‘Building Our Sustainable Concrete Future – Accelerating and empowering the roadmap implementation
The GCCA held its first in-person gathering in three years, at the Whitley Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. It was an exciting opportunity, bringing together the senior leadership of our member companies in person – the first time since the start of the pandemic. A link to the full programme can be found [here].
Numerous high-level speakers spoke at the event, including Selwin Charles Hart (UN Special Advisor on Climate), Dr. Gernot Wagner (Professor, Author, Climate Economist), and Jennifer M. Granholm (Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy).
Net Zero Delivery – How do we accelerate & empower the roadmap implementation
The gathering was kicked off with warm welcomes by GCCA President, Jan Jenisch, and GCCA CEO, Thomas Guillot. Fascinating keynote speeches were also made by Selwin Hart and Dr. Gernot Wagner, setting the tone for the gathering.
The objective of these discussions was to build accountability and ownership for the roadmap delivery. They also focused on external collaboration and how we can work with partners to achieve our goals, with further presentations by Dr. Dominik von Achten (HeidelbergCement), Matt Rogers (MPP), and Harald Friedl (Climate Action Champions Team).
Challenges and Opportunities of the Built Environment
A hybrid public webinar was held in the afternoon, which discussed the required buildings, infrastructure, and cities of tomorrow, along with the role of cement and concrete in building sustainable and resilient communities around the world. The webinar can be viewed [here].
The session was moderated by Dr. Andrew Minson (GCCA), with speakers Diane Hoskins (Gensler), Aris Papadopoulos (Resilience Action Fund), and Jon Creyts (RMI).
CCUS: Making it Happen
The following session was led by Claude Lorea (GCCA), and aimed to bring urgency on the need to accelerate CCUS Development, and further discussion.
Brad Crabtree (Assistant Secretary for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management), Martha Guzzafame (BCG), and Bjørn Otto (OGCI) spoke at the session, A panel was also held, including James Mackey (OCGI).
Reception and Concrete in Life Gallery
Following the day’s session, a reception and formal dinner followed, along with a viewing gallery for the Concrete In Life 2021 Competition.
Roadmap Acceleration Programme
The second day of the CEO Gathering covered the alignment and delivery of the GCCA Work Program, as well as discussions and updates from each Working Group.
The day started with Thomas Guillot (GCCA CEO) outlining the future strategy of the GCCA, and the companies 2022/2023 initiatives.
The slide deck for this day, along with recordings can be found [here]. Please note – this content is accessible by GCCA members only.
Net Zero Roadmap Delivery – Working Group 4
These discussions were led by Andrew Minson (GCCA), along with Working Group 4 Co-Chairs Vicente Saiso (CEMEX), and Magali Anderson (Holcim).
Innovation – Working Group 5
Claude Lorea (GCCA) acted as moderator for these discussions, with Co-Chair Dr. Wolfgang Dienemann also presenting. Sui Tongbo, WKG5’s other Co-Chair, offered his apologies.
Policies, Advocacy, and Thought Leadership – Working Group 2
The presentations for Working Group 2 were moderated by Andrew Minson (GCCA), as well as Co-Chairs Enrico Borgarello (HeidelbergCement) and Martyn Kenny (Tarmac).
ESG – Working Group 6
Following lunch, Claude Lorea (GCCA) presented the Working Group 6 Discussions, with Co-Chairs Gina Lotito (GCC S.A.B. de C.V.) and Vishal Bhavsar (UltraTech).
Health and Safety – Working Group 1
Claude Lorea (GCCA) presented along with the Working Group 1 Co-Chairs: Richard Claydon (CEMEX) and Ana Paula Rodrigues (Secil).
Communications and Outreach – Working Group 3
Following a coffee break, Paul Adeleke (GCCA) presented an update on Working Group 3. Co-Chairs Donnchadh O’Leary (CRH) and Yves Böni (Holcim) also presented.
The second day of the CEO Gathering then came to a close.