Holcim today 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.
Bernard Fontana, Holcim ??CEO, 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 progres in reaching our sustainability targets.”
Occupational Health and Safety
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.
Further reduction of CO2 emissions
Holcim is on track to achieve its target to reduce CO2 emissions per ton of cement by 25 per cent by 2015, compared to 1990 and by the end of 2013 had achieved a reduction of 24.3 per cent. With net emissions of 572kg of CO2 per ton of cement, Holcim remains the leader in the industry with the lowest CO2 intensity, according to the company. In 2013, Holcim had an average of 69.8 per cent clinker in its cement – also among the lowest in the industry.
Compliance
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.
Water management
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 per cent by 2020, when compared to 2012.
Biodiversity
In addition, Holcim overarchieved its target that by the end of 2013, 80 per cent of “biodiversity sensitive” sites would have a Biodiversity Action Plan with a 90 per cent implementation rate. ??
Commitment to sustainability
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 aims, by 2030, to have improved the quality of life of 100 million people at the base of the pyramid.
