WCA established the Professional Committees and Networks to deliver practical value; action on sustainability; actionable workplans and knowledge sharing forums for the Association’s members.
Committees: The Committees are responsible for investigating member needs; raising awareness of important issues in their area of focus; delivering an agreed action work plan; and play a key role in organising related events such as member forums and working towards a "Net Zero, Zero Harm" cement industry. All committees are particularly careful to observe the requirements of anti-trust rules and to focus on legitimate areas of common concern. Where necessary, participation in events by direct competitors is restricted.
Networks: The networks provide a point of liaison on the Committee topics with member companies, feeding back on initiatives, actions and points of interest, as well as providing a discussuion forum for professionals across the global industry. There are three networks within WCA - these are the Technology and Sustainability Network, the Safety and Health Network and the Gender Focus Network (GFN). Please note the GFN operates outside of the Professional Committee/Network structure - you can visit the Network's page here.
Technology & Sustainability Steering Committee:
The Technology and Sustainability Steering Committee will be composed of the Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Zero Carbon & Environment, Product, Materials & Concrete and Operations & Performance Committees. Their key aim is to oversee, support and co-ordinate the work of the professional committees, and regularly report back to the WCA's Board of Directors. The committee is also developing the Decarbonisation Assistant (DECASS) Tool.
The Technology & Sustainability Network encompasses a wide range of professionals from the cement industry who are involved in all aspects of technology and sustainability, from energy efficiency, WHR, alternative fuels, emissions, industry 4.0 and digitalisation, low NOx, to name but a few, and is open to all interested employees of WCA Member companies. Network members are invited to trainings, information sharing sessions and receive regular news updates from the various Committees within this Network's structure.
Zero Carbon & Environment Committee:
The Environment and Climate Change Committee focuses on the industry response to climate change and other environmental challenges such as biodiversity and water management. It also enhances members’ opportunities to learn about new environmental technology and stimulates sharing of best practices that promote sustainable development in the worldwide cement industry. In addition, the committee monitors environmental developments in other industries that may be relevant to cement.
Product, Materials & Concrete Committee:
The Product, Materials and Concrete Committee’s key aim is to support WCA’s members in areas such as new products, concrete, and cementitious/material technologies, their applications, particularly those that have the potential to contribute to decarbonisation.
Operations & Performance Committee:
The Operations and Performance Committee’s key aim is to support WCA’s members within, and provide oversight for, the PEGASUS project and associated plant audits, and encourages members’ innovation in this area by sharing best practices, including the improvement of both supply chain efficiency and environmental performance.
Safety & Health Committee:
The cement industry operates large scale quarries and heavy industrial plants, as well as fleets of mobile equipment and road vehicles, which all carry substantial safety challenges. The Safety and Health Committee shares safety management best practices and arranges specialist training to improve standards across the industry.
The Safety & Health Network encompasses a wide range of professionals from the cement industry who are involved in health and safety, and is open to all interested employees of WCA Member companies. Network members are invited to trainings, information sharing sessions and receive regular news updates from the Committee.