GCCA holds first annual general meeting

The GCCA has set out a work programme, focusing on the following areas: positioning concrete as the sustainable building material of choice; promoting international best practice in the areas of safety, production, and the use of cement and concrete in the building environment; fostering innovation in the cement and concrete sectors; making a positive contribution to global sustainable development; and promoting the principles of a circular economy across the value chain.

GCCA member companies also ratified key deliverables at the AGM. CEOs from more than 30 companies attended the event.

Albert Manifold, Chief Executive of CRH, was confirmed as president of the GCCA and will serve for two years. In addition, Fernando A González, Chief Executive of CEMEX, and Jianglin Cao, Chief Executive of CNBM, were confirmed as vice presidents.

The meeting also confirmed the launch of a GCCA sustainability charter, with reporting guidelines for safety, CO₂ emissions, co-processing of waste, and water.

A symposium was also held, featuring a range of renowned speakers, who led a discussion on global trends in construction. The panellists were Michael Birshan (McKinsey & Co.), Elizabeth Heider (Skanska), and Haiyan Wang (China India Institute).

“The GCCA is an authoritative sector-wide voice; in just a short number of months it already represents 35% of global cement production,” said Manifold. “I have great pride in being confirmed as president at our inaugural AGM.

“As we continue to grow, the GCCA will provide leadership in the manufacture and use of cement and concrete. We look forward to shaping a sustainable future for cement and concrete, and demonstrating how our product can help build a better world.”

“We have taken a decisive step forward in setting our priorities and work programme,” said Benjamin Sporton, Chief Executive of the GCCA. “Sustainability, innovation, and recognizing the vital role of concrete in our lives and in tackling climate change will be at the heart of everything we do.
“Concrete is the enabler of critical buildings and infrastructure than enhance the way we live – safe and durable homes, roads, hospitals, clean water, effective wastewater management, as well as providing the vital structures for the clean energy of tomorrow.”

The meeting confirmed the growth of the organisation to 32 member companies and 9 affiliate organisations from across the world.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/26112018/gcca-holds-first-annual-general-meeting/