Earlier this month Ecocem launched a consultation document outlining a Carbon Reduction Roadmap for the Cement and Concrete Sector at the Convention Centre Dublin.
This roadmap is a response to the Government’s request for input into formulating a national roadmap in 2014 which will bring Ireland into line with the EU target to reduce CO2 emissions by 85% and transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050.
The cement and concrete sector is the largest manufacturing source of CO2 emissions in Ireland.Emissions are far too high and will remain so with current technologies and existing national policies. The sector is currently failing to meet the EU2050 carbon roadmap targets. Innovation, new technologies and effective public policy are essential to change this and to help decarbonise this sector.
The transition to a low-carbon cement and concrete industry will be a major source of new jobs in Ireland. Ecocem estimates 600 to 1,200 new jobs can result from the manufacture of low-carbon concrete for export markets within three to five years.
Everyone stands to gain from the transition to a low-carbon cement and concrete sector in Ireland.
The Carbon Reduction Roadmap for the Cement and Concrete Sector is a draft document and needs submissions, feedback, corrections and suggestions from industry to help shape it. The final document will represent the industry and be presented to Government early next year.