Editorial comment
Normally I use this ‘Comment’ space to discuss recent geopolitical events, consider trends in the cement industry, share some pearls of wisdom (don’t laugh), and – more often than not – harp on about the cement industry’s progress towards net zero.
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With EnviroTech just around the corner (15 – 18 March, in London), this month’s Comment falls pretty squarely in the latter category. So, where to begin? 2025, though not quite as hot as 2024, was still a scorcher with an average global temperature of 1.41°C above the 1850 – 1900 average. This made it the third hottest year on record, with 2024 and 2023 taking the first and second places respectively. A related not-so-fun fact is that the last 11 years also happen to be the 11 warmest years since modern records began. And when you go back a bit further and plot the mean global temperatures since the 1980s, the graph comes out looking like the start of a rollercoaster, that part where the track just goes up and up. I’m no statistician, but I think you could describe that as a trend.
And, despite this January in the UK feeling like a combination of the last ice-age and the Carnian Pluvial Episode, the Met Office expects 2026 to extend that run of ‘warmest years’ with temperatures comfortably above 1.4°C over historical mean once again.
Thankfully, as I’ve said here before, the cement industry (responsible for ~7 – 8% of manmade CO2 emissions) is taking this challenge, and the process of decarbonisation seriously. Indeed, 2025 will be remembered as a watershed year in the industry’s net zero journey in no small part because of the launch of Heidelberg Materials’ Brevik CCS facility – proving that the technology can work at scale. And with other exciting projects, both in CCUS, and other decarbonisation vectors, taking place across the industry and around the world, the future of cement is looking bright and green.
To hear directly from leading producers, industry associations, and decarbonisation experts, and learn how they’re working to drive the cement industry towards net zero make sure to join your peers from around the world at EnviroTech 2026 – taking place in London on 15 – 18 March.
Head over to www.worldcement.com/envirotech to register today.
So, what else can you expect at EnviroTech?
- A 3-day technical agenda with presentations from industry leaders.
- In depth panel discussions with decarbonisation experts.
- A full exhibition, packed with cutting-edge technology suppliers.
- Multiple networking events with local food & live entertainment.
- Luxurious accommodation with views across the River Thames and Palace of Westminster.
And just in case you needed another reason, we’re offering generous discounts for cement producers and group bookings. To enquire about discounts, contact chloe.lelliott@worldcement.com for more details. But remember: availability is limited, so get in touch today to avoid missing out.
I look forward to seeing you in London.
