The cement and concrete industry supports our communities facing the realities of climate change with a stronger, sustainable infrastructure and is committed to working with partners to promote sustainable development initiatives that reduce the impact of production while providing sustainable building materials.
Portland Cement Association (PCA) member companies are committed to achieving carbon neutrality across the cement and concrete value chain by 2050. On behalf of the industry, PCA has developed a Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality which outlines the opportunities and actions needed. Learn more about our journey.
When cement is combined with water, sand and other crushed rocks to form concrete, it’s able to make buildings more energy efficient, roads more fuel efficient, and requires less maintenance over its lifetime versus other materials. In large cities, concrete reduces the urban heat island effect, lowering the amount of energy required for cooling large cities.
Concrete can be recycled, repurposed and re-used over time saving infrastructure resources and minimizing energy, time and money spent on new construction. Concrete’s sustainable characteristics can contribute to points toward the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) program.
What most people don’t realize is that concrete permanently captures carbon in the atmosphere in a process commonly referred to as carbon uptake, offsetting the emissions of cement manufacturing over the life of the structure.
Considered across their full lifecycle, cement and concrete contribute to a more efficient circular economy, securing a sustainable future that lasts for generations.