Cortada challenges the Latin American Concrete Industry in presentation at PROCEMCO Conference 2024 in Colombia
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias
Cl. 24 #8A-344, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
At the PROCEMCO Conference 2024, Xavier Cortada delivered a compelling presentation aimed at persuading the Latin American concrete industry to pivotal towards more sustainable practices. Cortada’s presentation was titled “The Underwater: Art and Climate Change” and took place at the Salón Barahona 1 of the Centro de Convenciones de Cartagena on May 30, 2024.
In his presentation, part of the annual conference’s academic program, Cortada emphasized the existential threat posed by climate change, particularly highlighting projections that sea levels could rise by up to seven feet by the year 2100, displacing millions and causing significant economic losses.
A key part of Cortada’s talk was his “Underwater: Miami Dade Parks” project, which involves installing sustainable concrete elevation sculptures in over 250 parks in Miami-Dade. These sculptures serve as public art markers indicating the elevation above sea level, thereby educating the community about the impact of rising sea levels. Cortada also shared the interactive elements of his campaign, including QR codes on the sculptures that encourage individuals to become advocates for climate action.
In his address, Cortada urged the concrete industry to adopt systemic changes that address the root causes of climate change and incentivize more eco-friendly production methods. Cortada argued that adopting clean and sustainable technologies in concrete production is not only an environmental responsibility but also a competitive advantage in the global market.
He explained that sustainable concrete can be cheaper to produce due to several key factors.
- First, the use of recycled materials and industrial by-products, such as fly ash and blast furnace slag, can significantly reduce raw material costs. These materials are often cheaper than virgin components and also help reduce industrial waste.
- Second, advanced mixing and production technologies allow for greater energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption during manufacturing. Additionally, sustainable concrete often has a longer lifespan and requires less maintenance, which reduces long-term costs.
- Finally, with the growing demand and regulation towards sustainable practices, companies that adopt clean technologies can benefit from tax incentives and government grants, making sustainable production not only more economical but also more competitive in the market.
He was clearly targeting his conference audience. PROCEMCO, organized by the Cámara Colombiana del Cemento y el Concreto, is a leading conference focusing on advancements in concrete materials and construction practices in Latin America. Founded in 1985, this non-profit association comprises the main producers of cement, ready-mix concrete, concrete prefabricates, and construction chemicals in Colombia.
In addition to its role as an industry leader promoting carbon neutrality by 2050 and road safety, PROCEMCO conducts activities aimed at improving the quality and sustainability of construction in Colombia. The organization is also a member of the Federación Interamericana del Cemento (FICEM) and the Federación Iberoamericana del Hormigón Premezclado (FIHP).
Cortada reminded the audience that their industry is responsible of 8% if the carbon that is emitted into the atmosphere and concluded by emphasizing:
- Consumers play a crucial role in driving demand for more eco-friendly products through their purchasing power. However, it is their voting power that will push governments to implement systemic changes and forward-looking regulations.
- Voters will demand policies that promote sustainability, which will inevitably result in stricter regulations for the industry.
- As concrete producers in Latin America, it is essential to anticipate these changes and prepare operations to comply with future environmental regulations.
- Adapting to new regulations will not only help mitigate environmental impact but also ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainability in an increasingly climate-conscious market.
For more details on the PROCEMCO conference, visit their academic program, and to learn more about the “Underwater: Miami Dade Parks” project, check out the Cortada Foundation.
