Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL), renowned as South Korea’s premier testing and certification organization, has stepped into a pivotal role as the newest certification body of the Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC). This strategic alliance signals a significant step towards fostering sustainable practices within South Korea’s concrete industry.
In light of South Korea’s ambitious ‘2050 carbon neutral scenario’, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the cement industry by 55% from 2018 levels, companies across the nation are accelerating their efforts to embrace eco-friendly business models. Cement companies, in particular, are taking proactive steps to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns, shifting away from their traditional image as a major source of carbon emissions.
“We are very interested in CSC certification which administers the only industry-specific system certifying the sustainability performance of concrete plants and their supply chains across the globe. In addition, South Korea has carbon footprint certification for cement products, but there is no sustainable cement–concrete certification covering the entire concrete/cement/ aggregate industry such as CSC. Although South Korea has KS standards for cement as national standards, KS standards for cement have the lack of a sustainability strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.” says KCL’s Vice President Sang Kwon Lee
As Korean construction companies ramp up efforts to develop and commercialize low-carbon concrete solutions, the market for sustainable concrete is witnessing rapid expansion in South Korea and across Asia. Concrete manufacturers in South Korea are intensifying their focus on improving sustainability, achieving carbon neutrality, and enhancing ESG efforts to meet evolving industry demands.
Established through the integration of Korea Institute of Construction Materials (KICM) and Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEMTI) in 2010, KCL boasts extensive expertise and credibility in testing and certification services. Recognized by numerous ministries and agencies in South Korea, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Ministry of Environment, KCL holds a dominant position in the market for construction and energy testing and certification services.
With its newfound role as CSC’s certification body, KCL is poised to lead the charge in driving sustainable concrete practices, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future in South Korea’s construction industry.