Association trends
WCA launches Climate Partnership programme
T
he World Cement Association announced today the launch of its Climate Partnership programme, under which it will collaborate with organisations such as NGOs, thinktanks and sustainabilityfocused events providers, as part of its continuing climate and environment commitment. Three organisations have already signed up to be Ian Riley Climate Partners: Climate Action, Decarb Connect, and Smart Surfaces Coalition. This initiative enables knowledge sharing between WCA and its climate partners, giving the cement industry a voice and platform outside of its traditional silos, as well as fostering new partnerships, collaborations and ideas between the industry, other hard-to-abate sectors and the wider climate movement. Climate Action establishes and builds partnerships between business, government and public bodies to accelerate international sustainable development and advance the “green economy”. This is achieved by providing a global media and events platform across which stakeholders can
share knowledge, technologies and expertise, and identify innovative solutions to the challenges presented by climate change and a growing population. Decarb Connect supports those driving decarbonisation in the most energy-intensive sectors, such as the cement, mining and steel industries, brokering access to hard-to-reach information, and facilitating network relationships across the industry. The third partner is Smart Surfaces Coalition, an organisation committed to the rapid and cost-effective global adoption of smart surfaces, improving city livability, health, and equity. The Coalition shares analytical tools, training, data, research, and support on influencing city policies, aiming to cost-effectively reduce global CO2-equivalent emissions by 10%. “It’s more important than ever to prioritise the decarbonisation of our industry. Our Climate Partners bring a wealth of valuable cross-sectoral knowledge and expertise that will benefit our members, and give the wider cement industry a boost in taking real action to mitigate the climate crisis,” said Ian Riley, CEO of WCA. “I’m particularly pleased to count these three impressive organisations as our first Climate Partners and look forward to accelerating environmental and decarbonisation initiatives together, and exploring a range of ongoing initiatives.” n
PPC Cement
Empowerment through education at PPC’s technical training programmes
I
nvestment into inclusivity and skills development in the construction sector presents an opportunity for practical application of training that brings South Africa closer to meeting its National Development Plan 2030 targets. Driven by education that is informed by PPC’s training solutions, a renewed era of growth, entrepreneurship and skills development is on the horizon. The permanency of PPC’s training solutions in infrastructure projects is informed by a devoted path that is sustainable to enable decent employment through inclusive economic growth. In recognition of the fact that education remains a catalyst and equalizer in empowering communities to experience a better quality of life, the business’ innovative training solutions bring the country closer to realizing a competent, skilled and capable workforce to support South Africa’s inclusive growth path. “We are optimistic about the efficient, competitive and responsive economic infrastructure network the government is committed to developing as part of the National Development Plan 2030. These individuals and the SMMEs will become the backbone of our growing economy,” explains Bheki Mthembu, head of the inland business unit at PPC. “ PPC’s training solutions leverage the business’s national footprint, community investment and technical expertise to create a shared market value for all in the sector. Adaptive to the macro and micro-economic factors that are unique to each regional construction project, PPC’s training solutions include brickmak-
ing workshops, SMME development programs, PPC Training Academy, Technical Workshops with Students and Factory Tours. The success of this initiative can be seen through the work at Style Africa Paving and Cladding in Soshanguve and 16 Etona Sand & Bricks CC in Ga-Rankuwa. This competitive solution is enabled by the principles of the fourth industrial revolution – thereby creating a better educated and skilled workforce. PPC training sessions are designed by PPC sales specialists and PPC’s technical team. Everyone is invested in the success of the community they serve, ensuring knowledge shared is fit for purpose while ensuring a commitment to the use of 100% local and 100% quality products – either as a brickmaker or as an entrepreneur. Ongoing mentoring and support to complement the expertise that is transferred at the training sessions remains available as they realize their employment and/or entrepreneurial dreams. “It is our mission to empower the community to experience a better quality of life. For this reason, we have developed a sustainable way to give communities, SMMEs and young people a purpose while encouraging them to play an active part in all development efforts. This locally manufactured product is scientifically formulated for South Africa’s unique and changing construction needs. With these tools and knowledge provided, each individual leaves our training sessions better placed to enter the local economy with a new skill and renewed confidence”, concludes Mthembu. n
Concrete Trends Issue 2 2021
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