CEMBUREAU, the European Cement Association, has published its Net Zero Roadmap update, outlining the sector’s climate ambition along the cement and concrete value chain.

“In the past four years, the European cement sector has clearly moved from ambition to deployment. We have the potential to scale up our climate ambition, but we need policymakers to match this ambition through decisive policies” says Ken McKnight, President of CEMBUREAU.

The roadmap update looks at the progress achieved since the publication of CEMBUREAU’s carbon neutrality roadmap in May 2020. In light of the significant decarbonisation projects ongoing throughout the EU industry, it revisits the sector’s ambition as follows:

• By 2030, the roadmap projects a 37% reduction in CO2 emissions related to cement production, and 50% down the value chain.
• By 2040, a 78% reduction on cement, and 93% down the value chain.
• By 2050, the roadmap projects net zero cement production in Europe, and looks at the potential to become carbon negative over the value chain. The roadmap also highlights that key policy measures which are indispensable to meet this ambition, including:
• The implementation of a watertight Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• The ramping up financial support to support decarbonisation investments
• The need for guaranteed access to affordable decarbonised energy, infrastructure and raw materials
• The creation of lead markets for low carbon, circular products

Koen Coppenholle, Chief Executive of CEMBUREAU, adds: “The next European political cycle must be about an industrial deal. We need a strong mobilisation at all levels of governments to create a business case for decarbonisation investments.”

You can find the full CEMBUREAU Net Zero Roadmap and the Executive Summary here.