HeidelbergCement: Technology Choice under Carbon Regulation

This case describes carbon cap-and-trade regulation and the principle carbon emissions drivers within HeidelbergCement and the cement industry. This leads to the focal decisions in the case regarding technology choice, product specification and plant locations. Further complexities arise due to international competition and uncertainties associated with the evolving carbon market.

This case links emerging issues on carbon regulation and climate change to operations management and supply chain design. Students will develop the ability to weigh carbon-leveraged investments of a strategic nature such as technology choice, product design and the off-shoring of production capacity in an important global industry, cement.