World Business Council for Sustainable Development

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) launched the Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI) in 1999, and then in 2002 the Agenda for Action, with six key areas forming the structure of this report. Within that agenda, action is being undertaken by the global cement industry over a five-year term.

The CIF is a Project Partner in the CSI, and member companies are committed to making an effective contribution. This involvement has included supporting the formation of common protocols for CO2 accounting, selection of fuels and raw materials for cement manufacturing, health and safety guidelines, community engagement and government interaction.

These protocols have been adopted by the Australian industry with local manufacturers made increasingly aware of issues affecting the industry internationally and strategies in operation elsewhere. The monitoring of research and development in technology and emission regulations has contributed significantly to the Australian industry’s efforts to ensure its standards are world class.

The four basic principles for the cement industry’s contribution to sustainable development are:

• Promoting quality of life
• Producing high-quality cement products for all types of construction projects, while protecting health and safety. Providing preferred employment opportunities and working with our local communities.
• Protecting ecosystems
• Actively preventing mining or related activities from systematically degrading natural systems beyond rehabilitation or recovery.

Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate

The Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate is a ground-breaking climate change approach bringing together key developed and developing countries on practical pro-growth, technology-driven efforts addressing increased energy needs and associated challenges, including those related to air pollution, energy security, and greenhouse gas intensities. The partnership is an important initiative that engages, for the first time, the key greenhouse gas emitting countries in the Asia Pacific region on practical clean development and climate action.

The Australian Government has provided the cement task force with inprinciple funding for 3 innovative projects to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Managing resources

Increasing the efficiency with which the industry uses energy and material resources, and identifying new ways to use by-products from other industries.

Reducing pollution

Minimising concentrations of polluting substances that are present in the air, ground, or water as a result of cement manufacturing activities.

Greenhouse Challenge

Reflecting the industry commitment to climate protection, the CIF has been a member of the Australian Government’s Greenhouse Challenge Plus program since 1997, re-committing in 2005 with new reduction targets out to 2012.

For more information, see climate protection

Environmental reporting

The Australian Government mandates annual reporting of emissions in the public National Pollutant Inventory (NPI). CIF members have combined their resources to improve accuracy in reporting across the industry, raising the usefulness of the NPI data base. The CIF has used an industry wide investigation into process emissions to further Australian Government work in verifying a national dioxins inventory.

The CIF will continue to support the development of the government’s National Implementation Plan for Persistent Organic Pollutants.

For more Information, see publications