CoAct Database

Cement and Concrete Breakthrough

The Cement & Concrete Breakthrough initiative aims to make near-zero emission cement the preferred global market choice by 2030, with production and efficient use established in every world region. Co-led by Canada and the United Arab Emirates, and endorsed by over a dozen countries, the initiative focuses on rapidly decarbonizing the cement and concrete sector—a major emitter of industrial CO₂—through coordinated global action. Key focus areas include developing common definitions, standards, and certification for low-emission products; driving demand creation through green procurement and purchasing commitments; advancing collaboration, education, and innovation to scale up existing clean technologies; improving finance and investment access, especially in developing countries; and strengthening international coordination across stakeholders. The initiative is supported by a network of partners including CEM IDDI, IEA WPID, First Movers Coalition, Mission Possible Partnership, ConcreteZero, GCCA, UNIDO, and LeadIT, and is designed to deliver measurable progress by COP30.