The Portland Cement Association (PCA) launched an industry-wide ambition to reduce carbon emissions and further address the impacts of climate change. The association will develop a roadmap by the end of 2021 to facilitate its member companies achieving carbon neutrality across the concrete value chain by 2050.
“As the second most used material on earth and a cornerstone of our economy, we understand the critical role cement and concrete play in our nation’s future, and we are committed to an industry-wide effort that achieves carbon neutrality,” said Tom Beck, chairman of PCA and president of Continental Cement. “We look forward to proactively working with stakeholders across the built environment, policymakers and environmental groups toward this ambitious target.”
PCA’s roadmap will identify how to address the challenges that stand in the way of driving down emissions to achieve carbon neutrality, such as developing advanced technologies to reduce energy consumption, and developing and adopting regulations to allow for such tools. It stands to position the cement and concrete industry as the leader in the construction sector in delivering cleaner, greener infrastructure.
“For decades, cement manufacturers have undertaken efforts to aggressively address their environmental footprint,” said Rick Bohan, vice president of sustainability for the PCA. “Developing a roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050 further demonstrates our industry’s commitment to be a part of the solution and tackle this global issue.”
Since 1990, the industry has reduced energy consumption by 35%, emissions intensity by 11% and company-led improvements have driven the increased use of alternative fuels, such as industrial byproducts that otherwise would end up in landfills.
