Investment in construction boosts employment in the wider economy

The Concrete Initiative hosted a conference in Brussels this week, during which the findings of a study by La Bipe were revealed, showing that for every job created in cement and concrete within the construction industry, nearly three jobs are created in the wider economy.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Daniel Gauthier, President of CEMBUREAU, a leading member organisation of The Concrete Initiative said: “The cement and concrete industries add €56 billion to the European economy and provide jobs for more than a million people”. He continued: “Industry calls on the European Commission and the EU Member States to use the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) to promote infrastructure and sustainable construction projects to help create a better built environment for Europe’s citizens in the future and drive Europe’s economic recovery.”

The Le Bipe study also highlighted the key sectors where cement and concrete are used which in turn contribute to Europe’s low carbon economy. These include energy efficiency, transport infrastructure and sustainable construction.

“With the European Commission’s proposals on the circular economy expected to be released shortly, and in the context of the international climate change talks in Paris, it is important that cement, concrete and construction’s efforts to contribute to Europe’s low carbon economy are recognised,” said Koen Coppenholle, CEMBUREAU Chief Executive.

Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/19112015/investment-in-construction-boosts-employment-in-the-wider-economy-23/