Cement industry calls on startups to join net zero race

Startups in the UK and across the world are urged to join the global cement and concrete industry to develop new materials and ingredients for low carbon concrete. 

The call comes from the Global Cement and Concrete Association, which today told Net Zero Investor it has launched an Open Challenge partnership program, inviting startups to help the sector on its path towards net zero, primarily by coming up with new cost-effective materials and ingredients for low carbon concrete.

"Innovation can help further unlock the delivery of low carbon concrete by reducing the amount of clinker used - the carbon intensive element of cement - or by using the most cutting-edge manufacturing processes," the GCCA said.

"Alternative materials, including construction and demolition waste, can result in much lower CO₂ emissions than concrete made in the traditional method, as well as reduce the need to use virgin raw materials," it explained.

Partnership

The global challenge matches start-up companies with some of the world’s leading cement and concrete manufacturers, who operate in almost every country across the world, to work on initiatives to cut emissions and pioneer environmental change across the industry, the organisation clarified.

The GCCA and its members account for 80% of global cement production capacity outside of China, as well as some key Chinese manufacturers. 

Member companies have committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating CO₂ emissions in concrete, which currently account for around 7% globally, through implementation of the GCCA’s Concrete Future 2050 Net Zero Roadmap – the first heavy industry to set out such a detailed plan, the group claimed.

“We’re calling on the best and the brightest from around the world to join us in the urgent fight to limit global warming and help towards delivering the great prize of net zero concrete," said Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the GCCA.

"If you are a start up from Austria to Australia, from Brazil to Bangladesh, with an innovative idea or technology, then we want to hear from you.”

“Concrete is the second most used substance on earth after water and is a vital part of our modern infrastructure. The GCCA and all our members are working hard to reduce emissions. And start-ups can play a big role in helping us to do that.”