PCA plan to pursue carbon neutrality by 2050

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) put forth an industry-wide ambition to reduce carbon emissions and further address the impacts of climate change.

As PCA members continue to drive down the carbon intensity of their operations and products, PCA will develop a roadmap by the end of 2021 to facilitate its member companies achieving carbon neutrality across the concrete value chain by 2050.

Industries, environmental groups and local governments across the U.S. are increasingly working to mitigate the effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future, according to PCA.

“As the second-most-used material on earth and a cornerstone of our economy, we understand the critical role cement and concrete play in our nation’s future, and we are committed to an industry-wide effort that achieves carbon neutrality,” says Tom Beck, chairman of the Portland Cement Association and president of Continental Cement. “We look forward to proactively working with stakeholders across the built environment, policymakers and environmental groups toward this ambitious target.”

Pursuing carbon neutrality

According to PCA, concrete provides energy efficiency and lower lifecycle costs. It is also long lasting, durable and stands up against and provides resilience following natural and manmade disasters.

By continuing to drive down emissions and striving for carbon neutrality, PCA says cement manufacturers are expanding the positive impact that concrete has on communities.

“For decades, cement manufacturers have undertaken efforts to aggressively address their environmental footprint,” says Rick Bohan, vice president of sustainability at the Portland Cement Association. “Developing a roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050 further demonstrates our industry’s commitment to be a part of the solution and tackle this global issue.”

PCA’s roadmap will identify how to address the challenges that stand in the way of driving down emissions to achieve carbon neutrality, such as developing advanced technologies to reduce energy consumption, and developing and adopting regulations to allow for such technologies.

“Cement and concrete have been pivotal in building resilient communities that enable people to live safe, productive and healthy lives via structures that withstand natural and manmade disasters,” says Mike Ireland, president and CEO of PCA. “Our members are committed to delivering products that meet those needs, as well as drive down emissions and achieve the industry’s environmental goals.”

According to PCA, the cement and concrete industry has reduced energy consumption by 35 percent and emissions intensity by 11 percent since 1990. Company improvements also led to the increased use of alternative fuels, such as industrial byproducts that otherwise would end up in landfills, PCA says.