Cemsuisse, which represents the cement industry in Switzerland, has set two dramatic targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from plants in that nation. The first goal, which relates to emissions from energy use, is to reduce emissions by 44.2% from 1990 levels by 2010. The second calls for a reduction of emissions related to the production process by an additional 30.3% during the same time frame. Use of alternative fuels will play a significant role in attempt to reach the first target.

The Association of Companies for the Reduction of The Greenhouse Effect (AERES) announced recently that three French cement manufacturers agreed to voluntary greenhouse gas emission reductions. The reductions are being made in conjunction with France's obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Lafarge will reduce emissions from its French cement facilities by 30.8% by 2010 from a 1990 baseline‥ It was not clear whether these reductions are to be measured in absolute terms or on a unit basis. The commitments of Vicat and Holcim France have not yet been made public. Progress towards achieving the goals will be monitored by AERES.