Buzzi Unicem participates in CEMBUREAU’s low carbon economy project

The Role of Cement in the 2050 Low Carbon Economy

Buzzi Unicem is participating in CEMBUREAU’s “The Role of Cement in the 2050 Low Carbon Economy” project through AITEC, Italy’s cement industry association. The project aims to find ways to reduce cement sector CO₂ emissions through the use of current and future technologies. CEMBUREAU also hopes to find solutions to lower the amount of energy used when building with concrete. According to studies, concrete structures have up to a 75% lower energy consumption rate during their lifespan, so have real potential in reducing emissions if investments in new products and innovative applications are carried out.

Carbon Leakage Evidence Project

CEMBUREAU recently stated that it agreed with the emphasis Ecorys placed on high energy costs in Europe in its Carbon Leakage Evidence Project report. The report was carried out on behalf of the European Commission. The European Cement Association highlighted the impact that energy costs, in combination with falling demand and high labour costs, are having on the competitiveness of the European cement sector. ‘In this unfavourable competitive environment and in order to remain a strong contributor to Europe’s sustainability agenda, the cement industry needs a level and predictable playing field, and this starts with the need to keep its carbon leakage status to compete and restore its investment capacities,’ stated CEMBUREAU in its response to the Ecorys report. Despite a 40% y/y decline in cement production in 2012, the cement industry in Europe continues its efforts to minimise its carbon footprint through energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction projects.

Adapted from press releases by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/07112013/buzzi_unicem_participates_in_cembureau_low_carbon_economy_project_389/