UK: The Mineral Products Association (MPA), which covers the cement and lime industries in the UK, has released its 3rd Sustainable Development Report, which shows the continued progress of its members in the realms of health and safety, carbon emissions, biodiversity, nature conservation and resource efficiency. It highlighted that, while growth prospects are uncertain and markets remain 20% to 40% below pre-recession levels, its members continue to be committed to stringent sustainability targets.
Highlights from the report include the planting of 1 million trees in the UK by MPA member since 2005 and a drop in direct carbon dioxide emission from cement production in 2010. The ratio of land prepared for quarrying to that which was restored to nature was 0.8:1. The report also showed the extent of the slump in UK cement demand. The UK consumed just 158kg/capita of cement in 2010 against the European average of 404kg/capita.
Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive MPA, said, "Our third Sustainable Development Report shows where we have gained considerable ground. For example, there is a growing awareness of the contribution that good building design can make to sustainability and how the use of concrete can significantly reduce the whole life energy performance of buildings through thermal mass benefits."
However, the MPA used the report to reiterate its stance on certain government policies. It believes that the government should not impose excessive costs on energy intensive industries, such cement and lime, which could drive the supply of essential and indigenously available resources overseas. "The MPA believes that genuine sustainable development demands that UK industries and supply chains are both resource efficient, where our industry is best in class in Europe, and also financially sustainable."
