CANCUN, Mexico – At the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-16) in Cancun, the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) hosted a special panel discussion presenting an update on efforts being undertaken by the chemical industry to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“Innovation is a key component for the transition to a low carbon economy. By striving to improve the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions performance, and at the same time providing a host of climate change solutions, the chemical industry is an important contributor to the transition,” said Panel Chair Nick Campbell, Arkema. 

The chemical industry has performed a life-cycle analysis of the chemical industry, which found that for every unit of greenhouse gases emitted directly and indirectly by the chemical industry, the industry enabled 2-3 units of emission savings via the products and technologies provided to other industries and consumers. The study also found that by 2030, the ratio of GHG emission savings to emissions could increase to more than ‘4 to 1’, given certain actions by industry, stakeholders and policymakers. The study, “Innovations for Greenhouse Gas Reductions,” evaluates GHG emissions across product life cycles in an effort to drive further reductions in industry emissions.

In cooperation with the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2011 ICCA will undertake action to prepare technology roadmaps in three key areas that will help to reduce GHG emissions: 1) Catalysis, 2) Energy efficiency in buildings, and 3) Biomass for energy or for chemical feedstocks.

 “Innovations for Greenhouse Gas Reductions” can be downloaded here.
 “Principles for Global Policies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions” can be downloaded here.

Note to editors:

About the International Council of Chemical Associations

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) is the worldwide voice of the chemical industry, a sector with 2009 turnover of around €1,900 billion (excluding pharmaceuticals). ICCA’s Responsible Care members account for more than 70 percent of this total. The promotion and coordination of Responsible Care® and safe chemicals management through the Global Product Strategy, international climate negotiations, government and business partnerships, regulatory affairs, stakeholder outreach, advocacy and communications are key areas of focus for the Council. For more information about ICCA visit www.icca-chem.org

Contact:
 
ICCA:   

Bernhard Thier:  (work) +32 2 676 73 78; (mobile) +32 478 320 455 or bth@cefic.be
Jenny Heumann: (work) +1 202 249 6520; (mobile) +1 202 549 4839 or jenny_heumann@americanchemistry.com