The first national Concreatech 2018 Summit organised by the country’s Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA) and supported by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change got off to a rousing start with the Chief Guest Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs sharing the big picture on how India’s cement industry has an important role in building the nation with a sustainable competitive edge.

The conference saw all key policy makers, economists, industry leaders come together to share insights on the key factors and the cement industry’s role and commitment to the Sustainability Development Goals (2030).

India is today home to the world’s second largest cement industry in the world and accounts for over 8 per cent of the global installed capacity of 500 million tonnes from 250 large cement plants. The world looks upon the country as a key economy and experts believe it is essential to be able to partner with the government agenda of creating future proof smart infrastructure.

Mahendra Singhi, Vice president CMA and Managing Director Dalmia Cements, said, “What is equally important is that the country’s cement industry is creating a sustainable competitive advantage banking on new technologies, latest quality manufacturing processes, energy savings, low carbon footprint and a green future. 50 per cent of Indian cement industry’s capacity is less than ten years old.”

The best levels of specific energy consumption achieved by some of the cement manufacturers are comparable to the best in the world. Given the governments thrust on infrastructure development and the agendas such as Housing for all, Smart Cities etc., the industry is bound to grow rapidly and through a focus on sustainability contribute significantly to the nation’s overall carbon reduction goals.

CMA Secretary General Aparna Dutt Sharma said, “Concreatech 2018 shared concerns and achievements of all the stakeholders of the Indian cement industry with a special focus on sustainability.