By 2050 it is expected that the cement and concrete industry will be able to adjust to its activity towards decarbonization, as indicated by Ricardo Pareja, director of Innovation and Climate Action of the Inter-American Cement Federation (FICEM), during Climate Week of Latin America and the Caribbean 2023.

Couple shared revealing statistics and a detailed chronology of the actions undertaken by the industry to measure and reduce CO2 emissions, including the presentation of the Net Zero 2050 roadmaps.

He also highlighted the efforts and the constant evolution of the sector towards sustainability, from the implementation of reportability protocols in 2010 to the alignment with the most recent reports on climate change in 2020.

“We are facing a relevant challenge and from FICEM we are leading the sustainable transformation in the cement and concrete industry. The demand for cement is expected to grow by more than 70% by 2050 in a BAU scenario, which drives us to act proactively and transformatively,” Pareja said.

In addition, the director also stressed the importance of fossil fuel substitution, comprehensive education throughout the value chain, and the implementation of sustainable construction practices to achieve the objectives of decarbonization.

Meanwhile, María José García, executive director of FICEM, reiterated the commitment of the sector, stating that they are committed to sustainability, since decarbonization is not only possible, but is viable and necessary and promising results are already being shown and will continue to work to meet the commitments for 2030 and beyond.