Three new cement players join forces with GCCA in global effort to reach net zero

Three more companies from around the world have become members of leading industry body, the Global Cement and Concrete Association, demonstrating their commitment to reaching net zero by 2050, in line with the GCCA Industry Roadmap for Net Zero Concrete.    

The GCCA and its member companies represent more than 80% of the global cement industry outside of China, as well as some leading China players. Together, they are leading efforts to reduce and eliminate the industry’s CO₂ emissions, with operations in almost every country across the globe.   

Welcoming the GCCA’s three latest members, Thomas Guillot, GCCA Chief Executive said: “Concrete is the second most-used material on earth after water. It’s in everything from houses and hospitals to major infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels. 

“As John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate recently said, “concrete is essential to the world, but we have to reduce its emissions.”   

“I am delighted to welcome GCCA’s newest members from such different parts of the world, joining our global decarbonisation mission.”  

Although the cement and concrete industry currently accounts for up to 7% of global CO₂  emissions, its latest verified data shows a 22% CO₂ reduction per-tonne of cement-based products since 1990, with a 2% drop in the last year.  

PT Solusi Bangun Indonesia Tbk operates four cement plants, producing about 14.8 million tonnes of cement per year.  

Oepoyo Prakoso, Corporate Environment and Sustainability Manager from PT Solusi Bangun Indonesia Tbk said: “We know how much cement and concrete is in demand across Asia and the world. But we also recognise the need to reduce our industry’s global carbon footprint. 

“By working together within the GCCA, we expect to exchange best practices and possible collaboration opportunities to ensure we achieve our carbon reduction commitments.”  

Fletcher Building Limited is a manufacturing and construction company, employing 14,500 people across New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific, and one of the largest listed companies in New Zealand. 

Nick Traber, CEO of Concrete Division Fletcher Building said:“We are delighted to become the first Australasian company to become a full member of the Global Cement and Concrete Association and sign up to the net zero roadmap. Our low carbon cement is a prime example of where our industry can reduce its environmental impact.”  

The third newest member of the GCCA is Norm Cement in Azerbaijan, Norm Cement operates the largest cement plant in the South Caucasus with a production capacity of 5,300 tons of clinker per day and 2.1 million tons of cement per year. 

Henning Sasse CEO from Norm Cement said: “As the largest cement plant in the South Caucasus, we are pleased to be joining the GCCA, and look forward to working with the association, fellow members and the global cement and concrete industry to achieve net zero concrete as quickly as possible.”