Holcim releases Corporate Sustainability Report

Words: Bernard FontanaHolcim released its 2013 Corporate Sustainability Report detailing the Group’s ongoing activities in sustainable development and disclosing data on a number of key sustainability performance indicators. A panel of independent external experts has contributed to the report by reviewing and confirming the sustainability topics covered. These experts have furthermore made recommendations to Holcim which are included in the report.

CEO Bernard Fontana comments: “Reflecting our vision to provide foundations for society’s future sustainable environmental performance and corporate responsibility are firm parts of Holcim’s business strategy. This mindset has also been part of the foundation of our Holcim Leadership Journey and the performance indicators we release with the report today confirm that we are making further progress in reaching our sustainability targets.”

Occupational Health and Safety is the number one priority for Holcim and key to ensuring continued business success. In 2013, Holcim achieved a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate for direct employees of 1.3. Holcim will continue to work hard pursuing the “Zero Harm to People” objective of the Group. A specific example on how Holcim is doing this is included in the report.

Further reduction of CO2 emissions

The production of cement — and in particular clinker — leads to the emission of large amounts of CO2 and subsequently reducing the carbon emissions of its operations remain a key focus of the company’s strategy. Holcim is on track to achieve its target to reduce CO2 emissions per ton of cement by 25 percent by 2015, compared to 1990 and by the end of 2013 had achieved a reduction of 24.3 percent. With net emissions of 572kg of CO2 per ton of cement, Holcim remains the leader in the industry with the lowest CO2 intensity. In 2013, Holcim had an average of 69.8 percent clinker in its cement — also among the lowest in the industry.

Holcim also made progress in a number of other fields. The Group has significantly strengthened its compliance activities by enlarging and further defining the compliance function. There has been progress with the implementation of the Holcim Human Rights Management System, and six human rights impact assessments have been carried out and follow up actions identified and instituted. Furthermore, a supplier code of conduct, based on the principles of the United Nations Global Compact has been published and communicated to all of the Group’s suppliers. Work has also continued with the implementation of the Holcim Water Management System and in 2012, an efficiency target was announced to reduce water consumption per tonne of product by 20 percent by 2020, when compared to 2012. In addition, Holcim overachieved its target that by the end of 2013, 80 percent of “biodiversity sensitive” sites would have a Biodiversity Action Plan with a 90 percent implementation rate.

Refreshed commitment to sustainability

In line with its aim to create value for all stakeholders Holcim has over the years been balancing economic value creation, environmental and social responsibility based on its sustainability strategy. Holcim has renewed this commitment to sustainability by outlining the Group’s long term ambitions and interim targets for sustainable development as part of its Holcim Sustainable Development Ambition 2030 covered in this report. The strategy, which was developed in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders and sustainability experts, reflects Holcim’s aspiration to go beyond “business as usual” and to be part of the solution to the challenges of our time. The strategy focusses on activities in the areas of Climate, Resources and Communities with an intention to significantly increase the Group’s portfolio of sustainability enhancing products and services.

By 2030, Holcim aspires to maintain net CO2 emissions at 2013 levels, across the whole life cycle of its products by compensating or offsetting any increases in emissions from its operations through products and services that reduce emissions from buildings and infrastructure. The Group further aspires to show a positive impact on water resources in water scarce areas and demonstrate a positive change for biodiversity. By focussing on inclusive business solutions and strategic social investments Holcim aspires, by 2030, to have improved the quality of life of 100 million people at the base of the pyramid.

The 2013 Corporate Sustainability Report report was assured by PricewaterhouseCoopers and is in accordance with the GRI G4 reporting framework at a comprehensive level.

The report can be downloaded from www.holcim.com/sustainable.

Holcim releases Corporate Sustainability Report

Further reduction of CO2 emissions

Refreshed commitment to sustainability

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