A new set of international definitions for low-carbon cement and concrete, which will help to expedite the decarbonisation of the construction sector, have been unveiled by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA).
The definitions, which were launched at COP29, provide clear criteria for identifying and procuring sustainable building materials, the association said, in turn providing a ‘key reference point for anyone that wants to be able to identify and buy green cement and concrete across the world’.
‘A big step forward’
“This is a big step forward towards delivering a greener built environment and a greener global economy,” German vice chancellor and federal minister for economic affairs and climate action, Robert Habeck. “Lead markets for low carbon basic materials are an important component of the policy landscape to support decarbonisation of sectors such as cement and concrete.
“During the German G7 Presidency, the Energy and Climate Ministers agreed on the IEA definitions being a robust starting point for the work internationally. We are delighted that this work has been built upon by the GCCA to publish low carbon and near zero definitions for concrete products.”
About the definitions
The definitions were developed following engagement with global stakeholders, including the IEA, UNIDO’s Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative, and the International Climate Club, co-chaired by Germany and Chile.
They rely on the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) accounting method, in order to ensure consistency and comparability across markets. According to the GCCA, the definitions can also be adapted to local benchmarks to accommodate regional decarbonisation challenges.
The GCCA’s members represent 80% of cement production capacity outside of China, as well as a number of leading Chinese manufacturers, Through the Concrete Future 2050 Net Zero Roadmap, the group’s member companies have committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating CO2 emissions in concrete.
“Concrete and its key binding ingredient cement are the most used materials on the planet after water and essential to the modern world – for delivering vital infrastructure, housing, cities and resilient communities,” added Thomas Guillot, chief executive of the GCCA.
“Building on our net zero commitment. this is an important advancement on our journey towards net zero. We now call on policymakers, governments and the private sector to procure green cement and concrete and provide the key signals to our sector to accelerate decarbonisation.” Read more here.
