The FINANCIAL — At an event organised by the World Cement Association (WCA) in Paris on 27-28 June, ICC encouraged both industry and government-led initiatives to reduce emissions in the global cement sector.
As the second most used substance on Earth, after water, with an energy-intensive manufacturing process, cement accounts for 6% of global greenhouse emissions. Therefore, reducing emissions in this crucial sector can contribute a great deal to reducing our overall carbon footprint, according to ICC.
For instance, Germany’s HeidelbergCement is implementing an externally-verified plan for CO2 reduction, focusing on the use of CO2-neutral fuels and recycling secondary raw materials from other industries. Between 1990 and 2016, the company has reportedly reduced net CO2 emissions by 22%.
By introducing eco-friendly raw materials and replacing natural resources with recycled materials, India’s Dalmia Bharat delivers one of the least carbon-intensive cement operations in the world, according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The company reportedly achieved a 16% carbon footprint reduction in 2015-2016.
Stakes have never been higher
With a rising global population and increasing urbanisation, demand for cement is set to rise significantly in the coming years, with some studies estimating a 25% increase in production over the next 30 years.
While industry should heed the WCA’s call to increase the pace and ambition of their ‘bottom-up’ climate action, Ms Dabaghi also noted that a ‘top-down’ approach from governments is also critical.
The largest and most representative business organisation in the world and the only private sector UN Observer, ICC is the UNFCCC ‘focal point’ for business and industry, making it the voice of the private sector in climate negotiations and the UN system.
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