European Commission gathers information: A delegation of high-ranking members from Brussels at Verein Deutscher Zementwerke

The European Commission makes more and more use of the scientific and technical know- how of the German research in cement as an input for the development of a sustainable industrial policy. High-ranking delegates of the commission in Brussels gathered information about current findings in the field of cement and concrete research at VDZ – Verein Deutscher Zementwerke (German Cement Works Association) in Düsseldorf on April 21, 2009.
The delegation of European experts of the Enterprise and Industry DG was accompanied by a delegation of the European Cement Association (Cembureau) in Brussels headed by its President Jean-Paul Méric, who initiated the visit. The visit focussed on environmentally sound methods and innovations in the respective product range. In this respect, the visitors directed their scientific interest on advanced measuring systems and experiences in the optimization of plants and equipment for the manufacturer of cement, the environmentally friendly application of refuse-derived fuels, conditions for energy efficiency, building construction conserving resources, CO2 emission and the assessment of the same as well as the environmental data sheet of cement. In the opinion of Dr. Martin Schneider, Chief Executive of VDZ, the intensive exchange of information emphasizes the institute’s competence in research, being recognized far beyond national boundaries, with its more and more international orientation. In view of Europe above all the European Cement Research Academy (ecra) has to be mentioned which has been founded by VDZ at the beginning of the century. The academy promotes the exchange of research results among cement manufacturers, irrespective of a membership at VDZ. This institute also reflects the fact that the cement industry has been undergoing a growing internationalization process since the 1990s. Regulations and standards concerning cement and concrete more and more occur on a European level. For this reason, the institute receives an increasing amount of enquiries about the scientific and technical service from abroad. Furthermore, the international congresses and symposium of the VDZ in the meantime serve as a main attraction for experts in the field of cement and concrete research.