COP25 talks target carbon neutrality

Four leading experts explored the pathway to carbon neutrality in the cement and concrete industry at a side event to COP25 in Madrid, Spain.

The panel discussion entitled 'Cement and concrete: the path to carbon neutrality by 2050' was moderated by Galo Gutierrez, general director of the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, and featured:
•    Koen Coppenholle, CEO of CEMBUREAU, the European cement association
•    Claude Lorea, cement director of the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA)
•    Maria José García, executive director of the Inter-American Cement Federation (FICEM)
•    Victor Hugo García Brosa, president of the Spanish Cement Manufacturers Association (OFICEMEN).

"The GCCA, its members and affiliates are committed to driving action on sustainability in the cement and concrete industry that supports the global effort to mitigate the extent and impact of climate change," said Benjamin Sporton, GCCA CEO. "We were pleased to take part in this vital discussion and look forward to exploring further with our partners how we, as an industry, can work towards carbon neutrality."

CEMBUREAU's Koen Coppenholle added, "CEMBUREAU and its members invite governments to engage with our sector on a full value chain approach to decarbonisation – as outlined in our 5C campaign – on the crucial role of the cement industry in the circular economy, and on innovation projects that are instrumental to lowering our emissions."

Meanwhile, Víctor García Brosa, Oficemen president, said: "Innovation in the manufacture of novel low-carbon cements and the widespread use of waste derived fuels are two keys to achieve an immediate reduction in the CO₂ emissions of the Spanish cement industry. The replacement rate of fossil fuels by waste derived fuels in Spain is only 27 per cent very far from countries such as Austria, Germany or Norway with percentages above 60 per cent."

In addition, Maria José Garcia, FICEM executive director, said, "In Latin America and the Caribbean,  the industry and FICEM are developing Roadmaps for a low-carbon economy, adhering to the global guidelines of the cement industry, being the main key topics, to reduce clinker factor and increase co-processing; however our industry, due to the high climate vulnerability of the region, focusses its efforts on adaptation, promoting resilient and sustainable construction."