Africa Newsroom — Brunei Darussalam, November 15, 2023 — The ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) has unveiled the “2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap,” marking a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
The roadmap, the first of its kind for the cement sector, was officially launched at the 46th AFCM Council Meeting in Brunei Darussalam. It aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by a cumulative 38 million tonnes by 2035, which is equivalent to planting over four billion native trees.
The roadmap is anchored on four strategic pillars. These include the expansion of low carbon cement through performance-based standards, the transition to clean and renewable energy across production processes, the deployment of advanced decarbonization technologies like carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and the development of new supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) to support next-generation low carbon cement products.
The AFCM, which includes member associations from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, recognizes that each country’s implementation pathway will vary based on its unique baseline conditions, energy mix, material availability, policy framework, and market maturity.
According to AFCM President, the roadmap is a call for collaboration and commitment from all member countries. “We are at a critical juncture where our collective actions will determine the future of our planet,” the President stated.
The launch of the roadmap comes at a time when the cement industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Reports indicate that the cement sector is one of the largest contributors to global CO₂ emissions, accounting for approximately 7% of total global emissions.
The roadmap’s strategic pillars are designed to address these challenges by promoting sustainable practices and innovation within the industry. The expansion of low carbon cement, for instance, is expected to significantly reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
The AFCM is also calling on governments and stakeholders to support the implementation of the roadmap through policies and incentives that encourage the adoption of sustainable practices. This includes providing funding for research and development of new technologies, as well as ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the transition to cleaner energy sources.
The AFCM’s initiative is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the cement industry in the ASEAN region. It demonstrates the commitment of the region’s cement manufacturers to take responsibility for their environmental impact and to contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Source: Panafricanvisions
