Holcim, a global leader in sustainable building solutions, has set a target to become a nature-positive business through restorative measures in biodiversity and water management.
The company has committed to a net positive impact on biodiversity by 2030. This will be made possible by all Holcim-owned quarries establishing rehabilitation plans by 2022, including Holcim’s 250 sites across Australia.
To “bring more nature into cities”, Holcim developed rehabilitation plans in conjunction with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Holcim’s chief sustainability and innovation officer Magali Anderson said it was an important step for a business with a naturally large carbon footprint.
“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,” 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.”
The company will also become nature-positive by equipping every Holcim-owned site with water recycling systems.
Across its various business lines, Holcim will lower its water intensity by 33 per cent (cement), 20 per cent (aggregates), and 14 per cent (ready-mix concrete).
Global conservation coalition Business for Nature works with dozens of partners across the world and across sectors. The organisation’s executive director Eva Zabey fully endorsed Holcim’s nature-positive targets.
“We congratulate Holcim for its ambitious biodiversity and water goals as part of its nature-positive journey,” Zabey said.
“Implementing Holcim’s nature strategy can drive scalable change both within the building materials sector and industry as a whole.
“We need all businesses to rapidly step up their actions and commitments to protect and restore the ecosystems on which we all rely to create healthy and resilient societies.”
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