Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Government of Canada has unveiled a comprehensive plan to decarbonize the global cement and concrete sector, targeting a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This strategic initiative focuses on five key themes:
- Definitions, standards, and certification
- Demand creation
- Collaboration, education, innovation, and scale-up of existing technology
- Finance and investment, and relevant ecosystem
- Landscape coordination
“Keeping the 1.5°C global temperature rise within reach requires creating clean technology opportunities across key polluting sectors, including cement and concrete,” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “That’s why we are supporting Thailand in its efforts to decarbonize its cement and concrete sector, as part of Canada’s commitment to the Breakthrough Agenda.
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the cement and concrete industry will unlock significant economic opportunities, all while helping meet pollution reduction goals.”
With a goal of building international cooperation to reduce the environmental impact of the cement and concrete industry – which currently accounts for about 7 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The plan is expected to make near-zero emission cement the preferred global market choice by 2030.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has announced an $8 million investment over three years (2023–2026) to support Thailand in improving climate governance and decarbonizing its cement and concrete sector. This funding aligns with Thailand’s national climate targets under the Paris Agreement.