The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has unveiled the world’s first transparent, global Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) system for cement and concrete, marking a significant milestone in the drive toward more sustainable construction materials.
The new rating system allows cement and concrete products to be identified and compared based on their carbon footprints, using a clear and intuitive AA to G scale designed to help customers prioritise sustainability when selecting construction materials.
Inspired by established schemes such as the EU’s Energy Performance Certificates and the US Home Energy Rating System, the LCR is intended as a “simple, transparent, and adaptable tool” for builders, architects, governments, planners, and consumers worldwide.
The system’s easily recognisable visual graphic provides a straightforward indication of a product’s carbon rating, ensuring consistency and comparability across markets.
Countries can adopt the global ratings as they are or modify them to align with local carbon accounting standards.
Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the GCCA, said: “Cement and concrete are the foundations of modern life — from the buildings we live and work in, to the roads we travel, and the infrastructure that supports clean water and green energy.
“As global demand for sustainable construction grows, the need for greater transparency around the carbon footprint of construction materials is more critical than ever.”
“Our Low Carbon Ratings system supports more sustainable procurement practices and will empower the entire value chain to accelerate decarbonisation.”
The LCR system aims to incentivise the procurement of more sustainable building materials by providing much-needed transparency and trust.
It will help governments, businesses, and consumers identify and purchase lower-carbon cement and concrete, which are the world’s most used substances after water.
Industry leaders and sustainability experts have welcomed the move.
Riccardo Savigliano, Chief, Energy Systems and Decarbonisation Unit at UNIDO, commented: “This is a huge step forward towards harmonising global definitions for low-emission cement and concrete in the support of decarbonisation.”
Marlène Dance, Decarbonisation & Sustainable Design Expert at Bouygues Bâtiment International, added: “We believe a globally consistent carbon rating system — adopted by all countries and used by all concrete suppliers — would be a game changer.
“We see great value in a simple, user-friendly tool, tailored for construction teams.
“It will help empower our site crews to better understand and manage the carbon footprint of the concrete they use.”
Guillot further emphasised the system’s potential to drive industry transformation: “With this rating system in place, governments, policymakers and the private sector can now prioritise lower carbon cement and concrete in the procurement process, which will in turn further stimulate the industry’s focus on decarbonising these essential building materials.”
With major construction projects already showcasing the use of lower-carbon cement and concrete, the launch of the LCR system is set to accelerate the industry’s progress toward greater sustainability and decarbonisation.
