10% in the manufacture of concrete products and the top 15% in its sector.
Thematic glossary
Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC)
Lightweight building material, composed mainly of sand, lime, cement and water, used for building envelope.
scope 3
Category of indirect greenhouse gas emissions related to the supply chain and the entire product lifecycle.
AGEC law
French legislation aimed at reducing waste, recycling and promoting the circular economy in the building sector.
EcoVadis
Performance evaluation service for sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.
Circular economy
An economic model based on reuse, recycling and waste reduction in order to limit the use of virgin resources.
Design office
Structure specializing in the design, technical analysis and monitoring of projects in the industrial or building sector.