The cement-concrete-construction value chain
has seen positive momentum on lowering emissions
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking the first time what has
been referred to as a "hard to abate emissions sector" has come
together to call for a unified approach toward decarbonization, the
Portland Cement Association's (PCA) Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality
celebrates one year of progress.
With the demand for infrastructure never greater, it's vital for
the built environment to advance in a fashion that is sustainable
and climate adapted. This need spotlights the importance of the
progress PCA – representing America's cement manufacturers -- has
made on its efforts to reduce emissions. The U.S. cement
industry's ambitious plan incorporates the entire
cement-concrete-construction value chain, vital for producing
lasting change.
"I'm proud that our industry is taking this on," said
Mike Ireland, President and CEO of
PCA. "Together we've made progress on a bold yet achievable pathway
to carbon neutrality. We are creating a win-win scenario to meet
demand for durable infrastructure that also has a low carbon
footprint, which will result in a more sustainable and resilient
world for the next generation."
Notable achievements in the past year across the value chain
include:
- Multiple cement manufacturers in the U.S., with support from
the Department of Energy, have begun pilot projects around emerging
technologies that capture carbon before it is emitted and reusing
it for another purpose or storing it – commonly referred to as
carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS).
- Increased acceptance and use of portland limestone cement
(PLC), a product that reduces the carbon footprint of concrete by
about 10 percent. In addition to private building projects, PLC has
been approved by 44 state departments of transportation, some of
the largest consumers of cement.
- Growing consumer demand for sustainable concrete, with
companies specifying low-carbon materials for major construction
projects as part of their own sustainability goals.
"Through this Roadmap, we are creating a built environment
that is durable and also sustainable," said Ron Henley, President, GCC of America and
Chairman of PCA. "We are demonstrating that the cement and concrete
industry can address climate change, reduce greenhouse gases, and
eliminate barriers that are restricting environmental
progress."
The industry is pushing innovation and calling on stakeholders
for more collaboration. As legislators and regulators have a role
to play in the Roadmap, PCA is working with Congress and federal
agencies to maximize the benefits of the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, both of which provide
significant funding for the clean technologies the cement industry
requires to reduce emissions.
PCA is also advocating for the modernization of existing
legislation – such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act –
to accelerate cement and concrete's path to carbon neutrality, and
ensure concrete made with cement remains the sustainable building
material of choice.
"Everything we do is thanks to concrete – all of our schools,
roads, airports and hospitals have their foundations in concrete,"
said Filiberto Ruiz, President and
CEO, Votorantim Cimentos North America and Vice Chairman of PCA.
"If consumers demand low-carbon cement and concrete, we can
accelerate research and production."
PCA's comprehensive approach will allow for the industry to
continue aligning with private partners, government, industry and
technology leaders on solutions, regulations and policy changes,
empowering the industry and others to realize this shared societal
mission.
View the cement industry's full Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality
here.
For more information on cement and concrete click here, and to
explore the Shaped by Concrete campaign, visit
www.shapedbyconcrete.com.
The Portland Cement Association (PCA), founded in 1916,
is the premier policy, research, education, and market intelligence
organization serving America's cement manufacturers. PCA members
represent the majority of U.S. cement production capacity, having
facilities across the country. The association promotes safety,
sustainability, and innovation in all aspects of construction,
fosters continuous improvement in cement manufacturing and
distribution, promoting economic growth and sound infrastructure
investment. For more information, visit www.cement.org.
Media Contact: Remi
Braden, rbraden@cement.org,
202-235-4163
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SOURCE Portland Cement Association