One of the largest global sustainability programs ever undertaken by a single industry sector, the Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI), released its first progress report, three years after making its Agenda to Action public.

Representing more than half the world's cement production outside of China, the CSI report documents the delivery of pledges made in 2002, in particular on CO2 emissions, the use of fuels and raw materials, and occupational health and safety. Probably the most significant item reported is the creation of a protocol for measuring and reporting CO2 emissions from cement manufacturing, marking the first time an industry has adopted a voluntary and independently audited emissions protocol.

As well as individual actions undertaken by CSI members, other project common to the member companies include:

• A common emissions monitoring and reporting protocol for nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds, and particulates;

• A set of safety metrics that enables companies and plants to report accurately and consistently on health and safety issues;

• Guidelines for the use of fuels and raw materials; and

• An environmental and social impact process enabling companies and communities to work together during the development, operation, and closure of a cement facility.

The 16 cement companies that form the CSI are: Ash Grove Cement, Cemex/RMC Group, Cimpor, CRH, Gujarat Ambuja, HeidelbergCement, Holcim, Italcementi, Lafarge, Secil, Shree Cement, Siam Cement, Taiheiyo Cement, Titan, Uniland, and Votorantim. For more information and a copy of the CSI's Interim Progress Report, visit www.wbcsdcement.org