Based in Mumbai, the association will focus on driving forward the key sustainability work underway within the cement sector. As part of its strategic partnership with the World Business Council on Sustainable Development, GCCA India takes over the work of the Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI) India, which formerly served as the sector’s sustainability alliance.

GCCA India was officially launched recently in New Delhi. Speaking at the event, Benjamin Sporton, CEO, GCCA, said, “I am delighted to officially launch GCCA India. India is clearly a critical market in terms of cement producing capacity. And, with population growth and the growing demand and need for safe homes and key infrastructure, cement and concrete are clearly going to play an important role in the future development of the country.” GGCA India aims to help ensure that this is undertaken in a sustainable way.

The Indian cement industry has been a partner in India’s development and helped accelerate key development projects such as affordable housing and infrastructure. Equally, the Indian cement industry is conscious and aware of its responsibility to ensure a sustainable approach to its business conduct. Recently, the India Cement Sector Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Roadmap was launched to help realise the potential of the sector to contribute to the 2030 agenda.

During the launch, KK Maheshwari, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement, said, “Looking at the key role the Indian cement sector will play in achieving SDGs, climate change and circular economy-related objectives, GCCA has decided to launch its operations in India.”

GCCA’s priorities include positioning concrete as the sustainable building material of choice; promoting best practice in the areas of safety, production and the use of cement and concrete in the built environment; fostering innovation in the cement and concrete sectors; making a positive contribution to sustainable development; and promoting the principles of a circular economy across the value chain.