Sustainable development
Climate and energy
Climate change and energy security are global challenges. All economies and sectors of society need to contribute their equitable efforts as a function of their technical and economic potential and socio-economic development.
Climate, energy and building materials
By 2030, some 70% of the global population - 5 billion people - will be living in cities, compared to 50% today. This requires the construction of infrastructure for water and sewerage systems, hospitals and schools, railroads and roads, and housing. This rate of growth will increase the demand for construction materials in general. New approaches to construction for lower energy consumption and reduced emissions are therefore of major ecological significance.
Concrete is the second most commonly used commodity after water and is an essential building material for an energy-efficient infrastructure. Compared to other construction materials, concrete is a product with a relatively low CO2 emission per unit of production.
The contribution the Group can make to climate protection and energy security focuses on promoting sustainable building practices and cutting-edge approaches to reducing CO2 emissions in cement production. This includes optimizing products and processes, investing in research and development of new kinds of cement, as well as using alternative fuels.
Drivers of CO2
Holcim remains committed to minimizing and mitigating our CO2 emissions through a variety of approaches, including:
Improving CO2 performance
"Holcim could contribute to enhanced understanding of why we use cement, despite its high impacts. Water and energy use are going to be difficult issues in future. Companies that develop intelligent solutions on this will be the winners."
Anders Wijkman,
President, Globe EU
