The Canadian government is looking to reduce carbon emissions in cement and concrete manufacturing with its Roadmap to Net-Zero Carbon Concrete by 2050.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne released the document Thursday in Saskatoon. He was joined by Marie Glenn, chair of the board of the Cement Association of Canada (CAC) and vice-president at Ash Grove Cement Inc., and CAC CEO Adam Auer.

“With this partnership, Canada will become a world-leading producer and exporter of low-carbon cement and concrete. This will increase the adoption of low-carbon cement and concrete, leading to more jobs, more growth, and a healthier environment for all Canadians,” Champagne said in a news release.

According government statistics, Canada’s concrete industry contributes $76 billion directly and indirectly to the economy. There are over 1,100 plants across the country, the news release said. Exports of cement to the U.S. increased from $840 million in 2016 to $1.1 billion in 2019, according to the government.

There are four cement manufacturing businesses in Saskatchewan, earning about $241.6 million, according to IBIS World.

Cement makes up 1.5 per cent of Canada’s CO2 emissions, the plan aims to cut that by 15 million tonnes by 2030. Further reductions of four million tonnes annually is expected as cement production processes change.

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