| Holcim position papers on climate change |
Climate and energy are the most important environmental issues for Holcim. We believe that regulated market mechanisms can be the most effective way to achieve an environmental objective while fostering economic and social development, and actively participate in their development. To be effective and sustainable, such market instruments must be compatible with the reality and imperatives of globally competitive business. In this respect, the emerging Emissions Trading Systems, as well as the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation, are in need of improvement. Our long-term vision inspires our medium- and short-term actions and communication. To transparently engage with stakeholders about our views on environmentally and economically effective and sustainable systems, a series of position papers has been developed. Starting with the generic, the papers then move to the European and industrial level, then through to direct application to the cement sector. They can be read collectively or as stand-alone documents. “The Efficiency Principle and Policy Instruments” describes that only policy instruments specifically dedicated to each sector of society, and based on efficiency of production or consumption, will be sustainable and lead to global reduction of absolute emissions. |
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In “The European Union Emissions Trading System”, Holcim welcomes the concept of Emissions Trading, provided the system matches policy instruments used in other economic regions, and that the allocation of emission allowances is based on CO2 efficiency performance. |
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“The National Allocation Plans in the EU ETS” summarizes the counter-productive effects of the grandfathering principle currently used in most NAPs and advocates the use of Performance Based Allocation, i.e. benchmarking, for the 2008 – 12 NAPs. |
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“Practical Guidance for Performance Based Allocation in 2008 – 12” summarizes how Performance Based Allocation can be applied as from 2008-12, while “Allowance Allocation to the Cement Sector for 2008-12” enters into its specific application to our industry, including proposals for quantification of the performance standards. |
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“Absolute or specific targets” provides some reflections on the debate regarding absolute or unit-based CO2 objectives for companies to reduce global absolute emissions. |
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We welcome your feedback. |
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