Cemex announced it has been included in Fortune’s Change the World list, a ranking that recognises 50 companies worldwide that have made a sizable impact on major global social or environmental problems as part of their competitive strategy. In the 16th place, Cemex is the only Latin-American based company included and the only company from the construction materials sector.

Cemex has been selected among over 200 nominees, thanks to its Patrimonio Hoy program. The goal of this acknowledgement, according to Fortune editor Allan Murray, is “to shine a spotlight on companies that have made significant progress in addressing major social problems as part of their core business strategy.” Moreover, Murray considers that “business in pursuit of profit still offers the best hope of addressing many of mankind's most deeply rooted problems. Companies that are making genuine efforts to change the world for the better should be encouraged.”

To assemble the list, Fortune worked together with FSG, a non-profit social impact consulting firm, and business, academic and nonprofit experts around the world. The evaluation considered four criteria: the degree of business innovation involved, the measurable impact at scale on an important social challenge, the contribution of the shared-value activities to the company’s profitability and competitive advantage, and the significance of the shared-value effort to the overall business.

“We are proud to be included in Fortune’s Change the World list,” said Fernando A. Gonzalez, Cemex Chief Executive Officer. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to continue working everyday to build a better future.”

Cemex's Patrimonio Hoy program provides low-income families living in urban and semi-urban areas with access to building materials, as well as microfinancing, technical advice, and logistical support to assist participants in building their own homes. The program is destined not only to housing projects but also to the improvement of local public infrastructure. Since its inception, Patrimonio Hoy has provided affordable solutions to approximately 2 million people throughout Latin America.