The ambition statement demonstrates the commitment of the industry across the globe to drive down the CO2 footprint of the world’s most used human-made product, with an aspiration to deliver society with carbon-neutral concrete by 2050.
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 for achieving carbon-neutral concrete:
- 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
- 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 so that our crucial industry aligns with global targets, including the Paris Agreement.
”Concrete has a vital role to play in addressing the need for sustainable communities and prosperity. It is a key ingredient of infrastructure, homes, clean water and community resilience as our climate changes. Crucially, it will also help facilitate the transition to clean/green energy. We believe this journey will be challenging but are fully committed to working together with our members, partners and stakeholders across the industry and supply chain to achieve this ambition.”
The concrete and cement industry is a key part of the construction sector – which accounts for 13% of global GDP (gross domestic product) – 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.
Albert Manifold, GCCA president and chief executive of CRH, said: “The 2050 Climate Ambition represents our industry’s commitment to further reducing emissions and ensuring that the vital product we provide can be delivered on a carbon-neutral basis by 2050. There is a significant challenge involved in doing so and achieving alignment across our industry on a sustainable way forward is an important first step. We cannot, however, succeed alone and in launching our ambition statement, we are also highlighting the need for our industry to work collaboratively with other stakeholders in support of our ambition for a more sustainable future.”
GCCA member companies are currently developing a 2050 concrete roadmap which will set out the detailed actions and milestones that the industry will enact in order to achieve its ambition. This will include working across the built environment value chain to deliver the vision of carbon-neutral concrete in a circular economy, whole life context. The 2050 concrete roadmap is due to be published in the second half of 2021.
Anthony Hobley, executive director of the World Economic Forum’s Mission Possible Platform which is working across different industries to help achieve a carbon-neutral future, said: “Ambitious business and industry action led leadership is vital to achieving the climate targets that the world needs to survive and thrive. We know that concrete is so important to many of the challenges humanity faces, but we also know it needs to be delivered more sustainably. We are delighted by the important step of articulating the ambition for carbon-neutral concrete and look forward to working with this industry collaboration to deliver the detailed pathway and tools necessary towards achieving a net-zero economy.
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 a cleaner and greener infrastructure.
More on the Climate Ambition 2050 and the 2050 Concrete Roadmap can be found on the GCCA website.
