nl
NL
Netherlands
nl-NL
nl_inst_classes
inst
Institutional
nl
nl
Inzichten

ESG Viewpoint: The challenges of realising zero-carbon cement

Can cement emissions be curbed, while still allowing for crucial infrastructure growth?

After water, concrete is the most consumed material globally, due to its utility, abundance, and low cost. Cement acts as the binder between fine rocks (aggregates) in the formation of concrete and, though it only makes up about 10% of the mix, it is responsible for nearly all of concrete’s CO2 emissions.

Globally, the production and use of cement is responsible for about 7% of CO2 emissions and generates the largest emissions per dollar revenue of all industrial emissions. In the coming decades the demand for cement is expected to grow, largely due to the expansion of urban areas and public infrastructure, particularly in emerging economies. Between 2015 and 2021 the global carbon intensity of cement increased by about 1.5% annually. This is far off the IEA’s net zero pathway, which sees the carbon intensity of cement decrease by 3% every year until 2030.

Significant investment is needed by cement companies to address these challenges. Yet the sector’s high carbon intensity may make it more difficult to raise the capital required, as investors looking to achieve portfolio decarbonisation goals could be tempted to cut their carbon footprint by re-allocating to other sectors with fewer challenges. A net zero approach that allows continued investment in cement players with clear net zero strategies is required to achieve real-world results, which is the aim of the net zero strategy we have tailored and adopted at Columbia Threadneedle Investments.

Interested in learning more?

Europe’s cement producers are committed to net zero – but are their plans ambitious and achievable?  We’ve been engaging with the cement sector to better understand the challenges companies are facing and discuss how businesses can transform their operations to deliver this critical material sustainably. Download the full ESG Viewpoint to discover more.

10 maart 2023
Albertine Pegrun Haram
Albertine Pegrum-Haram
Climate Change Analyst
Share article
Belangrijkste onderwerpen
Gerelateerde onderwerpen
Listen on Stitcher badge
Share article
Belangrijkste onderwerpen
Gerelateerde onderwerpen

Risk Disclaimer

Views and opinions have been arrived at by Columbia Threadneedle Investments and should not be considered to be a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any companies that may be mentioned.

The information, opinions, estimates or forecasts contained in this document were obtained from sources reasonably believed to be reliable and are subject to change at any time.

Engagement efforts outlined in this Viewpoint reflect the assets of a group of legal entities whose parent company is Columbia Threadneedle Investments UK International Limited and that formerly traded as BMO Global Asset Management EMEA. These entities are now part of Columbia Threadneedle Investments which is the asset management business of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Engagement and voting services are also executed on behalf of reo® clients.

Gerelateerde inzichten

1 juli 2025

Joe Horrocks-Taylor

Vice President, Sustainable Research

Electric Vehicle transition: poised to move through the gears

With cost parity on the horizon, we expect the adoption of electric vehicles to accelerate. We explore the key drivers and related investment opportunities.
2 juni 2025

Discover 25 years of reo® leadership

Explore how reo® has shaped corporate behaviour and achieved over 5,170 milestones through engagement with 6,454 companies since 2000.
3 april 2025

Natalia Luna

Senior Investment Analyst, Sustainability Research

Nuclear power(ing up) – opportunities for investors

We project that a powering up of the nuclear sector will result in a $550 billion investment opportunity over the next decade.
3 juli 2025

Jitzes Noorman

Delegated CIO & Investment Strategist

Macro & Markten & CMA update juli 2025

Juli kan een turbulente maand worden gegeven de Taks Bill deadline op 4 juli en het aflopen van 90 dagen uitstel van de ‘reciprocal’ tarieven op 9 juli. Lees meer in de nieuwste editie van de Macro, Markten & CMA update.
1 juli 2025

In Credit Weekly Snapshot – June 2025

Our fixed income team provide their weekly snapshot of market events.
1 juli 2025

Joe Horrocks-Taylor

Vice President, Sustainable Research

Electric Vehicle transition: poised to move through the gears

With cost parity on the horizon, we expect the adoption of electric vehicles to accelerate. We explore the key drivers and related investment opportunities.
true
true

Risk Disclaimer

Views and opinions have been arrived at by Columbia Threadneedle Investments and should not be considered to be a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any companies that may be mentioned.

The information, opinions, estimates or forecasts contained in this document were obtained from sources reasonably believed to be reliable and are subject to change at any time.

Engagement efforts outlined in this Viewpoint reflect the assets of a group of legal entities whose parent company is Columbia Threadneedle Investments UK International Limited and that formerly traded as BMO Global Asset Management EMEA. These entities are now part of Columbia Threadneedle Investments which is the asset management business of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Engagement and voting services are also executed on behalf of reo® clients.

Misschien vindt u dit ook interessant

Over ons

Miljoenen mensen over de hele wereld laten het beheer van hun geld aan Columbia Threadneedle Investments over. We beheren de beleggingen van particuliere beleggers, financieel adviseurs, vermogensbeheerders, verzekeringsmaatschappijen, pensioenfondsen en andere instellingen.

Fondskoersen en vergoedingen

Columbia Threadneedle Investments heeft een uitgebreid aanbod aan beleggingsfondsen, passend bij uiteenlopende doelstellingen.

Beleggingsbenadering

Uw succes staat bij Columbia Threadneedle hoog in het vaandel. De spil van onze ambitie om consequent successen te boeken voor onze cliënten is onze opvallend unieke beleggingsbenadering, waarbij vier beloften centraal staan.

Bevestig een enkele gegevens over uzelf om toegang te krijgen tot uw voorkeuren

*Verplichte velden

Er is iets mis gegaan, probeer het alstublieft nogmaals

Dank je. U kunt nu naar uw voorkeurencentrum gaan om te kiezen welke inzichten u per e-mail wilt ontvangen.

Ga naar uw voorkeurencentrum om te bekijken en bij te werken welke inzichten u van ons per e-mail ontvangt.