Sustainability Report Sets Benchmark for New Zealand Concrete Industry

Concrete NZ has recently published the inaugural cement and concrete industry sustainability report, which across a range of metrics draws a clear line in the sand from where progress can be accurately measured.

Rob Gaimster, Concrete NZ chief executive, points out that along with last year’s 2050 Net-Zero Carbon Roadmap, the release of Sustainability Report for the Aotearoa New Zealand Cement and Concrete Sectors 2021/22 is another example of industry's commitment to fostering a sustainable future.

“The Sustainability Report is based on a conviction that to effectively address our environmental and social footprints, we must begin by measuring them with precision,” says Rob.

“Cement, concrete, and concrete product manufacturers in New Zealand have for several decades undertaken measures to reduce the industry's carbon footprint, improve water efficiency, incorporate recycled materials into concrete production, and safeguard our workforce.”

An updated independent review of industry’s efforts shows that carbon emissions from cement were reduced by 11 percent between 2005 and 2020, despite an 11 percent increase in production in that period.

“While we can take pride in our accomplishments, it's imperative that we pursue further enhancements.”

“The Sustainability Report outlines the industry's recent efforts across energy consumption and emissions, water use, waste management, as well as health and safety,” notes Rob.

“By collaborating with industry stakeholders, we have collected data to establish targets that propel us toward our sustainability objectives.

“We have also explored mechanisms for improvement and evaluated how concrete aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.”

The Sustainability Report’s significant lies in the fact that concrete is an essential construction material that has shaped the modern world, and is critical to building a sustainable tomorrow.

It will play an integral role in addressing the need for sustainable and thriving communities through the delivery of key infrastructure, homes, clean water, clean and renewable energy and by providing a more resilient built environment as the climate changes.

“The report covers the months spanning 2021-22 and establishes a foundation from which we will monitor our progress every two years,” says Rob.

“We have begun collecting data for the follow-up 2023 report, which once complete will be shared with stakeholders across the cement and concrete industry as well as the wider construction and infrastructure sectors.”