Leading building materials company Holcim announced today the launch of its nature-positive strategy, introducing a series of biodiversity and water sustainability goals aimed at generating a net positive environmental impact.

Magali Anderson, Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer, Holcim, said:

“With nature at the heart of everything we do, I am pleased that we are taking significant steps to improve our biodiversity and water stewardship in a measurable and science-driven way.”

Holcim stated that it aims to deliver a measurable positive impact on biodiversity by 2030. Its biodiversity target was set after working with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to develop the Biodiversity Indicator Reporting System (BIRS), a scientifically rigorous methodology for measuring progress. Holcim’s commitments include completing a BIRS baseline all managed land by 2024, and to have rehabilitation plans at all quarries by 2022.

Holcim aims to address water stress in high-risk areas, with commitments to replenish fresh water in water-risk areas, increase the use of water recycling and reduce water intensity across its business lines. By 2030, the company aims to be water positive at 75% of sites in water risk areas, and to have 100% of sites equipped with water recycling systems. The company also aims to reduce water intensity in cement by 33%, aggregates by 20%, and by 15% in ready-mix concrete.

Holcim stated that its nature-positive strategy places it among the 1% of the 500 largest global companies with science-driven biodiversity targets and the first in its sector with a freshwater replenishment commitment.

Anderson said:

“Building on our net zero commitment, our nature-based solutions play a vital role in reducing the impact of climate change and increasing our business’ resilience. Becoming nature-positive plays a critical role in our vision to build progress for people and the planet.”

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