Global cement producers have come together to affirm their commitment to producing and delivering net-zero concrete by 2050, and to a 25% emissions cut by 2030.
The move by members of the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) marks the biggest global industry commitment to net zero to date.
The GCCA, which represents about 80% of the global cement and concrete industry outside China, has published a detailed roadmap which sets out the path to full decarbonisation by 2050.
This roadmap aims to prevent almost 5bn tonnes of carbon entering the atmosphere between now and 2030.
It is built around a seven-point plan based on ambitious yet achievable actions to reduce the amount of CO2 intensive clinker in cement, significantly reduce fossil fuel use in manufacturing, accelerate innovation in products, process efficiency and breakthrough technologies including carbon capture.
Albert Manifold, GCCA president and group chief executive of CRH PLC, said: “This roadmap represents a clear commitment to positive change across our industry and will allow us to sustainably transition to net zero while continuing to supply society with the concrete it needs to grow and prosper.”
The cement and concrete industry is responsible for about 7%-8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and yet, three quarters of the infrastructure that will exist in 2050 has yet to be built.
The push for low-carbon concrete by the industry is a positive step toward reaching broader net-zero targets.
Thomas Guillot, GCCA chief executive, said: “Concrete is the world’s most used building material and provides the foundation for renewable energy transition, resilient infrastructure and new homes around the world.
“I am proud of the commitment made by our members today to take decisive action and accelerate industry decarbonization between now and 2030, an important milestone towards the ultimate goal of net zero concrete.
“We now need governments around the world to work with us and use their huge procurement power to advocate for low carbon concrete in their infrastructure and housing needs.”
Read next: Gloucestershire College begins £4.8m project in bid to reach net-zero by 2030
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