| Holcim Ecuador: consistent sustainability
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In search of environmental compatibility
Holcim Ecuador, acquired by the Group in 1976, produces around 3 million tonnes of cement every year. Across all its facilities, including the largest cement factory in the country, the company is continually investing in measures to reduce emissions, energy use and raw material consumption.
For example, in 2007, the Quito Norte concrete plant was comprehensively renovated, and is now one of the most modern facilities in Latin America. Its highly automated systems guarantee efficient distribution of the final product and its hi-tech laboratory monitors the quality of incoming materials and of the concrete produced. All mixer trucks are fitted with three rear axles to ensure better weight distribution and avoid damage to roads.
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Quality systems
Quito Norte produces up to 140,000 cubic meters of ready-mix concrete every year, yet all raw materials are used sparingly, and even the concrete itself is recycled, by feeding the reclaimed crushed stone back into the production process. All waste is separated and either reused or disposed of properly, while only rainwater and purified waste water are used in the production process.
Holcim Ecuador has built up trust and goodwill in the region, helped by the ISO certification of its quality, environmental and safety management systems – still rare in Ecuador’s building materials industry, even today. Together with the Ministry for the Environment, Holcim Ecuador has also launched a project to recycle cement bags, of which it uses 42 million each year. In the future, Holcim Ecuador aims to collect the empty bags, and has pledged to pay a premium of around five US cents for every bag returned.
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A commitment to social responsibility
Employees are proud to work for a company that not only looks after the environment, but plays a pioneering role in terms of safety and well-being at work, and is committed to sustainable community development. For example, the Holcim Ecuador Foundation currently oversees 12 projects benefiting more than 65,000 people in the communities where the Group company operates. Its work includes the provision of emergency assistance to the victims of natural catastrophes, such as the eruption of volcano Tungurahua in 2006.
Such commitment has been appreciated by many, including the City of Quito’s Environmental Department, which awarded Holcim Ecuador with its “Premio a la Excelencia Ambiental” prize for “Exemplary commitment to environment and society”.
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