Global Concrete Summit 2020
WCA attended the first Global Concrete Summit conference and expo, online from November 30-December 10. Hosted by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and Grey Matters, the Summit was designed to bring practitioners, researchers and policy makers together to exchange the latest ideas, knowledge, and tools to build the future of concrete construction. Ian Riley, WCA CEO discussed the Cement and Concrete Industry response to climate change in a live Q&A
WCA Virtual Member Forum: Digital Transformation
WCA's first virtual member forum - an adapted format due to the COVID-19 pandemic - was held over-two days in collaboration with Associate Corporate Member FLSmidth. It consisted of shared presentations, a live site visit and in-depth Q&A sessions for attendees. Attendees included Plant Managers, Engineering Managers, Automation Managers and Process Engineers.
Sustainable Innovation Forum 2020
The World Cement Association partnered with Climate Action's Sustainable Innovation Forum, which took place virtually in place of their planned event at the postponed COP26. Over the last 10 years, the SIF has played a key role in facilitating the connections that forge the cross-sector partnerships required to address the global climate emergency and transition to a net-zero economy.
WCA Member Forum: Low NOx Solution Workshop
Cement companies are faced with increasingly stringent emissions restrictions, especially for NOx. There are a number of ways in which NOx emissions can be reduced, but the cost of these vary significantly depending on circumstances.
This workshop saw approximately 20 WCA member delegates visiting Jining Conch, Shandong Province, China, a best practice Low NOx plant where the latest technology has been implemented. Participants also had the opportunity to present the challenges and ideas in use at their own plants.
WCA Member Forum: Smart Plant Workshop
Applying the latest technology in automation and machine learning AI to management of cement plants offer significant benefits in terms of cost, product quality and emissions. AI can be applied to the whole management system of the plant from quarrying to dispatch.
This first-of-its-kind WCA forum saw 20 delegates attend a two-day workshop at Quanjiao Conch and Zanhuang BBMG in China to visit examples of best practice in the industry with regards to smart plants and AI.
WCA Annual Conference 2019 Shanghai
In 2019, the WCA hosted its third annual conference from 9th-11th September at the Hyatt Hotel in Shanghai, China. This event brought together delegates from across the world, representing companies from the cement and concrete industry and its supply chains.
Keynote speakers included Mr Song Zhiping, Chairman of CNBM and Mr Gao Dengbang, Chairman of the China Cement Association, whilst the speaker topics covered included global outlooks, emission reduction practices, the use of AI and waste co-processing.
WCA General Assembly and Conference 2018
The WCA hosted its 2018 Annual Conference on the theme of “Future for the Cement Industry”, in association with INTERCEM, in Kensington, London. It also concurrently held its annual General Assembly and a Gala Dinner for members.
WCA Global Climate Change Forum 2018
The World Cement Association hosted its first Global Climate Change Forum in Paris, from 27th-28th June 2018.
The aim of this forum was to urge the global cement industry to increase efforts to adopt new technologies faster and put greater focus on innovation in order to make crucial progress on reducing CO2 emissions.