The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has launched what it claims as the world’s first Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) system for cement and concrete, a new tool designed to help customers assess the carbon footprints of construction materials.
The system uses a simple AA to G scale to provide transparency on the environmental impact of cement and concrete products, enabling builders, architects, governments, and consumers to make more sustainable choices.
The LCR system, inspired by schemes like the EU’s Energy Performance Certificates and the US Home Energy Rating System, offers a straightforward, transparent, and adaptable tool for assessing the carbon footprint of construction materials.
The system aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable construction practices by providing a clear and easy-to-understand rating system, the association said in a news release.
According to Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the GCCA, “Cement and concrete are the foundations of modern life – from the buildings we live and work in, to the roads we travel, and the infrastructure that supports clean water and green energy. As global demand for sustainable construction grows, the need for greater transparency around the carbon footprint of construction materials is more critical than ever.”
The system includes a visual graphic that clearly indicates a product’s carbon rating, making it easy for customers to understand and compare products. It is designed to be universally applicable, though countries can adapt the ratings to fit local carbon accounting standards.
Riccardo Savigliano, Chief of the Energy Systems and Decarbonisation Unit at UNIDO, called the launch “a significant step forward” in harmonising global definitions for low-emission cement and concrete.
“This is a huge step forward towards harmonising global definitions for low emission cement and concrete in the support of decarbonisation.” he said.
With several major construction projects already using lower carbon cement and concrete, the LCR system is seen as a key step toward achieving greater sustainability in the sector.
Marlène Dance, Decarbonisation & Sustainable Design Expert at Bouygues Bâtiment International, noted, “We believe a globally consistent carbon rating system—adopted by all countries and used by all concrete suppliers—would be a game changer.”
Guillot added that the LCR system will enable governments, policymakers, and the private sector to prioritise lower-carbon cement and concrete in the procurement process.
The system is intended to be used in conjunction with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which are third-party verified to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the ratings.
