The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) joined governments, climate groups and campaigners from around the world in Poland last month for the United Nations’ international climate change conference – COP24.
The meeting represents the first GCCA attendance at international climate negotiations, under the umbrella of its recent partnership with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and underlines the cement and concrete sector’s commitment to sustainable development and critical work to reduce global CO2 emissions.
GCCA Cement Director Claude Lorea spoke with key international stakeholders during the two-week event, including the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, the International Chamber of Commerce and the International Emissions Trading Association.
“With everyone acknowledging COP24 is the most critical gathering on climate change since the 2015 Paris Agreement, it is important that the GCCA and the cement and concrete sector is part of that discussion,” said Lorea. “There is a huge role for the private sector and major industries, which includes cement and concrete, in demonstrating leadership on the issue of climate change – that is what our GCCA members are committed to and why we are taking part in these talks”
GCCA’s engagement in COP24 focused on priorities from its recently launched work program, such as reducing emissions through low carbon technologies, including carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS), and the contribution of concrete toward a low carbon and energy-efficient built environment.
A key discussion point for the GCCA at COP24 included recarbonation – where concrete can play a role in taking CO2 out of the atmosphere – as well as other potential important related measures for the purposes of IPCC implementation.
“The GCCA exists to drive advances in sustainable construction whilst demonstrating industrial sustainable leadership in cement and concrete manufacturing. We are working to enhance the sector’s contribution to global developmental challenges,” Lorea noted.
Launched in January 2018, the GCCA, which represents cement producers from across the world, recently launched a global work program, sustainability charter and guidelines toward its commitment to a positive contribution on global sustainable development.
