Holcim announces nature-positive strategy with measurable 2030 biodiversity and water targets

Holcim has announced its commitment to positively impact biodiversity by replenishing freshwater in water-risk areas and lower water intensity across all product lines.

Being the first company in the construction sector to create nature targets, Holcim aims to restore and preserve biodiversity while bringing more nature into cities.

The strategy was developed in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) using science-based methodology.

Targets aim to preserve water across all its business while accelerating the development and deployment of solutions. For example, its Hydromedia permeable concrete recharges groundwater, allowing urban forests to grow, and its bioactive concrete restores marine ecosystems.

Only 1% of the 500 largest global companies have developed science-driven biodiversity targets like Holcim’s.

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.”

“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.”

Holcim aims to make a measurable positive impact on biodiversity by completing Global BIRS baseline in all managed land by 2024 and providing all quarries with rehabilitation plans by 2022.

The biodiversity strategy also plans to replenish all freshwater in water-risk areas by 2030 with 75% of sites to be water-positive and all sites to be equipped with water recycling systems.

Water intensity across its business lines will be reduced by 2030 by downsizing cement use by 33%, aggregates use by 20%, and ready-mix concrete use by 15%.

Eva Zabey, Executive Director, Business for Nature, said: “We congratulate Holcim for its ambitious biodiversity and water goals as part of its nature-positive journey. 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.”