Towards carbon neutrality

Although market normalisation is still pending after 2 years under the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the cement industry faces 2022 with its sights set on constantly improving its environmental performance. Greater application of the principles of the Circular Economy - using waste as a raw material and as a source of thermal energy - and the achievement of a carbon-neutral sector are setting the course for companies and professionals.

On the other hand, Catalan factories need to contain costs in order to recover the competitiveness they have lost in international markets. This requires the collaboration of the public authorities, both for the adoption of measures to curb the escalation of electricity prices and to obtain fair tax treatment to compensate for the constant increase in CO2 emission rights.

The needs of the sector:

  • Alternative fuels

    The availability and authorization of alternative fuels (more quantity and variety, such as hydrocarbons, mineral oils or paints and solvents), is key to the future competitiveness of the sector.  

  • Electricity prices

    The increase in the cost of industrial electricity in Spain (the most expensive in the whole of the EU) penalises and slows down exports in the sector, generating a serious risk of factory relocation.

  • New infrastructures

    After more than a decade at minimum levels, it is necessary to increase public investment for the maintenance, renovation and modernisation of the country's infrastructures.

  • Institutional contacts

    Collaboration with public administrations enables the achievement of shared objectives in areas such as employment, sustainability, economic development and innovation in processes and products.

  • Carbon neutrality

    The Roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality, or zero carbon footprint, throughout the cement and concrete cycle, a key project in the fight against the climate emergency.

  • Voluntary Agreement

    Continuation of investments for the implementation of the Voluntary Agreement with the Generalitat de Catalunya, including a deepening of Circular Economy and Industrial Symbiosis practices in factories.

  • Fair tax laws

    The taxation of the sector also determines its continuity and development. It is crucial to avoid double taxation in areas such as the environment (already regulated by CO2 emission rights).

  • Stone resources

    The continuity of the industrial activity of factories is subject to ensuring, over time, the availability of stone resources. Administrative concessions must favour this objective.

  • CO2 allowances

    It is essential to adjust the price of CO2 allowances. The competitiveness of the countries participating in the greenhouse gas emissions market is at stake.

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