GCCA Unveils Maiden Carbon Rating System For Cement And Concrete

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has launched Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) for Cement and Concrete, a first-of-its-kind transparent global rating system that will enable cement and concrete to be identified based on their carbon footprints.

GCCA in a statement said the ratings system is designed to help customers prioritise sustainability when selecting construction materials by using a clear and intuitive AA to G scale.

GCCA Chief Executive, Thomas Guillot emphasised the role of cement and concrete in modern infrastructure and the urgency for transparency as demand for greener construction grows.

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He stated that the LCR system would enable stakeholders across the industry to make more informed, sustainable decisions and accelerate decarbonisation.

Inspired by systems like the European Union (EU) Energy Performance Certificates and the United States (US) Home Energy Rating System, the LCR offers a simple, adaptable framework that provides a clear visual indication of a material’s carbon impact.

Designed to be easily recognisable with a simple visual graphic that clearly indicates a product’s rating, the carbon rating system for cement and concrete provides consistency and comparability in which countries can adopt the global ratings as they are or adapt them if local carbon accounting differs from global norms.

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The LCR is flexible enough to be adopted globally or adjusted for local carbon accounting practices. It has been welcomed by international bodies like UNIDO, whose energy systems and decarbonisation unit chief Riccardo Savigliano called it a major step toward harmonising global standards for low-emission construction materials.

Industry players, including Bouygues Bâtiment International, praised the system’s simplicity and usability, noting it can empower on-site teams to manage the carbon footprint of materials more effectively.

The launch of this global rating system marks another milestone on the road to greater sustainability, with notable construction projects already demonstrating the use of lower carbon cement and concrete while the industry is making important progress.

-- BERNAMA