GCCA launches ‘Innovandi – the Global Cement and Concrete Research Network’

It aims to decisively build on the industry’s sustainability progress, such as achieving an 18.3% reduction in CO₂ per tonne of cementitious product since 1990 and increasing the use of alternative fuels eight-fold in that same timeframe.

“Our industry is fully committed to taking action to reduce CO₂ emissions,” said Benjamin Sporton, CEO of the GCCA. “As such, Innovandi is an industry led initiative and will bring together the best minds from all corners of the cement and concrete world, academia, and business. Together, we will collaborate on a global scale and use our expertise to find new ways of working and developing effective innovations. This will help to ensure that concrete becomes the sustainable building material of choice for the future needs of the world.”

The network intends to research the areas of process technology (including the impact of co-processing, efficiency of clinker production, and implementation of CCUS/technologies) and products. This will include the impact of clinker substitutes and alternative binders in concrete, low carbon concrete technology, and improve the understanding of CO₂ reduction through re-carbonation.

“The industry has a long and proud history of innovation and R&S – whether from within the sector or through academic institutions,” said Wolfgang Dienemann, Director of Global R&D at HeidelbergCement and Co-chair of the GCCA Innovation Working Group. “However, Innovandi will accelerate that good work and bring smart thinking more closely together. Given the urgency of the challenge, it is the right thing to do and I am delighted that we are taking such a strong step forward by launching the Global Cement and Concrete Research Network.”

24 companies from across the cement and concrete industry, including cement and concrete manufacturers, admixture specialists, and equipment suppliers, have already committed to the initiative, with scientific institutions and additional companies set to join as its work begins.

As part of the new initiative, the GCCA also intends to establish an annual Innovandi global conference to promote collaboration on innovation and research in the sector. Going forward, it will be an integral part of the GCCA’s annual conference.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/10102019/gcca-launches-innovandi-the-global-cement-and-concrete-research-network/