Holcim has honed its focus on its social impact with a new strategy to uplift vulnerable communities with housing and safe work standards.
The building materials supplier has a strategy to create $CHF500 million ($AUD725 million) in social value.
This value will be measured by a combination of investment and revenue contributed and made with social partners.
It will also involve the number of key infrastructure projects contributed to by Holcim, such as schools, hospitals, rural roads and affordable housing.
This will be achieved through three pillars: bridging the world’s housing and infrastructure gap, improving livelihoods, and upholding the highest standards of human rights.
Holcim chief executive officer Jan Jenisch said he recognised the need for companies like Holcim to contribute in this way.
“Our business plays an essential role in society’s progress. We build the roads, bridges, hospitals and schools that enable people to thrive around the world,” Jenisch said.
“With three billion people expected to lack access to adequate housing by 2030, I am committed to putting our business to work to uplift our communities.”
Aside from the investment and revenue target of $CHF500 million, the company outlined a few other goals to achieve the strategy:
- Accelerate access to adequate housing and infrastructure to improve living standards for all.
- Continue to support communities, from health and education to skill building.
- Respect human rights and implement the highest standards of due diligence worldwide in its operations, communities and across its value chain.
The announcement followed a similar one in September which will see Holcim become nature-positive by 2030 through restorative measures in biodiversity and water management.
More reading
Holcim goes carbon neutral at new rail facility
LaFargeHolcim achieves US first with Portland plant
Holcim gets greener with ambitious global targets
Holcim’s ocean plastic recovery strengthens circular economy