Canada's Cement Industry Applauds B.C.'s Climate Leadership Plan

VANCOUVER, Aug. 19, 2016 /CNW/ - The Cement Association of Canada congratulates the province of British Columbia on the release of its Climate Leadership Plan today. Climate change is the single most important issue facing our society today and this plan lays the foundation for industries to play a major role in assisting government in meeting its 2050 targets. 

The cement industry welcomes the commitment of the B.C. government to mandate the use of Portland-Limestone Cement (PLC) in concrete used in the construction of public infrastructure projects. This commitment will provide a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, when compared to the use of regular Portland cement. 

"With today's release of the B.C. Climate Leadership Plan, the Province of British Columbia has laid out a framework to work collaboratively with individuals, local governments, business and industry in finding ways to address climate change," said Michael McSweeney, President and CEO of the Cement Association of Canada. "The cement industry in British Columbia is a leader in innovation. Our development and use of a lower greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity cement, Portland-Limestone cement, reduces GHG emissions by 10 percent. This is just one example of our commitment to help address climate change, and we look forward to engaging the province in keeping our industry competitive while fostering further innovation to lower our environmental footprint."

The B.C. Climate Leadership Plan encourages industries to look at new technologies and innovation for the built environment, with a focus on energy efficient buildings, infrastructure upgrades and less waste to landfills. The cement industry will continue to be a vocal advocate for the introduction of policies that protect emissions-intensive, trade-exposed (EITE) industries from carbon leakage and ensure that the B.C. cement industry can remain competitive while reducing GHGs.

About the Cement Association of Canada

The Cement Association of Canada (CAC) is the voice of Canada's cement manufacturers. The industry provides a reliable, domestic supply of cement required to build Canada's communities and critical infrastructure. The CAC and its members are committed to the environmentally responsible manufacturing of cement and concrete products. CAC's members are: Ciment Québec Inc., Colacem Canada, CRH Canada Group, Essroc Italcementi Group, Federal White Cement Ltd., Lafarge Canada Inc., Lehigh Hanson Canada and St Marys Cement – A Votorantim Cimentos Company. Within B.C., Lafarge and Lehigh operate cement production facilities in Richmond, Delta and Kamloops. The cement and concrete industry's contribution to the Canadian economy is estimated to be $82 billion in direct and indirect impact and 170,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs.

SOURCE Cement Association of Canada

For further information: Tejindar (TJ) Parhar, Senior Director, Government and Public Affairs - Western Canada, Cement Association of Canada, [e-mail], T: 250-818-0629; Lyse Teasdale, Director, Communications, Cement Association of Canada, [e-mail], T: 613-236-9471, ext 211