São Paulo, Brazil, April, 3 rd , 2019 – IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, supported the National Cement Industry Union (SNIC) and the Brazilian Portland Cement Association (ABCP) in the development of the Cement Technology Roadmap, a document that outlines the ambition and guidelines to contribute to the reduction of CO 2 emissions in the Brazilian cement industry divided into two phases, one stage by 2030 and a second by 2050.
The roadmap, launched today, was developed in partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI) of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and a select group of scholars from renowned universities and research centers in the country, under the technical coordination of the emeritus professor and former minister José Goldemberg (USP).
The study suggests alternatives to further reduce already comparatively low CO 2 emissions of the national cement industry. Furthermore, it identifies barriers and bottlenecks that limit the adoption of public policies and regulations capable of boosting the reduction of emissions in the short, medium, and long term.
"The Brazilian cement industry has one of the lowest rates of CO 2 emissions in the world, on account of actions that have been implemented in recent decades, and we want to continue leading this process in the future," says Paulo Camillo Penna, president of the National Cement Industry Union (SNIC) and the Brazilian Portland Cement Association (ABCP).
While cement production increased 273 % between 1990 and 2014 (from 26 to 71 million tons), the carbon emission curve grew 223 % in this period, a reduction of 18% in specific emissions (from 700 to 564 kg CO 2 /t cement). In turn, the Roadmap envisions the possibility of the industry reaching levels of around 375 kg CO 2 /t cement by 2050, a reduction of 33 % compared to current values.
"Brazil is on the right track to decarbonize its cement value chain, adopting best practices in energy efficiency, use of alternative fuels, renewable energy, and innovative cement and concrete products," says Michel Folliet, IFC Chief Industry Specialist .
The Cement Technology Roadmap analyzes a series of measures to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. "The industry recognizes the challenges in cement and concrete production and has worked hard over many years to find solutions. There are several important innovations already underway that will contribute to the reduction of global CO 2 emissions and producing cement in a sustainable way. We are fully committed to moving towards a sustainable future," says Claude Loréa, director of the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) and an expert on sustainability in the cement industry.
In addition to co-financing the initiative, IFC has also contributed with its international experience – gained through the financing of more than 302 projects in the cement sector in about 77 countries, in the last nearly 60 years – to produce two of the project's technical studies: Energy Efficiency and the Use of Alternative Fuels.
IFC’s present portfolio includes 16 investments and 10 advisory projects in cement, in 20 countries. IFC has already invested more than US$ 7.1 billion in the sector globally, and US$ 2.1 Billion in Latin America alone.
About IFC
IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in the toughest areas of the world. In fiscal year 2018, we delivered more than $23 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org
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