Concrete as sustainable construction material

Media Statement
7 March 2007

Concrete as sustainable construction material key focus for industry

Promoting concrete as the sustainable construction material of choice is a priority of the cement and concrete industry, as determined at the recent Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand’s (CCANZ) Annual Planning Workshop.

Leaders from the cement and concrete industry, including Holcim NZ, Golden Bay Cement, Firth Industries, Higgins Ltd, Allied Concrete, W Stevenson & Sons Ltd, Aitkens Concrete Ltd, BBR Contech, Busck Prestressed Concrete Limited, Pacific Steel and Victoria University, met together with Hon. Clayton Cosgrove, the Minister for Building and Construction to discuss issues facing the sector and opportunities going forward.

The Minister conveyed the government’s stance on sustainability, and acknowledged the importance and value of cement and concrete to New Zealand’s current and future roading and building infrastructure (link to Minister's speech http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=28531).

Andrew Moss, chairman CCANZ said: “Sustainability is definitely a key issue that CCANZ will be addressing over the next five years. There needs to be a shift in the New Zealand psyche from short-term thinking to a long-term “sustainable” view, as well as an increased awareness of cement and concrete’s contribution to sustainable development.

“The Annual Planning Workshop was a great success in shaping a unified vision for CCANZ. Over 30 representatives from the industry attended the planning workshop last week and their input will be invaluable in guiding CCANZ during the next three – five years,” he said.

Ends

© Scoop Media