To implement the national strategic deployment of the carbon market by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council and to enhance the participation capabilities of cement enterprises in the national carbon emissions trading market, the China Building Materials Federation (CBMF) organized the First "National Carbon Emissions Trading Market Policy Implementation and Capacity Building Conference for the Cement Industry" in Beijing from March 24 to 25, 2025, under the commission of the Department of Climate Change Response of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE).
The conference was attended by Lu Shize, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change Response of MEE; Liu Jianhua, Vice President of CBMF; Wu Qingtao, Special Vice President of CBMF and General Manager of Beijing Guojian Lianxin; Zhang Xin, Chief Economist at the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation; and Wei Weidong, General Manager of BBMG Jidong Cement Co., Ltd. Representatives from environmental protection departments of Hebei, Shanxi, and Shandong provinces; representatives from local cement industry associations of Shanxi, Heilongjiang, and Hebei; and leaders and representatives from cement production enterprises and relevant institutions across Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Shandong, Henan, and Inner Mongolia—totaling over 200 participants—also attended. The conference was chaired by Shi Hongwei, Chief Technology Officer and Deputy Secretary-General of CBMF.
Policy Insights and Industry Guidance
In his speech, Lu Shize emphasized that despite changes in international circumstances and foreign policies, the global transition towards green and low-carbon development is irreversible, and China remains committed to pursuing green, low-carbon, and high-quality development. He highlighted the significant progress made in China's national carbon market, including legislative enhancements, improved data quality, optimized allowance management, the introduction of voluntary emission reductions trading, and an expanded industry coverage.
Regarding the participation of the cement industry in the national carbon market, Lu proposed three key recommendations:
Strict Compliance with Market Regulations – Cement enterprises must thoroughly study the Interim Regulations on Carbon Emissions Trading Management and related policies, quickly familiarize themselves with carbon trading rules, ensure accurate and timely data reporting, maintain monthly records of key parameters, submit annual reports, and fulfill allowance surrender obligations on time.
Accelerating Green and Low-Carbon Transformation – The cement industry must take early action to improve production processes, develop low-carbon technologies, and reduce emissions.
Strengthening Enterprise Capacity Building – Companies should enhance their internal carbon management systems, develop compliance strategies, establish dedicated personnel and technical teams for national carbon market operations, improve data measurement and statistical capabilities, and strengthen metrology management.
Industry Leadership and Practical Implementation
Liu Jianhua outlined CBMF’s efforts in implementing national policies, including leading the formulation of an integrated plan for incorporating the cement industry into the national carbon market and advancing precise carbon measurement technologies. He acknowledged that cement clinker producers entering the carbon market face significant challenges under current economic conditions. He urged enterprises to carefully study regulatory frameworks, accurately understand accounting and verification guidelines, build carbon management teams, and strengthen carbon asset management. He also encouraged fuel and raw material substitution, energy efficiency improvements, and other technological measures to turn challenges into opportunities for transformation and upgrading.
Wei Weidong, representing cement producers, described entry into the national carbon market as both a responsibility of the times and an industry opportunity. He called on industry stakeholders to proactively embrace low-carbon transformation, foster industry-wide consensus, and establish a shared future for the cement sector. He emphasized the importance of shifting from passive emissions reductions to proactive innovation, leveraging market mechanisms to drive capital and resources toward green, low-carbon development while avoiding destructive internal competition.
Expert Interpretations and Practical Case Studies
Liu Wenbo, a researcher from MEE’s Department of Climate Change Response, elaborated on the overall progress and policy framework of the national carbon trading market.
Zhang Xin, Chief Economist at the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation, provided interpretations of the Interim Regulations on Carbon Emissions Trading Management, the carbon market regulatory framework, and carbon emissions data quality management.
CBMF presented the key priorities for incorporating the cement industry into the national carbon trading market.
Beijing Guojian Lianxin Certification Center provided insights into the Cement Industry Accounting and Reporting Guidelines and Verification Technical Guidelines.
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s Information Center, Shanghai Energy and Environment Exchange, and Carbon Emissions Registration and Settlement (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. conducted technical sessions on the functionality and operation of the national carbon market management platform, carbon trading mechanisms, and emissions allowance settlement procedures.
Anhui Zhizhi Engineering Technology Co., Ltd. shared Conch Cement’s carbon emissions monitoring practices.
Beijing Jiahua Zhilian Technology Co., Ltd. introduced high-tech solutions for enterprise carbon asset management.
The conference provided in-depth policy guidance, industry best practices, and practical operational knowledge to enhance the readiness of cement enterprises for carbon market participation, contributing to the industry's green and low-carbon transition.
Edited by: Zhang Hanwen
Reviewed by: Li Yuemei, Shen Yulu
