The Concrete Dialogue 2018

The role of cities in the transition towards a carbon-neutral, energy-efficient built environment

On 20 November, the Concrete Initiative held its annual event promoting a low carbon economy built in concrete (#madewithcement) hosted by the European Parliament. The theme of the event was “pathways towards a carbon-neutral built environment” with the discussion centering on the importance of taking into account the whole life cycle of buildings when assessing their sustainability.

City of Heidelberg and HeidelbergCement aligned on paving a resilient and low carbon future

One of the speakers at this conference was the Lord Mayor of Heidelberg, Prof. Dr. Eckart Würzner. Heshared the city’s vision of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. As many other cities, Heidelberg aims at implementing climate actions with the maximum potential reduction of emissions and climate impact. There is the need for simple construction solutions for developers to build low-carbon buildings. As an example for sustainable building, Eckart Würzner pointed out HeidelbergCement’s new headquarters. 

The event highlighted how building materials producers like HeidelbergCement face new conditions and opportunities, providing solutions to cities. One thing is clear: a low carbon built environment is the business model of the future and we need to start preparing it now. Certainly for innovative cities like Heidelberg that is the case.

About the Concrete Initiative, organizer of the Concrete Dialogue

As a collaboration of Europe’s cement (CEMBUREAU), aggregates (UEPG), ready-mixed concrete (ERMCO) and pre-cast concrete (BIBM) associations, the Concrete Initiative promotes concrete buildings and engages in dialogue with political stakeholders on issues related to sustainable construction, digitalization and urban agenda. HeidelbergCement actively shapes the work of the Concrete Initiative.

Christoph Beumelburg wearing a white shirt and a blue jacket, in the background a window and an exposed concrete wall

Christoph Beumelburg

Group Spokesman, Director Group Communication & Investor Relations

Heidelberg Materials AG Berliner Straße 6
69120 Heidelberg
Germany
Conference room with attendees seated at desks with microphones and nameplates, large screens displaying presentations, and EU banners in the background.

Concrete Dialogue 2018. Panellists: Josefina Lindblom, European Commission, DG Environment; Helena Maria Dos Santos Gervásio, Professor, Coimbra University (formerly JRC); Goncalo Salazar Leite, President CEMBUREAU, Professor Dr Eckart Würzner, Lord Mayor Heidelberg and President EnergyCities; Vladimir Urutchev, Member of the European Parliament; Robin Latchem, Moderator.

Heidelberg Materials

Conference room with attendees seated at desks with microphones and nameplates, large screens displaying presentations, and EU banners in the background.

Concrete Dialogue 2018. Panellists: Josefina Lindblom, European Commission, DG Environment; Helena Maria Dos Santos Gervásio, Professor, Coimbra University (formerly JRC); Goncalo Salazar Leite, President CEMBUREAU, Professor Dr Eckart Würzner, Lord Mayor Heidelberg and President EnergyCities; Vladimir Urutchev, Member of the European Parliament; Robin Latchem, Moderator.

Heidelberg Materials