GCCA heads to world climate change conference – COP24

Underlines cement and concrete’s commitment to climate action

The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) today joins governments, climate groups and campaigners from around the world as they gather in Poland 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 heads to Poland for a number of face-to-face talks with key international stakeholders, including the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the International Emissions Trading Association.

Claude Lorea said: “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.

“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 will focus 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 towards a low carbon and energy efficient built environment.

A key discussion point for the GCCA at COP24 includes recarbonation – where concrete can play a role in taking CO2 out of the atmosphere – as well as potential important related measures for IPCC implementation.

Claude Lorea added: “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.”

The GCCA will be participating in a series of key events at a global and regional level where member companies and affiliates are participating, including at the India and EU Pavilions where CEMBUREAU, the European Cement Association and GCCA affiliate, will be presenting.

The GCCA will join the International Chamber of Commerce ‘Business and Industry Day’ program and the Global Climate Action industry event. The discussions will demonstrate how transformative action in industrial sectors can have huge impacts towards scaling up innovative low carbon solutions and creating a new circular economy for industry.

The recently launched GCCA, which represents cement producers form across the world, last month launched a global work program, sustainability charter and guidelines towards its commitment to a positive contribution on global sustainable development.