GCCA Unveils Global Low Carbon Rating System for Cement and Concrete

Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) established a global Low Carbon Rating (LCR) scheme aimed to enpower the building industry into sustainable path. In light of mounting global demand for sustainable infrastructure, the LCR system gives an operational system of identification and acquisition for low-carbon concrete and cement. By the scheme, governments, planners, contractors, architects, and contractors will be enabled to make rational choices that reduce destroying the environment.

The building construction sector involving cement and concrete is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases globally. Cement manufacturing alone responsible for emitting some 7% of global carbon emissions, going green became imperative. The new rating system addresses this on the nose by establishing a systemic approach to evaluating and comparing the carbon footprint of cement and concrete products.

The LCR system rates products AA to G. AA represents very low carbon emissions, and G represents high emissions. This allows individuals to quantify readily building material environmental performance in a way that is comparable to widely used appliance energy rating schemes. The clarity and simplicity of LCR design ensure accessibility to different segments of the building industry, such as private developers and public procurement agencies.

The primary goal of the LCR program is to promote carbon content transparency in building products. As green building becomes increasingly popular, stakeholders are increasingly eager to determine methods of quantifying and reducing their buildings' carbon footprint. The system's consistency allows stakeholders to compare products within numerous markets and geographies, despite where they were made, and still reach similar conclusions about sustainability.

Besides, the LCR system is adaptable to different national and regional carbon measurement units. This makes the system applicable for wider geographic application and in accordance with prevailing carbon reporting standards. The system can be incorporated into policy and procurement specifications by governments to stimulate the industry to shift towards low-carbon alternatives.

The launch of the LCR is a part of GCCA's ambitious net zero strategy for cement and concrete. It complements global decarbonisation efforts and is a benchmarking tool that links material producers to sustainability objectives. The rating model not only helps producers of goods who want to certify their innovations, but also enables end-consumers to choose accordingly in line with climate objectives.

As green building becomes increasingly popular, an open and logical instrument like the LCR can be able to direct market forces in addition to purchasing intentions. With developers and architects now being able to include emissions data in the planning process, this system can be able to foster greater responsibility, stimulate environmental building material creativity, and propel the construction sector towards low-carbon momentum.

The GCCA project aligns with ongoing collaborations and industry activity towards decarbonisation and circular construction. Launch of the LCR system should ease procurement selection and encourage more sustainable building in the public and private sectors.

Source/Credits:
Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), through KnowESG