Lafarge is looking back at the Copenhagen conference and reaffirming its commitment to the fight against climate change.
Copenhagen 2009 - time to take stock |
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The
aim of the Copenhagen
conference was to continue in the footsteps of the Kyoto Protocol and formalize
nations' commitments and efforts in the fight against climate change.
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Kyoto ProtocolThe Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale. The principle is based on varying levels of commitments for different governments. Industrialized countries have made stabilization or reduction commitments which correspond on average to a 5% reduction in their emissions for the period 2008/2012 compared with 1990. Developing countries are under no obligation but are encouraged to develop CO2 emissions reduction programs which can be used to generate credits: that is the principle of the "Clean Development Mechanism" (CDM) which involves promoting efforts in emerging countries. |
Lafarge is setting itself ambitious targets |
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The ambitions of Lafarge, which has been committed to the fight against climate change since 2001, have been clearly set out as part of the pioneering partnership with WWF. They involve reductions, in the period 1990-2010, of:
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GlossaryNet and gross CO2 emissions, clinker, biomass, slag, fly ash... all the technical terms are in the glossary! |
A sector-wide initiative |
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But Lafarge cannot act alone.
Lafarge, convinced that the issue of global warming involves the whole sector,
takes a strong partnership approach.
The cement sector's approach, which was already presented at the last climate conference in Poznan (December 2008), will be set out by members of the CSI at the Copenhagen conference. |
The cap and trade mechanismIn operation since 2005, the European Union's EU-ETS exchange mechanism is more prescriptive than the Kyoto Protocol. It is based on the "cap and trade" principle which combines capping of emissions with trading of emissions credits to encourage emissions reductions. Each plant is given an allocation of emissions credits. If a plant's emissions are higher than the allocation, it must buy credits and so is penalized. If its emissions are lower, the plant can then profit from its efficiency efforts by selling credits on the market. WWF and the "Climate Savers"Lafarge is making a commitment to the "Climate Savers” campaign with large international groups and WWF. The aim is to show political leaders attending the conference that companies have made a practical commitment and have already implemented solutions economically compatible with the fight against climate change.
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The fight against climate change: the challenges for the cement industry |
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CO2 and cementWhere does the CO2 released during the cement manufacturing process come from?
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The cement industry plays an important role in the fight against global warming. This is because:
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The Group’s actions and results in images |
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Last update on 03/05/2010


