Portland-limestone cement (PLC), a new type of cement that reduces CO2 emissions by 10 per cent when compared to regular cement, has been approved for use in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, the Canadian Cement Association reports.

The cement industry applauds the Governments of British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec for their rapid approval of this new environmentally sustainable cement as it will contribute to lowering the industry’s carbon footprint not only during the manufacturing process, but also for the projects for which it is used.

The use of the new CO2-reducing cement will automatically be permitted in the remaining provinces when these jurisdictions update their regulations to reference the 2010 National Building Code, which is expected to occur by 2012.

"The introduction of this new cement in Canada reflects the industry’s strong commitment to being part of the climate change solution through innovation and is wholeheartedly embraced by our members and partners," said Cement Association of Canada President and CEO Michael McSweeney.  "We take this opportunity to thank the Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Housing (British Columbia), the Honourable Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Ontario), and the Régie des bâtiments du Québec for their speedy action in moving this important file forward in their respective jurisdictions and helping the cement industry reduce its environmental footprint in our country."

Once the market fully adopts this more environmentally friendly cement for all suitable concrete applications, the Canadian cement industry expects to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 900,000tpa- the equivalent to having 172,000 fewer cars on the road or planting more than 23 million trees a year.