Cement Industry Launches Sustainability Initiative

At the June 2004 American Institute of Architects (AIA) national convention in Chicago, the Portland Cement Association (PCA) rolled out a sustainability initiative, “Concrete Thinking for a Sustainable World.” Part of PCA’s Cement Manufacturing Sustainability Program, the initiative will help the industry develop sustainability guidelines, educate architects and designers about the benefits of concrete in green building, and encourage more environmentally friendly cement manufacturing practices. In July, PCA’s executive committee strengthened their commitment to sustainability, setting a goal for cement plants to implement “auditable and verifiable” environmental management systems. PCA plans for 40% of U.S. plants to meet the goal by the end of 2006, 75% by the end of 2010, and 90% by the end of 2020.

The cement industry has increased its energy efficiency by 33% since the mid-1970s and in February 2003 pledged to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions