Forty of the world’s leading cement and concrete companies recently unveiled a joint industry ‘2050 Climate Ambition’. The ambition statement demonstrates the commitment of the industry across the globe to drive down the CO2 footprint of the world’s most used man-made product, with an aspiration to deliver society with carbon neutral concrete by 2050. There is a video link here if you’d like to find out more: https://gccassociation.org/climate-ambition/
Launched by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) on behalf of its member companies, the ambition statement represents a critical milestone for the industry. It is the first time it has come together globally to state a collective ambition for a carbon neutral future. The statement identifies the essential levers that will be required to achieving carbon neutral concrete, including: reducing and eliminating energy related emissions, reducing process emissions through new technologies and deployment of carbon capture, more efficient use of concrete, reuse and recycling of concrete and buildings, and harnessing concrete’s ability to absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere.
The climate ambition builds on the longstanding climate commitments and sustainability progress of GCCA member companies and affiliate associations across the world, setting out a global vision for the long-term sustainability of concrete, the vital building material that has shaped the modern world.
Dinah McLeod, GCCA Chief Executive said: “As we face the challenges for future generations and begin global economic recovery, concrete will be even more critical to building the sustainable world of tomorrow. That’s why we are making this commitment today, in order that our crucial industry aligns with global targets, including the Paris Agreement.
The concrete and cement industry is a key part of the construction sector – which accounts for 13% of global GDP – with a track record of taking climate action. This has included delivering a 19% reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne of cementitious material along with a ninefold increase in alternative fuel use since 1990.
As the world deals with the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis, the construction sector is playing an important role in economic recovery. The GCCA’s climate ambition statement demonstrates its commitment to helping build a more sustainable and safer future – recognising that the world needs cleaner and greener infrastructure.
More on the Climate Ambition 2050 and the 2050 Concrete Roadmap can be found on the GCCA website.
“Climate change is one of the main challenges of our time. Our commitment to sustainability is one of our Association’s fundamental pillars because we believe it is essential to create lasting value in society,” said Fernando A. Gonzalez, CEO of CEMEX. “We aim to build a better, more sustainable future, leveraging in our industry’s commitment and experience.”
About the GCCA:
Launched in January 2018, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) is dedicated to developing and strengthening the sector’s contribution to sustainable construction.