Cemfree reflects on COP28 and navigating the path to Net Zero

As COP28 comes to an end, the Cement Industry Net Zero Progress Report 2023, launched by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), takes centre stage, providing a comprehensive update on the global strides towards sustainable concrete production.

It shows that two years after the introduction of its Concrete Future 2050 Roadmap for Net Zero Concrete, the industry is making significant progress, with the current pathway demonstrating a commendable 23% decrease in carbon dioxide emission intensity of cement-related materials compared to 1990 levels. However, an alternative report, conducted by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) and also published on ‘Built Environment Day’ at COP28, shows that the industry is still not without its challenges.

The report launched by the GCCA evidences how the current pathway is proving effective in decreasing carbon dioxide levels in cement materials, and shows that together, the industry is further committed to accelerating the shift to green concrete by cutting CO2 emissions by a further 25% by 2030, and full decarbonisation by 2050.

The industry’s goal to cut its CO2 emissions by 25% in just seven years emphasises the necessity for accelerated development in legislation and standards to be able to adopt low-carbon technologies quicker. We believe that through united efforts and a shared responsibility, can we effectively achieve our net-zero targets and propel us into a more sustainable future.

The GCCA report also outlays multiple strategies to achieve carbon reduction targets including; the development of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), further use of alternative energy sources, an increase in innovative technology and alternative materials to make low carbon cement, encouraging projects to use non-recyclable and industrial waste as fuel for cement plants and lastly, rehabilitating local environments.

However, in stark contrast, the UKGBC’s report, published at the same time, and providing an update on the UK Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap reveals a significant lap in progress, exposing policy gaps and a shortfall in meeting the UK’s national net zero commitments.

The UKGBC discloses that between 2018 and 2022, carbon emissions from the UK built environment fell by only 13%, falling short of the 19% required to align with the country’s net-zero pathway. It means that the industry would have to make double the effort in the next two years to get back on track. This discrepancy emphasises the urgent need for collaborative efforts and a more holistic approach within the entire built environment and construction industry.

The positive strides made in the decarbonisation project areas of the roadmap deserve commendation. However, it is crucial to recognise that progress cannot be isolated to the concrete industry alone. Instead, a more comprehensive, industry-wide strategy is essential to drive significant change. This sentiment is especially pertinent as the GCCA report highlights a 22% increase in efficiency in design and construction, but only 9% savings on cement and binders. By collaborating as an industry and looking at more of a holistic towards design and materials, then we can achieving this combined 31% may be accelerated than if we were to focus on them as individual parts.

In reflecting on the outcomes of COP28 and the insights shared through the UKGBC and GCCA reports, it is clear we are at a pivotal moment in our industry’s journey towards sustainability. The decisions made at COP28 must mark the beginning of real change in industry standards, collaboration, and the widespread adoption of innovation.

As we move forward, Cemfree calls on the construction sector to hold itself accountable to the promises made at COP28 and beyond, as only through united efforts and a commitment to change can the industry truly achieve its net-zero aspirations and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals.