GCCA launches new research network
New Innovandi network connects industry with scientific institutions to drive new ways of working and innovations
THE Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has today [10 October] announced the formation of Innovandi – the Global Cement and Concrete Research Network.
The network ties together the cement and concrete industry with scientific institutions to drive and support global innovation with actionable research.
It aims to decisively build on the industry’s sustainability progress such as achieving an 18.3% reduction in CO2 per tonne of cementitious product since 1990 and increasing the use of alternative fuels eight-fold in that same time frame.
Launching the Innovandi research network at the GCCA Annual Conference in Singapore, Benjamin Sporton, chief executive officer of the GCCA, said: ‘Our industry is fully committed to taking action to reduce CO2 emissions. As such, Innovandi is an industry-led initiative and will bring together the best minds from all corners of the cement and concrete world, academia and business.
‘Together, we will truly collaborate on a global scale and use our expertise to find new ways of working and developing effective innovations. This will really help to ensure that concrete becomes the sustainable building material of choice for the future needs of the world.’
The network intends to research the areas of process technology (including the impact of co-processing, efficiency of clinker production and implementation of CCUS/ technologies) and products. This will include the impact of clinker substitutes and alternative binders in concrete, low-carbon concrete technology and improve the understanding of CO2 reduction through re-carbonation.
Wolfgang Dienemann, director of global research and development at HeidelbergCement and co-chair of the GCCA Innovation Working Group, said: ‘The industry has a long and proud history of innovation, and of research and development – whether from within the sector or through academic institutions.
‘However, Innovandi will accelerate that good work and bring the smart thinking more closely together. Given the urgency of the challenge, it is the right thing to do and I am delighted that we are taking such a strong step forward by launching the Global Cement and Concrete Research Network today.’
Twenty-four companies* from across the cement and concrete industry, including cement and concrete manufacturers, admixture specialists and equipment suppliers, have already committed to the initiative, with scientific institutions and additional companies set to join as its work begins.
As part of the new initiative, the GCCA also intends to establish an annual Innovandi global conference to promote collaboration on innovation and research in the sector. Going forward, this will a be an integral part of the GCCA’s annual conference, which this year is taking place today [10 October] in Singapore.
*Buzzi UNICEM, Cementir Holding, Cementos Argos, Cementos Molins, Cementos Pacasmayo, Cemento Progresso, CEMEX, CNBM, Chryso, CRH, Dalmia Cement, FLSmidth, Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua de CV (GCC), GCP Applied Technologies, Mapei, HeidelbergCement, LafargeHolcim, Nesher Israel Enterprises, SCG Cement, TITAN Cement, Refratechnik Cement, Sika Technology, Subote New Materials Co., Votorantim
