GCCA focusses on sustainability and concrete positioning

At its inaugural Annual General Meeting and Symposium, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), which represents cement and concrete producers from around the world, gathered in London today and set out its priorities and work programme with the specific aim of strengthening the sector’s contribution to sustainable construction.

The Global Cement and Concrete Association held its first AGM and set out its programme

to strengthen the sector's contribution to sustainable construction

The association’s work programme will focus on key priority areas such as:
• Position concrete as the sustainable building material of choice
• Promote international best practice in the areas of safety, production and the use of cement and concrete in the built environment
• Foster innovation in the cement and concrete sectors
• Make a positive contribution to global sustainable development
• Promote the principles of a circular economy across the value chain

Benjamin Sporton, CEO of GCCA, said: “Today we have taken a decisive step-forward in setting our priorities and work program. Sustainability, innovation, and recognising the vital role of concrete in our lives and in tackling climate change will be at the heart of everything we do.

“Concrete is the enabler of critical buildings and infrastructure that enhance the way we live – safe and durable homes, roads, hospitals, clean water, effective wastewater management, as well as providing the vital structures for the clean energy of tomorrow.”

In the accompanying symposium speakers lead a discussion on global trends in construction with panellists Michael Birshan (McKinsey & Company), Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Heider (Skanska) and Haiyan Wang (China India Institute).

Attended by CEOs of more than 30 companies, the event

combined the AGM with a symposium with renowned speakers

Attended by CEOs of more than 30 companies, GCCA’s AGM ratified key deliverables for the association, which was founded earlier in the year by leading cement and concrete companies from across the world. GCCA President, Albert Manifold, said: “The GCCA is an authoritative sector-wide voice, in just a short number of months it already represents 35 per cent of global cement production. I have great pride in being confirmed as President at our inaugural AGM.

“As we continue to grow, the GCCA will provide leadership in the manufacture and use of cement and concrete. We look forward to shaping a sustainable future for cement and concrete, and demonstrating how our product can help build a better world.”