MPA appoints executive director for energy and climate change
Dr Diana Casey succeeds Dr Pal Chana and will play key role in sector's acceleration towards net-zero carbon
THE Mineral Products Association (MPA) has appointed Dr Diana Casey as executive director for energy and climate change, including heading up the MPA’s product groups for cement and industrial lime. She takes over from Dr Pal Chana, who continues to provide support as a special advisor to the MPA.
In her new position on the MPA’s Executive team, Ms Casey will play a key strategic role in the sector’s acceleration towards net-zero carbon, advocating for better government policy to support decarbonization and facilitating the growth of a whole raft of innovations being implemented by MPA members.
Ms Casey joined the MPA in 2010 as technical advisor for energy and climate Change after completing a PhD in sustainable lime mortars at the University of Bristol and two years working for the Environment Agency.
Her work for MPA has included analysis of data from UK cement plants, modelling the impact of climate change and environmental policy, including the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and renewable energy policies, and playing a key role in industry projects such as the UK Concrete and Cement Industry Roadmap to Beyond Net Zero and MPA Lime Net Negative 2040 Roadmap.
In 2022 Ms Casey took on overall responsibility for the MPA Cement product group which covers environmental regulation, products and standards, energy and climate change, and delivery of a range of government-funded innovation projects. In addition to her MPA responsibilities, she sits on the board of the Emissions Trading Group and holds the position of Emissions Trading System policy chair.
Ms Casey commented: ‘It’s a great honour to join the MPA’s Executive team at such a critical time. Both the UK cement and lime industries have made solid decarbonization progress through early action in fuel switching and energy efficiency. Now we’re moving into a new phase to decarbonize both sectors, involving the deployment of technologies including carbon capture, which will require enabling actions from Government and others. The journey towards net zero that we are now making will demonstrate what’s possible to other industries and other countries.’
Jon Prichard, chief executive of the MPA, added: ‘I am delighted that Diana is joining our Executive team. She has already played a major role in our industry’s journey towards net zero and her promotion is further evidence of our commitment to take on – and overcome - the challenges posed by climate change. I would also like to thank Pal Chana for his work leading several key MPA product groups and functions over the past two decades and look forward to his continued involvement as a special advisor.’
