The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has moderated a discussion on the industry’s role in combating climate change at the UN Climate Action Summit.
GCCA CEO, Benjamin Sporton moderated the session at the UN headquarters in New York on 21 September.
He said: “The GCCA and its members are committed to creating an industry that is at the forefront of sustainability and climate protection. To this end, we are delighted to attend the Secretary General’s Climate Action Summit and play our part in finding solutions to this greatest of challenges.
Concrete will play a key role in building the sustainable cities and communities of tomorrow – providing safe homes, clean water and resilient infrastructure. Action taken in our own industry has already seen specific emissions of CO2 decrease by 18% per tonne of cement production since 1990 and through innovation we are dedicated to playing our role in ensuring a future sustainable world.”
The session focused on areas that require cross-industry collaboration, such as the setting of standards, the development of unified policy goals and promoting innovation to reduce carbon emissions from cement manufacturing.
Speakers at the session included:
- Mahendra Singhi, CEO of Dalmia Cement
- Jamie Gentoso, CEO of US Cement, LafargeHolcim
- Ravi S. Prasad, additional secretary for environment, forest and climate change of India
- Emma Stewart, director, urban efficiency & climate and director, urban finance, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
“The cement and concrete session is one of a number dedicated to a range of industries under the theme Industry Transition towards Carbon Neutrality by 2050,” Sporton added.
The Climate Action Summit aims to galvanise action on climate change and implementation of the Paris Agreement.
