Holcim released its 2013 Corporate Sustainability Report detailing the company’s ongoing activities in sustainable development and disclosing data on a number of key sustainability performance indicators.
CEO Bernard Fontana commented: “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 its “Zero Harm to People” objective.
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 572 kg of CO2 per ton of cement, Holcim remains the leader in the industry with the lowest CO2 intensity, notes the company. In 2013, Holcim had an average of 69.8 percent clinker in its cement – also among the lowest in the industry.
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 exceeded 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.
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 company’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 company’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. Holcim further aspires to show a positive impact on water resources in water scarce areas and demonstrate a positive change for biodiversity. By focusing 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.
The 2013 Corporate Sustainability Report can be downloaded here.
