Have you ever heard of cleantech? 🤔 In 2024 alone, EU cleantech investment reached €23.4 billion across 76 deals—nearly tripling the previous year’s total. A historic first quarter accounted for €16.9 billion of that investment, fueled by mega-deals and increased backing from public financial institutions. Notably, cleantech venture capital (VC) activity spanned 23 of the 27 EU member states, highlighting the growing traction across the continent.
In the same year, €8.8 billion in venture capital was directed towards clean technologies, sparking a wave of sustainable technology innovations that are set to revolutionize various industries, including construction. In this article, we’ll explore how clean technologies are being applied in the building sector and why VC investment is essential to driving the next generation of green infrastructure. Let’s go!
First things first. Before we get into cleantech investment and what it all involves, let’s take a moment to break down what this term really means.
Cleantech (Short for “clean technologies” has grown beyond niche sustainability circles in recent years and is now gaining more traction than ever across mainstream industries. In simple terms, this concept refers to a broad range of technologies and companies focused on improving environmental sustainability. We’re talking about innovations and business models that tackle global challenges like climate change and resource depletion.
The cleantech umbrella covers a wide variety of products (such as solar panels and low-carbon cement), services, and processes across different sectors (energy, construction, transportation, materials, and chemicals, among others), all designed to:
As the construction industry intensifies efforts to reduce carbon emissions and lessen its environmental footprint. Cleantech is emerging as a key driver of sustainable transformation. Startups and leading construction firms are actively investing in and adopting clean technologies that promote eco-friendly building practices.
Cleantech in construction focuses on improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and lowering emissions across the entire building lifecycle—from design and material selection to construction methods and operational performance. By integrating these solutions, the building industry is not only addressing environmental challenges but also unlocking new opportunities for cost savings and long-term value.
In our recently published Top 50 Contech 2025 Report, the investment experts at Cemex Ventures shared some of the most valuable insights on the trajectory and outlook of cleantech investment throughout 2024. Amid a slowdown in venture capital activity, construction-related clean technology also saw a 15% drop compared to 2023 (2023: US$54B, 2024: US$46B). While this decline reflects ongoing market challenges, it also points to a window of opportunity for the adoption of breakthrough technologies in 2025. The Cleantech sector within the building environment has shown adaptability with a growing influx of investment driven by substantial public subsidies and increasing private sector interest in this field.
Fast forward, let’s dig into the information about the intersection of Contech and Cleantech in Q1 2025 — that is, solutions applicable to Contech which, due to their sustainability angle, CO2 mitigation, etc., can also be considered Cleantech. During this period, the sector reached an invested amount of USD 466.44M across 23 deals — a 93% and 44% increase, respectively, compared to 2024 (USD 241.19M invested across 16 deals).
The computational power required to support AI’s rapid growth is doubling roughly every 100 days. This surge is driving a sharp rise in the number of data centers being built around the world, along with the energy needed to run them. As a result, AI and data centers are becoming major drivers of global electricity demand.
But it’s not just about how much energy is used, it’s also about when and where it’s needed. Data centers require a constant, stable power supply 24/7, which puts pressure on efforts to reduce emissions. This is sparking a global race to secure data center locations that offer abundant, clean, and reliable energy at scale.
Over the past year, major tech companies have ramped up investment in advanced nuclear technologies, from small modular reactors to fusion. These long-term solutions show promise, but most won’t be ready to deliver energy until the 2030s.
The construction industry is shifting toward a more sustainable approach. Low-carbon construction aims to make building processes less harmful and more aligned with the environmental goals of the Paris Agreement.
Several startups are also embracing cleaner, more sustainable materials—commonly known as green building materials—such as hemp-based concrete, bamboo, precast concrete, mycelium, and recycled plastic, among others.
The clean energy sector has been consistently innovating, and this momentum is expected to accelerate even more in 2025. This trend is evident in the growing investments and increased public funding for energy research and development, aimed at improving technical performance and efficiency, reducing costs, advancing emerging technologies, and inventing the solutions of the future.
Mature technologies like solar photovoltaics and wind turbines have already undergone this transformation over the past decades. Now, emerging technologies such as batteries and carbon management solutions are following their own innovation trajectories—driven by even greater urgency and rapid growth.
Yes, at Cemex Ventures, we’ve totally clicked with cleantech. We’re all in on leading the construction industry’s shift toward a greener, cleaner future. Our team of investment pros is constantly on the lookout for the most disruptive clean technologies that can cut CO2 emissions and boost the circular economy. That’s why our investment portfolio proudly showcases what green construction is all about.
If you’re an entrepreneur with a breakthrough cleantech solution that could shake up the construction world—we’ve got great news for you! Construction Startup Competition (teamed up with industry giants like Caterpillar, Hilti Group, Ferrovial, VINCI Group’s Leonard, Haskell’s Dysruptek, and Zacua Ventures) is open for applications until June 22.
This is your chance to skyrocket your startup into a top-tier ecosystem of investors and major companies!
Concrete and cement have been the cornerstones of construction for centuries. They form the skeleton of our cities, from towering skyscrapers to critical infrastructure like bridges and tunnels. However, the construction industry is currently advancing at a dizzying pace, not only with new options and improvements to what we already know, but also with truly surprising sustainable alternatives for construction that are environmentally responsible and boast amazing quality and durability.
With the global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, the demand for construction materials is set to skyrocket. This anticipated growth presents an exciting opportunity: how can we continue to build while embracing even more sustainable practices? Fortunately, researchers, engineers, and innovators around the world are developing sustainable alternatives to traditional cement and concrete. These substitutes not only lower emissions but often enhance performance, reduce costs, and open up new possibilities for greener architecture.
Curious about sustainable alternatives in construction industry! Keep exploring with us!
Transitioning to greener materials is no longer just an environmental choice—it’s an economic and structural one too. That’s why many major players in the construction sector are now focusing on researching alternatives, analyzing startups committed to sustainability and the industry, and implementing new technologies and alternatives that will lead us to that greener future.
What are the reasons for seeking these substitutes?
Reducing Carbon Footprint Traditional Portland cement production involves heating limestone and clay to extremely high temperatures, a process that releases massive amounts of CO₂. Alternative materials either produce less CO₂ during manufacturing or even sequester carbon.
Lowering Construction Costs: In many cases, industrial byproducts like fly ash or slag are cheaper than virgin materials. Reusing waste materials also reduces disposal costs and can attract tax incentives or sustainability grants.
Improving Material Performance: Some substitutes offer superior durability, greater resistance to chemical attack, and lower permeability, resulting in structures that last longer and require less maintenance over time.
The growing awareness of sustainability and the need to improve sector performance have driven the search for alternatives. Today, several very popular substitutes exist that not only offer environmental benefits by reducing CO₂ emissions but also can significantly enhance concrete properties.
Below, we present some of the most popular:
Fly Ash:
A byproduct of coal-fired power plants, fly ash is rich in silicon dioxide and calcium oxide, making it ideal for replacing a portion of cement in concrete. It enhances workability, reduces water demand, and significantly improves durability.
Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GGBS):
Produced during the steel manufacturing process, GGBS provides high resistance to chemical attack and sulfate exposure, extending the lifespan of concrete structures.
Silica Fume:
A byproduct of silicon and ferrosilicon alloy production, silica fume increases the strength and impermeability of concrete, making it ideal for bridges, tunnels, and other critical structures.
Rice Husk Ash:
A renewable material generated from burning rice husks, it’s rich in amorphous silica and provides excellent pozzolanic activity, improving concrete’s compressive strength.
Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3):
A revolutionary blend of limestone and calcined clay, LC3 reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 40% compared to traditional cement, without sacrificing performance or durability
As we told you before, the innovation in construction doesn’t stop with cement! As the industry continues to evolve, we’re seeing incredible advancements in concrete itself. Beyond the popular cement substitutes we’ve discussed, new types of concrete are emerging with enhanced properties and exciting applications. Some of these groundbreaking alternatives include:
Geopolymer Concrete:
Made by activating industrial byproducts like fly ash or slag with alkaline solutions, geopolymer concrete emits up to 80% less CO₂. It also offers excellent resistance to fire, chemicals, and shrinkage
Hempcrete:
A lightweight bio-composite made from the woody core of hemp plants mixed with lime. Hempcrete is naturally insulating, breathable, and even carbon-negative over its lifecycle, making it ideal for energy-efficient residential buildings.
Recycled Aggregate Concrete:
Instead of using virgin aggregates, crushed concrete from demolished structures can be reused, reducing demand for new mining operations and lowering transportation emissions.
Magnesium-Based Cements:
Magnesium oxides react with atmospheric CO₂ during curing, sequestering carbon instead of releasing it. These cements offer significant promise for carbon-neutral construction.
Bacterial Concrete (Self-Healing Concrete):
Self-healing concrete incorporates bacteria (such as Bacillus species) that produce limestone when water enters a crack, sealing it naturally. This innovation could extend the lifespan of structures and reduce maintenance costs dramatically.
Advantages:
– Environmental Benefits: Lower carbon emissions, reduced resource extraction, and less waste.
– Durability: Some alternatives outperform traditional concrete in resistance to chemicals, fire, and extreme temperatures.
– Cost Efficiency: Industrial byproducts and recycled materials can be cheaper and qualify for green building incentives.
Challenges:
– Regulatory Hurdles: Many building codes still prioritize traditional materials, requiring additional certifications for substitutes.
– Availability: Some materials like fly ash are region-specific.
– Performance Variability: Not all substitutes perform identically across different environments and project types.
Choosing the right eco-friendly material depends on several factors:
– Climate and Environmental Conditions: Materials like hempcrete perform exceptionally in temperate climates but may be less suitable for extremely wet environments.
– Structural Requirements: For high-load structures, materials like geopolymer concrete or GGBS mixes are often better suited.
– Local Availability: Using materials that are locally sourced, such as recycled aggregates or region-specific fly ash, reduces transportation emissions and costs.
The construction industry is at a turning point. Transitioning to eco-friendly substitutes for cement and concrete isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about creating stronger, more efficient, and cost-effective buildings for the future.
Innovations like geopolymer concrete, hempcrete, and magnesium-based cements represent the frontier of sustainable architecture. Every decision to adopt greener materials contributes to a cumulative positive impact on our environment.
The future of construction is sustainable—and every material choice counts.
Ready to build a greener future? Participate now in our 9th edition of Construction Startup Competition 2025 and build the new construction rules! It’s your opportunity!
Although they’re called ‘unicorns’ for their supposed rarity, there are more than you’d probably imagine—as of January 2025, there are over 1,200 unicorns globally (privately held companies valued at more than US$1 billion). Once just another unicorn, now household names—think Airbnb, Facebook, or Google.
Even the giants we know today began as early-stage startups. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about startup funding.
💡 Remember: Every major company started with a great idea and the right funding. Your breakthrough could be next!
Let’s start with the basics: startup funding refers to the process of raising capital for new established businesses. It’s a key stage in a startup’s life cycle, providing the necessary resources to launch, scale, and grow the business, essential for covering initial costs, scaling operations, and achieving milestones that attract further investments.
Do you need funding for your startup? Early-stage businesses typically raise funding from a variety of sources. Here are the 6 most common types:
Angel investors are usually wealthy individuals who risk their own money to invest in startups, mostly in exchange for an ownership stake or convertible debt. Angel capital typically funds activities such as prototype development, market research, and initial hiring. Angel investors play a critical role in validating the startup, providing capital to prove the concept and signaling confidence to other investors.
Angels usually have prior industry or entrepreneurial experience, offering mentorship and guidance to founders they support. Their involvement helps startups navigate early challenges and refine their strategy. Additional benefits of angel financing include:
🚨 Caution: Angel investors expect involvement. Choose those aligned with your startup’s vision and growth strategy.
Venture capital, also known as VC, is a financial tool that helps businesses grow, offering institutional investors opportunities in emerging companies. Startups benefit by securing funding, refining business models, and exploring new markets through this short-term capital injection. VC investors typically have a strong economic focus, negotiating terms for equity in the company.
VC firms raise funds to invest in both early-stage and mature startups. They often prioritize performance metrics and financial potential when assessing investments.
👉🏻 You might also like: How venture capital funding works
CVC is the practice of established companies investing in external startups to drive innovation and strategic growth. Often, startups approach these corporations to test technologies, explore joint developments, gain new customers, and secure funding.
One significant advantage of corporate venture capital is helping startups break into new markets, utilizing the corporation’s network. Additionally, startups receive support in legal advice, communications, marketing, or access to facilities tailored to specific collaboration needs.
🤝 Pro tip: Align your startup’s objectives with the strategic goals of your corporate partner to maximize mutual benefit.
Bootstrapping is a self-financing approach where entrepreneurs use personal savings, initial sales revenue, or loans without external investors. Founders retain complete control over business decisions, avoiding equity dilution.
However, bootstrapping requires careful planning, resourcefulness, and patience, potentially limiting rapid growth opportunities.
In short, accelerators help entrepreneurs turn their knowledge into action. These are cohort-based programs that offer mentorship, services, education, networking, and recognition to early-stage startups looking to scale their product or service quickly. They are considered a form of early-stage financing because they often provide seed funding for startups.
Crowdfunding platforms let startups raise small amounts of money from many individuals, usually via online campaigns.
Backers might receive rewards, equity, or debt. These platforms allow entrepreneurs to showcase ideas to wider audiences, validate market interest, and gain early customer feedback.
📢 Quick tip: Crowdfunding is more than funding—it can validate your product and build your community from day one.
First things first: seed funding is the initial capital an early-stage startup raises to advance toward the next growth stage. Known also as seed capital or seed money, it’s typically the first formal institutional fundraising round. Seed investors are willing to take big risks on early-stage companies for potentially high returns.
Seed funding mainly serves to validate business ideas and move towards a functioning business. Startups are considered ready for seed funding when they can demo their product, even if further development is needed to reach a minimum viable product (MVP) or proof of concept.
Pitch meetings allow startups to present their business model and vision to potential investors. Crafting a compelling investor pitch is crucial during fundraising—investors see countless pitches, and few stand out. A successful pitch is clear, concise, memorable, tells a compelling story, addresses key concerns, and excites investors.
When a pitch leads to a term sheet, leverage insights from fundraising benchmarks and financial models to negotiate favorable terms. Involve legal counsel to ensure fairness and market alignment.
⚖️ Advice: Always review term sheets carefully. Good negotiations now can significantly impact your startup’s future.
According to Top 50 2025 Contech Report, the data from 2024 shows that during this last year, we witnessed the first signs of stabilization in Contech investment compared to 2023, a year in which the number of deals reached 325, marking an approximate increase of 38% compared to the 236 deals reported in 2023. The total amount invested also rose, though only by 2% compared to the previous year. The comparative data indicates that investors were significantly more active than in 2023, with a notable increase in the number of deals in early-stage startups. This highlights the untapped potential for growth in construction technology.
Here are some of the most renowned grants you can tap into to fund your startup if your solution applies to the construction industry:
At Cemex Ventures, the corporate venture capital and open innovation arm of Cemex, we don’t just invest, we collaborate, scale, and ignite bold ideas. We back the startups reshaping construction, combining financial support with strategic muscle to turn vision into real-world impact.
Our mission? To fuel the transformation of the construction industry, making it more sustainable, efficient, agile, and future-ready. If you’re building game-changing solutions, we’re here to build with you. If you have a startup with technology that fits these characteristics and has the potential to make a game-changing impact on the construction industry, apply now for Construction Startup Competition 2025.
In 2024, artificial intelligence dominated Contech (construction technology) investments, claiming 37% of total funding and larger-than-average deal sizes. Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just generating buzz, it’s the cornerstone of evolution, reshaping the Contech investment landscape and propelling a pivotal shift in the digitalization of the construction industry.
OPTIMITIVE has ridden the AI wave, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in processes across heavy-intensive industries—and construction is no exception. The Spanish company is now part of our investment portfolio, redefining real-time construction process optimization with analytics & visionary AI technology.
Keep scrolling to learn more about this hot-off-the-press partnership!
Cemex Ventures invests in company pushing boundaries of real-time industrial process optimization with AI technology
Madrid, Spain. April 22, 2025. Cemex Ventures, Cemex’s corporate venture capital (CVC) and open innovation unit, announced today that it has executed an investment agreement with OPTIMITIVE, a Spanish company that provides high-tech solutions through advanced analytics & artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize efficiency and sustainability in processes within energy-intensive industries.
Founded in 2008, OPTIMITIVE has developed proprietary artificial intelligence software to enhance efficiency across heavy industries. It offers advanced solutions for process improvement, maintenance, and services, with a strong focus on the cement industry during the last years. The Spain-based company has developed one of the most far-reaching solutions on the market, featuring real-time and closed-loop process optimization—which means it can autonomously learn and adjust optimal set points in autopilot mode. Among its additional competitive advantages is its no-code visual design—which enables large-scale adoption without requiring specific AI expertise—and continuous operation—24 hours a day, 365 days a year. OPTIMITIVE is currently commercializing two main products: Optibat Studio – a tool for historical data analytics, modeling, and optimization used by process engineers – and Optibat RTO – a tool for real-time operation used by process operators.
“OPTIMITIVE has a robust customer base across a large number of sectors, making it an ideal partner that reinforces Cemex’s commitment to transforming the industry through collaboration with breakthrough technologies,” said Alfredo Carrato, Investment and Open Innovation at Cemex Ventures. “We are excited about this partnership with OPTIMITIVE, given the impressive results they have already achieved in Europe and the United States in projects to date with Cemex.”
“Since our first engagement with Cemex some years ago, we have always been confident that our relationship would be long-lasting. “Now, thanks to their strong technological vision and commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, they have chosen to continue supporting OPTIMITIVE through this investment”, commented Fernando de la Prida, CEO at OPTIMITIVE. “This decision reflects the high level of satisfaction among our clients and the competitive advantages that OPTIBAT brings to their operations.”
Cemex seeks to scale OPTIMITIVE’s solution across its operations as part of its Digital Innovation in Motion ecosystem, with the goal of agile large-scale deployments in the near future. By integrating this groundbreaking solution, the construction giant aims to significantly reduce energy consumption at its production facilities while simultaneously increasing (production) efficiency by up to double digit percentage points. Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in reducing Cemex’s operational carbon footprint, in line with the Future in Action program to become a net-zero CO₂ company. This collaboration is a clear example of how cutting-edge technologies are transforming the building materials sector of the future.
About OPTIMITIVE
OPTIMITIVE delivers advanced technology solutions for operational optimization through Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. Their systems work in real-time, analyzing process data and recommending the most appropriate adjustments in each case to minimize energy consumption while improving production, quality, safety, and equipment health. OPTIMITIVE is rooted in Álava, Spain, and has expanded globally. They operate in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia, with over 10 years of experience in process industries. For more information, please visit: https://optimitive.com/
About Cemex Ventures
Launched in 2017, Cemex Ventures focuses on helping overcome the main challenges and capitalizing on the opportunity areas in the construction ecosystem through solutions that consider sustainability. Cemex Ventures has developed an open collaborative platform to lead the revolution of the construction industry, engaging startups, entrepreneurs, universities, and other stakeholders to tackle the challenges in the construction environment and shape the industry’s future. For more information on Cemex Ventures, please visit: www.cemexventures.com
About Cemex
Cemex is a global construction materials company that is building a better future through sustainable products and solutions. Cemex is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through relentless innovation and industry-leading research and development. Cemex is at the forefront of the circular economy in the construction value chain and is pioneering ways to increase the use of waste and residues as alternative raw materials and fuels in its operations with the help of new technologies. Cemex offers cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urbanization solutions in growing markets around the world, powered by a multinational workforce focused on providing a superior customer experience enabled by digital technologies. For more information, please visit: www.cemex.com
OPTIMITIVE has developed proprietary artificial intelligence software efficiency in heavy industries, with a strong focus on the cement industry. The Spanish company offers one of the most comprehensive solutions on the market, featuring real-time, closed-loop process optimization –which means it can autonomously learn and adjust optimal set points in autopilot mode. One of its major competitive advantages is its no-code visual design, enabling large-scale adoption without requiring AI expertise, along with continuous, 24/7 year-round operation.
These are OPTIMITIVE’s main products:
As the open innovation arm of Cemex, we are committed to continuously seeking high-potential startups focused on enhancing sustainability and driving digital transformation in the building industry. With a strong emphasis on decarbonizing the built environment and promoting energy efficiency principles, Cemex Ventures is eager to collaborate with startups aligned with these objectives. OPTIMITIVE stands out as an ideal partner, offering cutting-edge technology and one of the most far-reaching solutions on the market, which has already delivered impressive results in projects across Europe and the United States with Cemex.
Put simply: By integrating OPTIMITIVE’s solution, Cemex aims to significantly reduce energy consumption while simultaneously increasing production efficiency.
But let’s dive a little bit deeper…
In this partnership, Cemex aims to take OPTIMTIVE’s technology to the next level, scaling its solutions across its operations and helping fulfill its mission of transforming industrial processes globally, making them more efficient and sustainable using AI, thus contributing to a better world to live in.
Cemex helps OPTIMITIVE raise additional capital to fuel its growth while leveraging Cemex Ventures’ expertise in growth strategies and Cemex’s knowledge of construction and building materials. Through this partnership, Cemex aims to achieve agile, large-scale deployments of OPTIMITIVE’s solution in the near future.
OPTIMITIVE helps Cemex through its robust presence across a wide range of sectors, reinforcing Cemex’s commitment to transforming the industry through collaboration with breakthrough technologies.
This partnership is closely aligned with one of Cemex’s top priorities: Digital Innovation in Motion. By integrating its solution, the construction giant will reduce its energy consumption while simultaneously increasing production efficiency by up to double-digit percentage points.
Moreover, this agreement is closely tied to Cemex’s strategic priority of Future in Action sustainability program, as energy efficiency plays a fundamental role in reducing Cemex’s operational carbon footprint on its path to becoming a net-zero CO₂ company.
Founded in 2008, the Spain-based startup made its first steps with Cemex Ventures—although it had already worked with Cemex—appearing in the Top 50 Contech Startups & Cleantech Construction Map in 2024 under the Decarbonization Alternatives vertical. Now, in 2025, we’re betting on OPTIMITIVE through this investment.
The Basque startup—present in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe—specializes in optimizing efficient services for businesses and serves clients in the cement, oil, and chemical industries, among other sectors. OPTIMITIVE has a…
Like all our portfolio companies, we’ll keep you updated with all the news about OPTIMITIVE through our digital channels: blog, social media, and our Contech Tacos biweekly newsletter (we also send memes 😉).
Biomass energy is one of the oldest forms of energy used by humans – think of burning wood for warmth – yet it’s also a modern clean-tech solution. In today’s push for greener construction and sustainable power, biomass energy offers a way to turn organic waste and plant materials into useful electricity, heat, or fuel.
This post breaks down what biomass energy is, how it works, and its pros and cons, in a friendly and easy-to-understand way. We’ll explore why cleantech and construction professionals are giving biomass a fresh look as part of the clean energy mix.
Biomass energy is a form of renewable energy derived from organic materials (biomass) like plants, wood, and animal waste. In simple terms, it’s energy from stuff that was recently living. This includes materials such as:
These biomass sources can be used to produce heat, electricity, or even transportation fuels. For example, corn and sugar cane can be fermented into ethanol (a biofuel), and used cooking oil or soybean oil can be processed into biodiesel for trucks.
Did you know?
Landfill gas—mainly methane produced from decomposing waste—can actually be captured and burned to generate energy in certain projects.
Disadvantages & Challenges of Biomass Energy
While biomass offers many benefits as a renewable energy source, it’s not without its drawbacks. From environmental concerns to economic and logistical challenges, it’s important to understand the limitations that come with using organic material for power. Here are some key disadvantages and hurdles to consider when evaluating biomass energy.
Resource-Intensive (Land & Water):
Emissions & Air Pollution:
Lower Efficiency:
Higher Costs (Currently):
Not Always Carbon Neutral:
In summary, biomass energy’s downsides revolve around environmental trade-offs and practical challenges in sourcing and burning the fuel. It’s renewable, but only if we renew the resources. It’s cleaner than coal, but not emissions-free.
And it’s potentially low-carbon, but not automatically so – good practices and policies are needed to make biomass a truly sustainable part of the energy mix.Why is biomass considered renewable?
Because new plants and organic waste are continually growing or produced. Unlike fossil fuels which take millions of years to form, biomass can be replenished on human timescales – trees regrow, crops are harvested annually, and waste is continuously generated. In fact, biomass has been a major energy source throughout history and still accounts for a significant share of renewable energy today.
Globally, bioenergy (energy from biomass) is the largest renewable energy source, making up about 55% of all renewable energy and about 6% of total world energy supply. In the European Union, biomass accounts for ~59% of renewable energy consumption (as of 2021). Even in the United States, which relies heavily on fossil fuels, biomass provided about 5% of total primary energy in 2023
This shows that biomass energy is not a fringe idea – it’s a major player in the renewable energy mix worldwide.
Biomass contains stored chemical energy that originally came from the sun. Through photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight, CO₂, and water into organic matter. When we use that biomass as fuel, we’re releasing the sun’s energy that the plants stored. There are a few key ways this conversion happens:
In all methods, the goal is the same: release energy from biomass to generate electricity, heat, or fuel. Modern biomass plants often resemble coal plants but use renewable inputs instead of fossil fuels.
Waste-to-energy is a related approach, where municipal solid waste is burned to produce power. The biomass portion of garbage (like food, wood, and paper) contributes to energy output while reducing landfill use. Proper pollution controls are needed to manage non-organic materials like plastics.
In short, biomass energy turns natural materials into power—whether through burning, chemical conversion, or microbial processes—offering a renewable alternative to fossil fuels.
Biomass often comes up as a promising clean energy solution. Here are some key advantages, especially relevant for startups and construction industry professionals looking at cleaner energy alternatives:
Renewable & Sustainable:
Waste Reduction (Two Birds, One Stone):
Energy Security & Local Jobs:
Reliable & Storable Power:
Lower Carbon Footprint (Potentially):
Versatile Use:
While biomass offers many benefits as a renewable energy source, it’s not without its drawbacks. From environmental concerns to economic and logistical challenges, it’s important to understand the limitations that come with using organic material for power. Here are some key disadvantages and hurdles to consider when evaluating biomass energy.
Resource-Intensive (Land & Water):
Emissions & Air Pollution:
Lower Efficiency:
Higher Costs (Currently):
Not Always Carbon Neutral:
In summary, biomass energy’s downsides revolve around environmental trade-offs and practical challenges in sourcing and burning the fuel. It’s renewable, but only if we renew the resources. It’s cleaner than coal, but not emissions-free.
And it’s potentially low-carbon, but not automatically so – good practices and policies are needed to make biomass a truly sustainable part of the energy mix.
FAQs
Below we address some frequently asked questions about biomass energy:
Q: Is biomass energy really carbon-neutral?
A: In principle, yes. Biomass energy can be carbon-neutral because the CO₂ released by burning is offset by the CO₂ absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Q: What are some common uses of biomass energy in the construction industry?
A: The construction and building sector can use biomass in a few ways. One common use as a generator that runs on biodiesel (from vegetable oil) instead of petroleum diesel to reduce their carbon footprint.
Q: Does biomass energy cause pollution?
A: Biomass combustion does produce emissions, so it’s not as pristine as solar panels or wind turbines. The level of pollution, however, can be much lower than with fossil fuels, and there are ways to minimize it.
Q: Is biomass energy cheaper or more expensive than other energy?
A:This depends on the situation. If you have access to cheap biomass waste, then using that for energy can be very cost-effective – sometimes even essentially free fuel. For instance, many sawmills burn their sawdust to generate their electricity and heat, saving on energy bills. However, if you have to purchase biomass feedstock, the costs can add up. As of now, in many places, generating electricity from wind or solar is cheaper per kWh than from dedicated biomass power plants.
CONCLUSION
Biomass energy might not be as trendy as solar panels or electric vehicles, but it’s a powerful ally in the quest for sustainable energy. For cleantech innovators and construction industry professionals, understanding biomass opens up opportunities to reuse resources, cut emissions, and maybe even save costs by turning waste into energy. As with any solution, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Biomass teaches us a broader lesson: sometimes the old ways can be reinvented in new, cleaner forms to help build a greener future.
April Fools’ season is here! This can only mean one thing: The first quarter of 2025 is officially in the books. If you’re wondering what went down during the first few (definitely not quiet) months of the year, we’ve got you covered.
In this quick-read article, we’re breaking down the latest investment moves across Contech and Cleantech that have been applied to the built environment. With the construction industry in the thick of a digital and sustainable transformation, the Cemex Ventures investment team has rounded up the key trends and insights from January to March.
So, let’s take a look at Q1!
In the first quarter of 2025, the total investment volume reached US$1.39 billion across 99 deals. Compared to Q1 2024, this represents a 85% increase in the number of transactions—despite prevailing uncertainty, Q1 has performed well relative to the same period last year. That said, it will be important to assess the impact of broader macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty as the year progresses.
Construction technologies are at the forefront of transforming the way we build. In Q1 2025, Cemex Ventures’ investment strategy was focused on 4 key market-driven opportunities. Here’s how the investment was distributed across these transformative areas:
The biggest shift compared to Q1 2024 came from Construction Supply Chain solutions, which jumped from capturing just 8% of total investment to an impressive 19%. Meanwhile, Future of Construction technologies also gained momentum, nearly doubling their investment volume year over year.
In terms of the amount of money invested (%), Green Construction (36%) was the most active Focus Area, encompassing solutions related to decarbonization, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS), circular business models, sustainable materials, water conservation, etc. Following very closely behind was investment in Enhanced Productivity (33%), which includes solutions such as project design and budgeting, geotechnical analysis, project bidding, and document management, among other solutions that improve construction efficiency.
Continuing the trends from 2024 & 2023, most of Contech & Cleantech investments – almost 50% – in the first quarter were concentrated in the United States. However, we saw a significant increase in capital deployed across Europe and the Asia Pacific (APAC) regions compared to Q1 2024. For more information about last year’s investment by region, download the Top 50 Contech Startups Report 2025.
The top countries by investment amount in Q1 were the United States, India, Germany, and France, solidifying their position as the most active markets in innovative construction technologies.
Cemex Ventures’ investment team compiles a monthly roundup of the most significant deals within the Contech & Cleantech ecosystem. Below are the top three transactions from Q1, reflecting key developments in these sectors:
Wrapping up, here are the key takeaways from the investment experts at Cemex Ventures:
Whether you are a startup, SME, corporate, building professional, media journalist, or just want to find out more, we encourage you to contact us through our website or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
You can also keep up to date with the newest Contech deals and news by subscribing to our biweekly Contech Tacos newsletter!
At Cemex Ventures, through our exclusive acceleration program, Leaplab, we are shaping the next generation of startups, empowering businesses to expand and grow. This third edition featured an open call, bringing in high-potential solutions and top-tier mentors to join the new cohort. After a huge number of applications and months of evaluation, we can finally say—a new chapter begins!
Let’s welcome Leaplab’s latest cohort: six extraordinary startups from four countries tackling global strategic challenges and unlocking business opportunities with their groundbreaking solutions: EarthTrack, Emidat, FuelHub, Guidewheel, Optocycle, and Sodex.
If you want to learn more, dive into this 5-minute read as we break down the key points from Leaplab’s 3rd edition!
The 3rd edition of Leaplab will feature six startups working intensively for 16 weeks on real-scale pilots, deploying their solutions in close to 40 sites impacting all Cemex business lines:
The new Leaplab cohort will receive support from the expertise of approximately 80 specialists, both from Cemex and external partners. These experts will play a crucial role in offering piloting guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups refine and scale their solutions. Upon successfully completing the program, the startups and their Cemex pilot teams will showcase their results and key learnings to Cemex Executive Committee in the Demo Day 2025 – an event that represents a prime opportunity for startups to demonstrate their ability to create value and forge strategic collaborations with Cemex.
Major highlight: Graduates of the Cemex Ventures Leaplab Program have the potential opportunity to secure Commercial Agreements with one or more Cemex business units. Moreover, if there are positive pilot results and scalability potential, it could open the door to investment considerations from Cemex Ventures.
Piloting, testing, and scaling a startup demands significant resources and time, with even greater challenges in a capital-intensive industry like construction. Cemex Ventures Leaplab tackles these obstacles by connecting high-potential startups with Cemex’s extensive expertise and infrastructure, accelerating their growth path.
Here’s why Leaplab is the right opportunity for your innovative company:
Leaplab is much more than an accelerator—it’s the ultimate platform to grow and shape the future together. Big things are happening as each participant takes their #Leap, and we can’t wait to share their progress. Stay tuned for what’s next!
Cemex Ventures Drives Construction Innovation with the 3rd Leaplab Edition
Madrid, April 9, 2025. Cemex Ventures, Cemex’s corporate venture capital and open innovation unit, launches the third edition of Leaplab, its intensive acceleration program designed for startups with the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. This year, six startups from four countries will join the cohort, bringing disruptive solutions addressing strategic challenges and unlocking business opportunities.
Leaplab offers startups the unique opportunity to connect and closely collaborate with Cemex global operations for this 16-week program. In addition to running a real-scale pilot, during this period, the selected companies will receive personalized mentorship from 80 industry experts and business advisors from Cemex and beyond who will enhance their solutions and support them to scale.
This edition’s startups have developed promising value propositions deeply connected to sustainability, operations efficiency and productivity. “The construction industry is at a turning point where technological innovation plays a crucial role, and at Cemex, we are determined to face this by betting on the talent of these startups,” says Karla Arrambide, Cemex Ventures Leaplab Manager. “Leaplab is a program that drives the sector’s transformation by connecting high-potential startups with Cemex’s experience and resources.”
Throughout the program, the startups will work closely with Cemex pilot teams, validating their technologies in Cemex sites across all business lines, presenting results at the program’s conclusion, and sharing key learnings with the Cemex Executive Committee. The Demo Day event represents a unique opportunity for startups to showcase their capacity to generate value and establish strategic collaborations with Cemex.
Participation in Leaplab not only offers startups an exceptional platform to scale their businesses. Upon successful graduation, these companies have the potential to sign commercial agreements with various Cemex business units, opening doors to long-term collaboration. Furthermore, Cemex Ventures can also consider strategic investments in those that demonstrate positive results and a high potential for scalability, thus consolidating their growth, expansion, and inclusion in the current market.
Without further ado, we are proud to formally announce the extraordinary startups that will make up the Leaplab 2025 Cohort.
About Cemex Ventures
Launched in 2017, Cemex Ventures focuses on helping overcome the main challenges and capitalizing on the opportunity areas in the construction ecosystem through solutions that consider sustainability. Cemex Ventures has developed an open collaborative platform to lead the revolution of the construction industry, engaging startups, entrepreneurs, universities, and other stakeholders to tackle the challenges in the construction environment and shape the industry’s future. For more information on Cemex Ventures, please visit: www.cemexventures.com
About Cemex
Cemex is a global construction materials company that is building a better future through sustainable products and solutions. Cemex is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through relentless innovation and industry-leading research and development. Cemex is at the forefront of the circular economy in the construction value chain and is pioneering ways to increase the use of waste and residues as alternative raw materials and fuels in its operations with the help of new technologies. Cemex offers cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urbanization solutions in growing markets around the world, powered by a multinational workforce focused on providing a superior customer experience enabled by digital technologies. For more information, please visit: www.cemex.com
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Cemex Ventures BV is an indirect subsidiary of Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. Except as the context otherwise may require, references in this press release to “Cemex,” ”we,” ”us,” ”our,” refer to Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX) and its consolidated subsidiaries. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Cemex intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect Cemex’s current expectations and projections about future events based on Cemex’s knowledge of present facts and circumstances and assumptions about future events, as well as Cemex’s current plans based on such facts and circumstances, unless otherwise indicated. These statements necessarily involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from Cemex’s expectations, including, among others, risks, uncertainties, and assumptions discussed in Cemex’s most recent annual report and detailed from time to time in Cemex’s other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Mexican Stock Exchange (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores), which factors are incorporated herein by reference, which if materialized could ultimately lead to Cemex’s expectations, expected results, and/or the investment and projects referred herein not producing the expected benefits and/or results. Cemex assumes that the startups referenced in the list referred to in this press release have the rights to their corresponding projects. Cemex is not responsible for any ownership or rights issues that any startup may have with respect to their corresponding project. Forward-looking statements should not be considered guarantees of future performance, nor the results or developments are indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. These factors may be revised or supplemented, and the information contained in this press release is subject to change without notice, but Cemex is not under, and expressly disclaims, any obligation to update or correct this press release or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. Any or all of Cemex’s forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate. Accordingly, undue reliance on forward-looking statements should not be placed, as such forward-looking statements speak only as of the dates on which they are made. The content of this press release is for informational purposes only, and you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Cemex is not responsible for any third-party information referenced in this press release.
There is currently no single globally recognized or accepted, consistent, and comparable set of definitions or standards (legal, regulatory, or otherwise) of, nor widespread cross-market consensus i) as to what constitutes, a ‘green’, ‘social,’ or ‘sustainable’ or having equivalent-labeled activity, product, or asset; or ii) as to what precise attributes are required for a particular activity, product, or asset to be defined as ‘green’, ‘social,’ or ‘sustainable’ or such other equivalent label; or iii) as to climate and sustainable funding and financing activities and their classification and reporting. Therefore, there is little certainty, and no assurance or representation is given that such activities and/or reporting of those activities will meet any present or future expectations or requirements for describing or classifying funding and financing activities as ‘green’, ‘social’, or ‘sustainable’ or attributing similar labels. We expect policies, regulatory requirements, standards, and definitions to be developed and continuously evolve over time.
Is prefabrication the key to solving 21st-century construction challenges?
Prefabricated buildings are making waves as a sustainable breakthrough today, but what does this construction method really involve? Let’s take a closer look!
Prefabrication, as the name suggests, involves assembling building components off-site before transporting them to their final location for installation.
In traditional construction, raw materials are brought to the site, where everything is built from the ground up. Prefabrication flips this approach—only the foundation is constructed on-site, while key sections are pre-built elsewhere and then delivered for assembly.
Fun fact: In civil engineering projects like bridges and dams, steel frameworks as long as 37 meters are often prefabricated and transported to the site, streamlining construction and reducing on-site work.
The main difference between modular, prefabricated, and industrialized construction lies in how and where building components are manufactured and assembled:
In short, while prefabricated and modular construction focus on where and how building components are manufactured and assembled, industrialized construction takes a broader approach: It prioritizes efficiency, automation, and standardization by integrating advanced technologies and streamlined industrial processes to optimize the entire construction workflow.
Prefabricated construction might seem like a modern trend, but its roots go back thousands of years. As early as 2600 BCE, the Egyptians used pre-cut stone blocks to construct the pyramids, allowing for more efficient building processes. The Romans later advanced this concept by incorporating prefabricated architectural elements such as columns, arches, and domes, which helped them construct massive structures more quickly and consistently.
In the 20th century, prefabrication became a game-changer, especially after World War II. With millions of people needing housing, factory-made building components—like entire wall panels, floors, and roofs—were mass-produced and transported to construction sites for rapid assembly. This approach significantly reduced construction time and costs, making prefabrication a key solution for post-war rebuilding efforts.
For a bit more context, it’s interesting to note that prefab building and modular construction have taken a step back in recent years. However, the prefabricated construction market was valued at US$146.4Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach US$208.1Bn by 2030.
This market is growing rapidly, driven by urbanization, cost efficiency, and the demand for scalable infrastructure, especially in emerging economies like India and China. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region holds a major share, fueled by construction activity, labor shortages, and government support for affordable housing. Europe and North America are also expanding, with prefabricated construction gaining traction in commercial and residential sectors.
➡ You may be interested: The main trends in the construction world for 2025
Prefabrication is often faster than traditional construction because the components arrive pre-built and only need to be assembled on-site. It can also be more cost-effective. Since prefabricated components are manufactured in a controlled factory environment, transporting them is often cheaper than moving raw materials and assembling everything on-site.
➡ Prefabrication can reduce construction time by up to 50%!
Building more sustainably starts with rethinking how we construct. Traditional methods rely on frequent material transport and generate significant waste. In contrast, prefabrication centralizes production in a factory, reducing its environmental impact.
Prefabricated construction has become a versatile choice for a wide range of building projects. Here’s how:
At Cemex Ventures, we bet on technologies and trends that can help solve the challenges in the construction industry. As prefabricated construction continues to gain traction in the built environment and set up itself as a necessary solution for industry professionals, we keep searching for innovations that enable faster, more efficient building while optimizing resources and integrating cutting-edge technologies.
Prefab construction tackles some of the most complex challenges in modern buildings, such as rising housing costs in many cities. This manufacturing method offers an affordable alternative by streamlining production, this method uses less construction materials than traditional approaches, and shortening construction timelines, making it especially valuable for rapid-response housing. More than just a construction technique, prefabrication is a forward-thinking strategy that’s reshaping the future of building across different climates and urban landscapes.
Are you an entrepreneur with a disruptive prefab construction solution that’s redefining the industry’s future? Get in touch with our investment team now.
This is a wake-up call: Without any abatement measures from the building materials sector, global demand for concrete – the most widely used material in the world – is projected to generate 3.8 gigatons of CO2 emissions annually by 2050. Cement production—one of concrete’s key components—accounts for 8% of global CO₂ emissions yearly.
The future competitiveness of the global cement industry will hinge on who can reduce their carbon footprint the most. A groundbreaking innovator is reshaping cement production in construction with sustainability leading the charge and has now made its way into our investment portfolio to stay: Say hi to Terra CO2.
Simply put: Terra CO2 is a Colorado-based startup that has developed a scalable, low-carbon alternative for replacing cement in concrete.
The American startup produces supplementary cementitious materials and carbon-neutral cement to meet the vast demand, making decarbonized concrete a practical and accessible solution for the construction industry. Terra CO2 offers two standout products:
As the open innovation arm of Cemex, we are dedicated to actively identifying high-potential startups focused on advancing green construction and driving sustainability within the sector. With a strong emphasis on decarbonizing the built environment, promoting circular economy principles, and integrating renewable energy solutions, Cemex Ventures is eager to collaborate with startups that align with these objectives. Terra CO2 stands out as an ideal partner, thanks to its sustainable materials solution alternative to traditional SCMs and cement, which plays a critical role in accelerating Cemex’s decarbonization initiatives.
In simple terms, Cemex is partnering with Terra CO2 to reduce harmful emissions from its production processes, driving the construction industry’s progress toward CO2 neutrality.
So, let’s dive a little bit deeper…
In this partnership, Cemex aims to integrate Terra CO2’s solutions across its operations in the Americas and Europe, helping it fulfill its mission of becoming the global leader in carbon reduction within the construction materials industry. This agreement seeks to help Terra CO2 with the following benefits:
That said, this collaboration is a two-way street: Terra CO2’s technology could help position Cemex as a leader in cutting emissions within the construction industry. This partnership also strengthens Cemex’s ambitious climate action goals outlined in its sustainability program, Future in Action, which aims to reduce Cemex’s greenhouse gas emissions generated by its production processes through its Innovation & Partnerships pillar.
Founded in 2016, Terra CO2 Technologies is a disruptive startup dedicated to producing sustainable alternatives for cement replacement. Based in Golden, Colorado, United States, Terra CO2 is at the forefront of the sustainable materials industry.
Interesting facts: In 2024, Terra CO2 was granted by the United States Department of Energy (DoE) for the deployment of its clean technology in Utah, United States. That same year, it was named the winner of the “Decarbonization Solution of the Year” award at the inaugural Cleantech Breakthrough Awards program.
Terra CO2’s team is a group of experts dedicated to deeply decarbonizing the concrete industry, consisting of diverse professional profiles, including scientists, engineers, geologists, plant operators, and more.
What is their mission? Their mission is to revolutionize cement production and decarbonize concrete, aiming for zero clinker and, ultimately, zero CO2 emissions.
As with all our portfolio companies, we’ll keep you informed with all the latest news about Terra CO2 through our digital channels: blog, social media: LinkedIn & X, and our biweekly Contech Tacos newsletter.
But if you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative solution that’s addressing critical pain points in green construction (water efficiency, waste management, CCUS, sustainable materials, alternative fuels, and more!), we invite you to contact us!
Madrid, Spain. March 25, 2025. Cemex announced today its most recent investment in climate-friendly & zero carbon cement company, Terra CO2, carried out through its corporate venture capital (CVC) and open innovation unit, Cemex Ventures. Concrete is the world’s second most used material, next to water. The production of cement—a key component of concrete—is responsible for a significant share of global CO2 emissions annually, thus reducing related emissions in its production process is a critical climate priority for the building sector.
Terra CO2, an American-based company, produces supplementary cementitious materials and carbon-neutral cement that are scalable to meet the massive demand, making decarbonized concrete a practical and affordable solution for the construction industry. Terra’s first product, OPUS SCM™, is an engineered Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) made from abundant and cost-effective silicate rock feedstock, capable of reducing up to 70% CO2 emissions when partially replacing clinker or other traditional cementitious products. Their second product is OPUS ZERO™, a 100% cement replacement solution now in full concrete trials. The breakthrough company was granted additional support in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), for the deployment of its clean technology.
“Our path to carbon neutrality is stronger than ever. Terra CO2 has emerged as one of the most relevant technologies in today’s market for reducing the carbon footprint at a competitive cost, making it the ideal partner for Cemex,” said Alfredo Carrato, Investment and Open Innovation at Cemex Ventures. “We are thrilled to highlight the synergy with this high-potential Cleantech solution validated by key industry players, as we continue driving the revolution in construction and leading it toward a more sustainable future.”
“Having one of the world’s leading cement producers invest in Terra CO2 validates our technology and its role in decarbonizing the industry,” said Bill Yearsley, CEO of Terra CO2. “Our approach has always been that to achieve decarbonization of cement; we need to create solutions that work as seamlessly as possible within the existing industry infrastructure. We look forward to working alongside Cemex to integrate sustainable solutions that do not disrupt our industry.”
Following this initial investment, Cemex aims to integrate Terra CO2’s portfolio of solutions across its operations in the Americas and Europe, positioning the global building materials company as a leader in carbon reduction within the building materials industry. The American startup aims to help Cemex reduce its Scope 1 CO2 emissions, targeting the direct greenhouse gas emissions generated by its production processes. This investment bolsters the ambitious climate action goals set out by Cemex’s sustainability and decarbonization program, Future in Action, through its Innovation & Partnerships pillar.
About Terra CO2
Terra is the standard for cement decarbonization. We enable our partners to unlock real zero cement from source to deployment. As the critical component in creating concrete, the foundation of modern infrastructure, cement is responsible for 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions. The CO2 and NOx emissions associated with cement make finding an alternative to current solutions a climate imperative.
Unique to Terra CO2 is their capability to work across a diverse range of silicate rock mineralogy, not constrained by feedstock availability. Terra’s technology allows the company to create sustainable construction materials with the most abundant and accessible raw materials on earth from already approved and open mines.
Terra’s first product, OPUS SCM (Supplementary Cementitious Material), is ready for commercial deployment, capable of replacing up to 50% OPC (Original Portland Cement) and solving the industry’s carbon emissions and dwindling feedstock challenges. Terra’s OPUS ZERO™, a complete, real zero cement alternative, is in full concrete trials. Both leverage Terra’s “drop-in” reactor solution, which seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure and sets the foundation for the transition to real zero cement.
Validated by third parties, Terra’s materials perform equal to or better than traditional cementitious products.
Terra CO2 is headquartered in Golden, Colorado, and is led by a team of industry experts. For more information, please visit: https://terraco2.com/
About Cemex Ventures
Launched in 2017, Cemex Ventures focuses on helping overcome the main challenges and capitalizing on the opportunity areas in the construction ecosystem through solutions that consider sustainability. Cemex Ventures has developed an open collaborative platform to lead the revolution of the construction industry, engaging startups, entrepreneurs, universities, and other stakeholders to tackle the challenges in the construction environment and shape the industry’s future. For more information on Cemex Ventures, please visit: www.cemexventures.com
About Cemex
Cemex is a global construction materials company that is building a better future through sustainable products and solutions. Cemex is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through relentless innovation and industry-leading research and development. Cemex is at the forefront of the circular economy in the construction value chain and is pioneering ways to increase the use of waste and residues as alternative raw materials and fuels in its operations with the help of new technologies. Cemex offers cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urbanization solutions in growing markets around the world, powered by a multinational workforce focused on providing a superior customer experience enabled by digital technologies. For more information, please visit: www.cemex.com
Communications – Cemex Ventures
Paloma Hernández
+34 647 38 34 76
paloma.hernandez@cemexventures.com
Media Relations – Cemex
Jorge Pérez
+52 (81) 8259-6666
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Cemex Ventures BV is an indirect subsidiary of Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. Except as the context otherwise may require, references in this press release to “Cemex,” ”we,” ”us,” ”our,” refer to Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX) and its consolidated subsidiaries. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Cemex intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect Cemex’s current expectations and projections about future events based on Cemex’s knowledge of present facts and circumstances and assumptions about future events, as well as Cemex’s current plans based on such facts and circumstances, unless otherwise indicated. These statements necessarily involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from Cemex’s expectations, including, among others, risks, uncertainties, and assumptions discussed in Cemex’s most recent annual report and detailed from time to time in Cemex’s other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Mexican Stock Exchange (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores), which factors are incorporated herein by reference, which if materialized could ultimately lead to Cemex’s expectations, expected results, and/or the investment and projects referred herein not producing the expected benefits and/or results. Cemex assumes that the startups referenced in the list referred to in this press release have the rights to their corresponding projects. Cemex is not responsible for any ownership or rights issues that any startup may have with respect to their corresponding project. Forward-looking statements should not be considered guarantees of future performance, nor the results or developments are indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. These factors may be revised or supplemented, and the information contained in this press release is subject to change without notice, but Cemex is not under, and expressly disclaims, any obligation to update or correct this press release or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. Any or all of Cemex’s forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate. Accordingly, undue reliance on forward-looking statements should not be placed, as such forward-looking statements speak only as of the dates on which they are made. The content of this press release is for informational purposes only, and you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Cemex is not responsible for any third-party information referenced in this press release.
There is currently no single globally recognized or accepted, consistent, and comparable set of definitions or standards (legal, regulatory, or otherwise) of, nor widespread cross-market consensus i) as to what constitutes, a ‘green’, ‘social,’ or ‘sustainable’ or having equivalent-labeled activity, product, or asset; or ii) as to what precise attributes are required for a particular activity, product, or asset to be defined as ‘green’, ‘social,’ or ‘sustainable’ or such other equivalent label; or iii) as to climate and sustainable funding and financing activities and their classification and reporting. Therefore, there is little certainty, and no assurance or representation is given that such activities and/or reporting of those activities will meet any present or future expectations or requirements for describing or classifying funding and financing activities as ‘green’, ‘social’, or ‘sustainable’ or attributing similar labels. We expect policies, regulatory requirements, standards, and definitions to be developed and continuously evolve over time.
According to AGC 2024 Construction Workforce Survey in America, 92% of firms face trouble in filling opening positions. In this context, efficient construction workforce management is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. With projects growing in complexity and deadlines becoming tighter, how do you ensure you make the most out of your team?
In this post, we will explore the current labor shortage situation, the main aspects of construction workforce management, and seven benefits you will gain from its implementation, revolutionizing your approach to managing your most valuable asset: your team.
Follow us, and may the workforce be with you.
If you’re in the construction sector, you’ve surely felt the squeeze.
The labor shortage is a fact that has been affecting the industry for years; there’s a decreasing demand from the population to join sectors that require physical effort.
Furthermore, this lack of professionals is a problem that’s affecting us all. Delayed projects? Skyrocketing costs? Sounds familiar, right? It’s not just that there are fewer workers, it’s that those we have are overwhelmed, with little time to update themselves at the pace of emerging construction trends and techniques in robotics, AI, and others… Making finding new people with the necessary skills like finding a needle in a haystack. And make no mistake!
This isn’t a passing phase; we need to find creative solutions and tools to help us better manage what we have. This is where construction workforce management software comes in…
If you’re in the construction sector, you’ve surely felt the squeeze.
The labor shortage is a fact that has been affecting the industry for years; there’s a decreasing demand from the population to join sectors that require physical effort.
Furthermore, this lack of professionals is a problem that’s affecting us all. Delayed projects? Skyrocketing costs? Sounds familiar, right? It’s not just that there are fewer workers, it’s that those we have are overwhelmed, with little time to update themselves at the pace of emerging construction trends and techniques in robotics, AI, and others… Making finding new people with the necessary skills like finding a needle in a haystack. And make no mistake!
This isn’t a passing phase; we need to find creative solutions and tools to help us better manage what we have. This is where construction workforce management software comes in…
And you might be wondering, what exactly are we talking about?
We define construction workforce management software as a specialized tool designed to optimize the planning, tracking, and allocation of labor resources within construction projects.
It serves as a central hub for project managers to efficiently plan their workforce needs and coordinate them, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Valuable tools include features such as:
Implementing construction labor management software can transform your operations and lead to significant improvements in efficiency and profitability. Here are some key benefits:
📌 You may be interested in: What is construction management and how does it work?
Here are some frequently asked questions about construction workforce management software:
Investing in the right construction workforce management software can significantly improve your operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
By understanding the must-have features, evaluating available solutions, and considering the benefits, you can make an informed decision that drives your business forward. Embrace technology to stay competitive and achieve project success in today’s dynamic construction industry.
