![The WCA's Ian Riley said: "The inclusion of cement in the Chinese ETS [emissions trading scheme] is a critical and long-awaited step."](/sites/agg/files/2024-09/WCA-Ian-Riley.jpg "The WCA's Ian Riley said: \"The inclusion of cement in the Chinese ETS [emissions trading scheme] is a critical and long-awaited step.\"")
China's Minister of Ecology and Environment made the announcement earlier this week, marking a significant step in China's environmental plans.
Riley commented: "The inclusion of cement in the Chinese ETS [emissions trading scheme] is a critical and long-awaited step. As we have seen in Europe, a well-implemented carbon ETS can be beneficial by not only curbing emissions but also catalysing industry restructuring that favours the most efficient and lowest-emitting producers. This move signals China’s intent to prioritise sustainability in high-emission sectors, a move welcomed by the World Cement Association.
"In addition to the ETS, China has also successfully used energy efficiency standards to encourage widespread adoption of the latest low-energy technology. This approach is essential for meaningful climate action."
