The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has unveiled the Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) for cement and concrete, a global rating system aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials.

The LCR is designed to guide customers in choosing construction materials, employing an AA to G scale for comparison.

The LCR system is inspired by existing energy performance evaluation tools, including the EU’s Energy Performance Certificates and the US Home Energy Rating System, and offers a “simple, transparent, and adaptable” approach for stakeholders in the construction sector.

Builders, architects, governments, planners, and consumers can now make more informed decisions regarding the sustainability of the materials used.

This new carbon rating system for cement and concrete is stated to provide “consistency and comparability”.

It features a simple visual graphic to denote the carbon efficiency of a product.

The LCR is intended to complement Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which are verified by third parties.

Countries have the option to adopt the global ratings as they stand or tailor them to align with local carbon accounting standards.

GCCA chief executive Thomas Guillot said: “Cement and concrete are the foundations of modern life - from the buildings we live and work in, to the roads we travel, and the infrastructure that supports clean water and green energy. As global demand for sustainable construction grows, the need for greater transparency around the carbon footprint of construction materials is more critical than ever.”

“Our Low Carbon Ratings system supports more sustainable procurement practices and will empower the entire value chain to accelerate decarbonisation.

“With this rating system in place, governments, policymakers and the private sector can now prioritise lower carbon cement and concrete in the procurement process, which will in turn further stimulate the industry’s focus on decarbonising these essential building materials.”