Source: Portland Cement Association

In his keynote address at Intercem Americas last week, Enrique Escalante, president/CEO of GCC of America and PCA chairman, discussed how the push for low-carbon building materials will affect the demand for cement products and how they are selected. The focus on sustainability means that decisions will be less technical and more driven by image and perception, he made clear. There will be less influence by engineers and architects, and more influence by owners, users, and the general public.

“We cannot shape the economic or regulatory climate,” said Escalante. “But we can shape our products to meet the demands of the new climate, and we can position our industry for this new climate.” He outlined four perspectives on the new climate for the cement industry:

• Improve energy efficiency
• Meet the demand for low-carbon, sustainable products
• Stress how concrete structures reduce greenhouse gases
• Communicate the value of our products and our industry to society

Intercem Americas opened in Atlanta, Ga., on December 2, with more than 150 delegates from 30 countries in attendance.  Established in 1985, Intercem is an international conference devoted to the trading, transportation, and handling of cement and related products.