![The WCA's Ian Riley said: "The inclusion of cement in the Chinese ETS [emissions trading scheme] is a critical and long-awaited step."](https://www.aggbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wca-ian-riley-750x506.jpg)
The World Cement Association’s CEO Ian Riley has welcomed China’s recent announcement to expand its national carbon trading market to include the cement industry, among other hard-to-abate sectors, by the end of this year.
China’s Minister of Ecology and Environment made the announcement earlier this week, marking a significant step in China’s environmental plans.
Riley commented: “The inclusion of cement in the Chinese ETS [emissions trading scheme] is a critical and long-awaited step. As we have seen in Europe, a well-implemented carbon ETS can be beneficial by not only curbing emissions but also catalysing industry restructuring that favours the most efficient and lowest-emitting producers. This move signals China’s intent to prioritise sustainability in high-emission sectors, a move welcomed by the World Cement Association.
“In addition to the ETS, China has also successfully used energy efficiency standards to encourage widespread adoption of the latest low-energy technology. This approach is essential for meaningful climate action.”
