July 29 (Reuters) - Building materials maker CRH

said on Tuesday it has agreed to acquire Eco Material

Technologies, a supplier of supplementary cementitious

materials, for $2.1 billion to expand its presence in North

America.

Dublin, Ireland-based CRH operates through two regional

divisions Americas and International, of which the Americas

business brings in 65% of revenues as per its latest annual

filing, and includes the production of aggregates, cement,

ready-mixed concrete and asphalt used in construction.

As traditional cement production is responsible for around

8% of global CO2 emissions, the industry has been making the

switch to low-carbon alternatives, through investments, joint

ventures and mergers.

With the takeover of the Utah-based near-zero carbon cement

producer Eco Material, CRH also acquires its national network of

fresh and harvested fly ash, pozzolans, synthetic gypsum and

green cement operations.

"This transaction secures the long-term supply of

critical materials for future growth and puts CRH at the

forefront of the transition to next generation cement and

concrete," CRH chief executive Jim Mintern said.

CRH, which has its presence across 28 countries, said it

plans to fund the deal, expected to close in 2025, with cash on

hand.

The business will operate as Eco Material Technologies, a

CRH Company.