Cement is an indispensable building material for modern civilization, serving as the foundation for the development of safe infrastructure, housing, and vital projects worldwide. At the same time, its production is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions. Recognizing this responsibility, the European and Greek cement industries have drawn up clear roadmaps aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Hellenic Cement Industry Association reaffirms the sector’s leading role in the national effort toward a climate-neutral future by co-signing today the Declaration on “Green Construction Materials and New Standards for Climate-Neutral Cities,” an initiative of ECOCITY, in partnership with ELOT, the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), the Region of Western Greece, the Region of Central Macedonia, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, and the Hellenic Association of Construction Materials (EEDSA).
Our industry’s strategy focuses on innovation, the circular economy, and the redefinition of building materials through the adoption of new standards. Already, cements with a low carbon footprint and exceptional properties are available on the Greek market, ensuring the long-term durability and sustainability of structures.
The Greek cement industry is at the forefront of technological advancement, implementing two of the just 13 approved projects of the European Innovation Fund in the sector: the Ifestos and Olympus projects. With a total budget exceeding €1 billion, these projects apply cutting-edge technologies for the capture, transport, and storage of carbon dioxide and represent milestones for the decarbonization of the industry at the European level. With the implementation of these projects, the Hellenic Cement Industry will be able to replace a significant portion of its production with zero-emission cement by 2030, making it a pioneer in the European and global markets.
Through this Declaration, the Greek Cement Industry highlights its priorities:
- Decarbonization: Reducing “embodied carbon” through innovative technologies for the production and use of low-carbon-footprint composite cements.
- Circular Economy: Increasing the use of recycled raw materials and alternative fuels, drastically reducing the consumption of virgin natural resources.
- New Standards & Transparency: Adoption of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and digital traceability tools, such as the digital product passport.
- Resilient Cities: Use of materials such as cool and permeable concrete that shield the urban environment from extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods.
Statement from the Association:
“Our participation in the ECOCITY initiative underscores the fact that the Greek cement industry is a strategic partner in the creation of climate-neutral cities. With investments exceeding €1 billion in innovative projects over the next five years, Greece is leading the way toward a green Europe, transforming the challenges of the transition into opportunities for sustainable development and resilience for Greek society.”