The International Industry Association for Sustainable Construction, Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has rolled out a first-of-its-kind global rating system for governments and other stakeholders to identify more sustainable cement and concrete.
Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) will help estimate the carbon footprint of cement and concrete production. As these materials are used widely in construction, making them more sustainable will reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry and help mitigate the climate crisis.
LCR employs a clear AA to G rating scale, where AA means very low carbon emissions and G means high emissions. This is similar to the energy labels on appliances in Europe and the US. The system has been designed in a simple manner so that it is easier for builders, architects, governments, and planners to understand, helping them make better choices for the planet when choosing building materials.
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The system’s principal objective is to increase transparency around the carbon impact of materials. At a time when sustainable buildings are in increasing demand owing to their benefits to the environment, stakeholders, including governments and builders, recognise the importance of understanding the carbon footprint of building materials.
The LCR system allows consistent comparison regardless of where the products come from. Countries can use the standards according to their carbon measurement rules, showing the system’s adaptability.
Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the GCCA, said: “Cement and concrete are the foundations of modern life – from the buildings we live and work in, to the roads we travel, and the infrastructure that supports clean water and green energy. As global demand for sustainable construction grows, the need for greater transparency around the carbon footprint of construction materials is more critical than ever.
“Our Low Carbon Ratings system supports more sustainable procurement practices and will empower the entire value chain to accelerate decarbonisation.”
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Source: GCCA
