In the 2002 Agenda for Action, CSI members pledged to work with stakeholders to develop a protocol for measuring and reporting CO₂ emissions from cement manufacturing.

This was accomplished in 2003 when the CSI produced a CO₂ accounting and reporting protocol (in line with the greenhouse gas protocol developed by the WBCSD and WRI in 2001). This was updated in 2005, following useful feedback from stakeholders.

This protocol provides a harmonized methodology for calculating CO₂ emissions, with a view to reporting these emissions transparently. It addresses all direct and the main indirect sources of CO₂ emissions related to the cement manufacturing process, in absolute as well as in specific or unit-based terms.

The protocol comprises two main elements:

1. guidance document
   (PDF files: English , Japanese , and Chinese)
2. excel spreadsheet: a practical tool to help cement companies prepare their CO₂ inventories
   (English spreadsheet, Japanese , Chinese )

Today, the protocol has been widely adapted, in whole or in part, to many other CO₂ inventory programs, including: the US EPA Climate Leaders Program, the California Climate Registry, the EU Emissions Trading System, and the Asia Pacific Partnership.

CO₂ emissions reduction targets

By 2010
• Holcim: 20% reduction in specific CO₂ emissions*
• Lafarge: 20% reduction in specific CO₂ emissions*
• HeidelbergCement: 15% reduction in specific CO₂ emissions*
• Titan: 15% reduction in specific CO₂ emissions*
• Taiheiyo: 3% reduction in specific CO₂ emissions from 2000 baseline
• Siam Cement Group: reduction to 670 kg/ton cementitious product

By 2012
• Votorantim: 10% reduction in specific CO₂ emissions*
• Italcementi: reduction to 690 kg/ton cementitious product

By 2015
• CEMEX: 25% reduction in specific CO₂ emissions*
• CRH: 15% reduction in specific CO₂ emissions*
  
  *from 1990 baseline