Thomas Guillot, chief executive of the Global Cement & Concrete Association, discusses the CEO Gathering & Leaders Conference, which examined the road to net zero cement
Concrete and cement are not just fundamental to constructing roads, bridges and buildings but fundamental to building a better world. And we have no time to lose.
Those are the words of the UN general secretary António Guterres as he addressed the opening of the Global Cement & Concrete Association’s CEO Gathering & Leaders Conference in Zurich in June.
It was the start of a two-day programme of informed debate, a leading line-up of speakers and the fruitful sharing of insights and ideas as GCCA members, affiliates and guests explored how best to deliver our shared goal of net zero concrete by 2050.
Nearly 200 industry leaders from across the globe had travelled to Zurich for what promised to be the GCCA’s biggest gathering since our launch nearly five years ago.
Over two days, a record 180 participants attending our conference listened intently to presentations from a world-class line-up of speakers, including UN high-level representatives, national government ministers, industry leaders, experts in the built environment, academics and, of course, many of our association’s own CEOs, about their pioneering work on decarbonising our industry.
The venue was the new Circle Convention Centre next to the city’s airport – an impressive modern concrete design with high white columns supporting the roof and creating a magnificent triangular-like meeting space.
Concrete is the most used substance on Earth after water and during our discussions, we explored its essential role in the built environment, our transition to net zero, the need for innovation and new technologies, and the role governments can and must play to help us achieve our joint mission.
It was great to see so many CEOs, leaders and friends who had taken time out from running their companies – huge and complex operations – to attend and discuss the industry’s future.
Chatting to our members between sessions, it was clear how much they valued the opportunity to share ideas and best practice, and how our net zero mission is the key priority for our industry.
Redoubling efforts for net zero cement
As GCCA chief executive, my message at the start of our conference had been clear: that we must redouble our efforts to reach net zero and that every manufacturer in our sector, who has not yet done so, should join our pledge to eliminate emissions by 2050.
But it is also clear that governments need to work with our essential industry to deliver the right policy frameworks.
During our conference, we heard from many leaders of our member companies around the world about their experiences of decarbonising. We explored the essential role of concrete, its amazing potential for building design and discussed the need for sustainable new homes to meet UN’s SDGs. We heard calls for more collaboration between industry and key players, including NGOs and the scientific community.
We heard from the customer perspective and how companies have targets for delivering low-carbon concrete, in partnership with suppliers.
We explored how the transition to net zero can be financed and the importance of innovation and technology in helping our industry reach net zero cement by 2050, with speakers including Jean Pierre Danthine, economist and former deputy chairman at the Swiss National Bank.
New materials and policies
It was great to hear about work to develop new materials for low-carbon concrete and the work to advance CCUS. The GCCA is proud of its work driving innovation, working with start-ups through its Innovandi Open Challenge and the expertise of researchers and academics involved in the Innovandi Global Cement & Concrete Network (GCCRN.)
And we discussed the need for governments around the world to develop policies, with contributions from ministers in the Canadian government. Canada has recently signed an agreement with Heidelberg Materials to develop a large-scale carbon capture and storage system for the production of green cement.
Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry, told those gathered: “Let’s seize the moment, let’s be ambitious and together, let’s make green concrete and cement a reality of tomorrow’s economy.”
Perhaps I should leave the final thoughts to Catherine McKenna, Canada’s former climate minister and chair of the UN’s High-Level Expert Group on Net Zero Emissions Commitments.
A keen swimmer, she was captain of her university team and reached the Canadian Olympic trails. She likened our road to net zero to competitive swimming. Have the long-term goal in mind, she told the audience, but every day take little steps to achieving it. That’s what the GCCA and our members are doing. And we will achieve our goal.
Thomas Guillot
Chief executive
Global Cement & Concrete Association
Tel: +44 (0)20 3580 4268
