What Findings Does the New Carbon Uptake Report Reveal About India's Cement Sector?
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Synopsis
The recently released Carbon Uptake Report by GCCA sheds light on India's cement sector's role in CO2 absorption. With significant implications for sustainability, this assessment reveals the urgent need for improved methodologies and integration into national climate frameworks. Explore the findings and future actions proposed to tackle emissions in this pivotal industry.
Key Takeaways
- The GCCA released the Carbon Uptake Report in New Delhi.
- It assesses CO2 uptake in concrete within the Indian context.
- The cement sector contributes approximately 7% of anthropogenic emissions.
- The report aims to integrate carbon uptake into national sustainability frameworks.
- Two new laboratories were inaugurated during the event.
New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has unveiled the India–NCB Carbon Uptake Report, which evaluates the CO2 uptake via carbonation in concrete within the Indian context, during an event held on Friday.
This report was launched in celebration of the 63rd Foundation Day of the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB) and employs the Tier-I methodology from the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute. It emphasizes that the cement sector accounts for approximately 7 percent of overall anthropogenic emissions, categorizing it as a hard-to-abate sector owing to CO2 emissions from limestone calcination.
The report proposes future strategies to enhance data reliability, refine estimation techniques, and facilitate the integration of carbon uptake into national sustainability and climate reporting frameworks. It will be forwarded to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for potential inclusion as a carbon sink in the National Communications (NATCOM) to the UNFCCC.
During this event, the Gypsum Board Testing Laboratory and the Micro-Characterisation Laboratory were inaugurated by Urmila, Economic Advisor of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), alongside Mohd. Kamal Ahmad, the Special Director General of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The gathering was honored with the presence of Dr. L. P. Singh, the Director General of NCB.
The Gypsum Board Testing Laboratory aims to address the quality assurance and standardization requirements of the gypsum board sector. In this regard, the Gypsum-Based Building Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024 was issued by DPIIT. The Micro-Characterisation Laboratory is outfitted with state-of-the-art analytical tools for an in-depth analysis of cementitious and construction materials.
Urmila praised the NCB for its consistent contributions to research, technology innovation, quality assurance, and capacity enhancement, which have adapted to the changing needs of the cement industry. Ahmad also commended the NCB for its role in advancing sustainable construction practices in India through its research initiatives.
NCB serves as the apex research and development body under the DPIIT, focusing on research, technology innovation, education, and industrial services for the cement and construction sector.
Anthropogenic emissions are pollutants, particularly greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide, released into the atmosphere due to human activities, including fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, deforestation, and agriculture. These emissions significantly contribute to climate change and environmental challenges.
The term 'anthropogenic' refers to emissions stemming from human actions, as opposed to natural sources, and constitutes the primary driver of current global warming.
Point of View
This report underscores the crucial intersection of sustainability and the cement industry in India. As a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the sector's proactive steps towards carbon uptake and improved methodologies signal a commitment to environmental responsibility. The collaboration with governmental bodies further highlights the importance of integrating carbon management into national climate strategies, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
NationPress
28/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Carbon Uptake Report?
The Carbon Uptake Report assesses CO2 absorption through carbonation in concrete, aiming to improve data reliability and support national sustainability efforts.
Why is the cement industry considered hard to abate?
The cement industry is hard to abate due to its process-related CO2 emissions, particularly from the calcination of limestone.
What future actions does the report propose?
It proposes enhancing data robustness, refining estimation methodologies, and integrating carbon uptake into national climate reporting frameworks.
