Chinese cement producers sign international agreement to work on developing low-carbon cement

The China Cement Association (CCA) has joined forces with the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), whose members account for 80% of cement production capacity outside of China, for the pledge.

The pledge includes an agreement to work together on sustainability, and the low-carbon development of the cement and concrete industry. Concrete is the world’s most used material on earth after water, accounting for around 7% of global CO2 emissions.

The agreement will also see the development, and launch later this year, of a whole value chain China Cement Carbon Neutrality Roadmap which will set out a commitment and pathway to fully decarbonise the cement industry in China.

The GCCA launched a global net zero roadmap in 2021 and will assist with the development of the CCA’s roadmap alongside Sinoma International Engineering Co, the world’s largest cement technology and equipment company, and the European Cement Research Academy (ECRA) who will also provide technical input.

Launching the agreement at a signing ceremony in Beijing, Mr. Kong Xiangzhong, executive president of CCA said, “This important agreement marks a win-win cooperation, and shows where we can collaborate effectively to bring insights, technical know-how and greater focus to our shared decarbonisation mission. I am sure this will create a mutually beneficial and long-term partnership that will be crucial in building a more sustainable world.”

Thomas Guillot, GCCA CEO said: “The world needs leadership and collaboration like never before, especially on addressing the key issue of our time, climate change. This agreement between the China industry and the global industry is a signal to the world that we stand ready to deliver the essential decarbonised building materials that our planet needs. Cement and concrete enable the key infrastructure, thriving and resilient communities, clean water, safe homes and the shift to clean energy that are essential to a future sustainable world.”