Paris Accord prompts cement companies’ low-carbon production method audit

A new report from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI) focuses on technology availability and the need to scale up research and development that can help the cement industry mitigate its greenhouse gas emissions. In light of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement’s entry into force, CSI effected an in-depth review of its original technology papers from 2009, when the sector issued the first ever low-carbon technology roadmap in partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA).

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Cement companies dominate 2014 EPA Energy Star manufacturing roster

Sources: CP staff; Environmental Protection Agency

Twenty-seven portland cement mills and grinding operations are among 70 manufacturing sites to achieve EPA Energy Star certification for superior performance last year. Through energy management and efficiency initiatives, agency officials note, the entire group reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 8 million metric tons and cut power expenditures $725 million.

 
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Sustainability watchdog: Cement companies score on carbon, energy metrics

Sources: World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Geneva; CP staff

An external audit of the multinational producers behind the WBCSD Cement Sustainability Initiative finds high scores in two of seven key CSI Charter areas: 1) Carbon Dioxide and Energy Management and 2) Fuels and Materials Use. Emissions reduction and resource optimization have netted economic savings, improved waste recovery, and nurtured innovation.

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