Cement Association Launches 'Cement New Materials Research Consortium' as Carbon Neutral Control Tower

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwak Min-jae] The Korea Cement Association announced on the 26th that it has launched the 'Korea Cement New Materials Research Consortium,' which includes 20 companies, organizations, and universities related to the cement industry, ceramics, and basic construction materials, and held an opening ceremony.

The research consortium plans to contribute to the growth and development of the cement and related industries by forming a cement carbon neutrality research consortium this year, expanding joint cooperation among the cement industry, related organizations, academia, research institutes, and international organizations, properly systematizing carbon neutrality research and development (R&D) projects, reporting overseas research trends, proposing revisions to KS standards, and preparing for international ISO standards.

Previously, the cement industry participated in the 'Cement Green New Deal Committee,' which includes private, public, academic, and research sectors, and the government-wide carbon neutrality council, the 'Carbon Neutrality Committee,' presenting a 2050 carbon neutrality scenario and joining government policies to reduce greenhouse gases. However, to achieve concrete results in the future, it was determined that an independent research consortium focused on research and technology development, specializing in facility improvements and core roles of carbon neutrality technologies for the domestic cement industry, was necessary, leading to the organization of this research consortium.

The opening ceremony was attended by Lee Hyun-jun, chairman of the Korea Cement Association, executives from the cement industry, representatives from the Ceramic Society, and professors Kim Jin-man of Kongju National University and Bae Sung-chul of Hanyang University, who serve as co-chairs of the Carbon Neutrality Committee.

In his opening remarks, Lee Chang-gi, the inaugural chairman of the Korea Cement New Materials Research Consortium, said, "Carbon neutrality is a goal achievable only through technological innovation across the entire industry as well as the interest and efforts of all citizens," adding, "With the establishment of this research consortium, the cement industry will become a cornerstone to advance toward carbon neutrality and green transition."