Argos announces itself as part of Climate Ambition 2050 plan

Launched by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) on behalf of its member companies, the ambition statement represents a critical milestone for the industry. It is the first time it has come together globally to state a collective ambition for a carbon neutral future. The statement identifies the essential levers that will be required to achieving carbon neutral concrete, including: reducing and eliminating energy related emissions, reducing process emissions through new technologies and deployment of carbon capture, more efficient use of concrete, reuse and recycling of concrete and buildings, and harnessing concrete’s ability to absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere.

The climate ambition builds on the longstanding climate commitments and sustainability progress of GCCA member companies and affiliate associations across the world, setting out a global vision for the long-term sustainability of concrete, the vital building material that has shaped the modern world.

Dinah McLeod, GCCA Chief Executive said: “As we face the challenges for future generations and begin global economic recovery, concrete will be even more critical to building the sustainable world of tomorrow. That’s why we are making this commitment today, in order for our crucial industry to align with global targets, including the Paris Agreement.

Concrete has a vital role to play in addressing the need for sustainable communities and prosperity. It is a key ingredient of infrastructure, homes, clean water and community resilience as our climate changes. Crucially, it will also help facilitate the transition to clean/green energy. We believe this journey will be challenging but are fully committed to working together with our members, partners and stakeholders across the industry and supply chain to achieve this ambition.”

Juan Esteban Calle, CEO of Argos, added: "We are aware of the importance of concrete in closing gaps, improving the quality of life of millions of people and responding to the challenges presented by climate change and associated natural phenomena. For this reason, at Cementos Argos we are constantly seeking to improve our production processes and consolidate a portfolio that responds to these needs and allows us to continue positioning ourselves as allies of the future".

Argos has an Environmental Strategy from which the line of work on climate change is derived. Through this, the company develops projects aimed at the adaptation, mitigation and consolidation of business opportunities related to this phenomenon.

To achieve its goals of emission reduction and energy efficiency, Argos works in different projects within which the use of thermally activated clays stands out, an initiative that led the organisation to launch the Green Cement, an innovative product in which during the manufacturing process CO₂ emissions are reduced by up to 38 percent and energy consumption by 30%.

Argos also leads the industry with the project of biocrude production through CO₂ captured by microalgae, an initiative whose pilot plan is being implemented at the Cartagena Plant.

The concrete and cement industry is a key part of the construction sector, which accounts for 13% of global GDP, with a track record of taking climate action. This has included delivering a 19% reduction in CO₂ emissions per ton of cementitious material along with a ninefold increase in alternative fuel use since 1990.

Albert Manifold, GCCA President and Chief Executive of CRH plc said: “The 2050 Climate Ambition represents our industry’s commitment to further reducing emissions and ensuring that the vital product we provide can be delivered on a carbon neutral basis by 2050. There is a significant challenge involved in doing so and achieving alignment across our industry on a sustainable way forward is an important first step. We cannot however succeed alone and in launching our ambition statement we are also highlighting the need for our industry to work collaboratively with other stakeholders in support of our ambition for a more sustainable future.”

GCCA member companies are currently developing a 2050 concrete roadmap which will set out the detailed actions and milestones that the industry will enact in order to achieve its ambition. This will include working across the built environment value chain to deliver the vision of carbon neutral concrete in a circular economy, whole life context. The 2050 concrete roadmap is due to be published in the second half of 2021.

Anthony Hobley, Executive Director of the World Economic Forum’s Mission Possible Platform, which is working across different industries to help achieve a carbon neutral future, said: “Ambitious business and industry action-led leadership is vital to achieving the climate targets that the world needs to survive and thrive. We know that concrete is so important to many of the challenges humanity faces but we also know it needs to be delivered more sustainably. We are delighted by the important step of articulating the ambition for carbon neutral concrete and look forward to working with this industry collaboration to deliver the detailed pathway and tools necessary towards achieving a net-zero economy.”

As the world deals with the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis, the construction sector is playing an important role in economic recovery. The GCCA’s climate ambition statement demonstrates its commitment to helping build a more sustainable and safer future – recognising that the world needs cleaner and greener infrastructure.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/03092020/argos-announces-itself-as-part-of-climate-ambition-2050-plan/