Research: importance of cement and concrete

MEDIA RELEASE
24 October 2008

Research demonstrates importance of cement and concrete to economy

Research into the importance of the cement and concrete industry to New Zealand’s economy has found it contributes nearly $3 billion towards the country’s GDP.

A New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) report shows that for the year ending March 2006, the value of the industry’s output was $7.4 billion. This activity supported 24,000 jobs and created a value add of $2.8 billion – about 2% of New Zealand’s GDP.

The report was commissioned by the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ). CCANZ chief executive Patrick McGuire said the research shows just how significant the cement and concrete industry is to the nation’s economy.

“A primary aim for us is to ensure that cement and concrete are truly sustainable – environmentally, socially and economically. The NZIER research proves the industry is more than meeting the economic part of this objective,” Mr McGuire said.

The report was released last night at the first birthday of Concrete3 – an initiative launched by CCANZ to raise awareness about cement and concrete’s contribution to sustainable development.

Building and construction representatives gathered in central Wellington for the event, which also marked the launch of Concrete for a Sustainable World, a short film about concrete’s contribution to the built environment in New Zealand.

The event also reflected on the inaugural Concrete3 sustainability award, launched recently to recognise and celebrate concrete’s contribution to sustainable development.

The award was won by Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd and Mainzeal Property and Construction Ltd for Project Century, an Auckland brewery under construction which uses recycled glass as aggregate in the concrete parts of the structure.

To obtain a copy of the NZIER research, Cement & Concrete Production: Economic Impact Assessment, or to find out more about Concrete3 and concrete sustainability, visit www.sustainableconcrete.org.nz.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

About CCANZ and the cement and concrete industry in New Zealand:

The Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) is the recognised centre of excellence for cement and concrete technology, including promotion of the sector, training of industry members and influencers, and advocating best practice in the use of cement and concrete in New Zealand.

With more than 6000 members throughout New Zealand, CCANZ advocates for best practice in the use of cement and concrete in the New Zealand marketplace by offering quality training and advice to the industry and its members.

The cement and concrete sector annually produces 1.5 million tonnes of cement in New Zealand, which equates to around 3.75 million cubic metres of concrete for new residential, non-residential and commercial construction.

In total, the direct, indirect and induced economic impact of the cement and concrete sector resulted in close to $7.5 billion of output across the economy in the year to March 2006. This activity supported more than 24,000 jobs and created a value add of about $2.8 billion – 2 percent of New Zealand’s GDP in 2006.

As an industry knowledge organisation, CCANZ is focusing attention on marketing technical information in a way that helps industry decision makers get the most out of concrete.

Those who seek CCANZ’s services include architects, designers, engineers and building contractors.

Concrete is the building material of the future, offering comfort, style and strength.

© Scoop Media