Holcim US - HOLCIM AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT AT BSA-MIT SYMPOSIUM ON CITIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE

CAMBRIDGE, MA, March 28, 2008 – Patrick Dolberg, President and CEO of Holcim (US), today discussed Holcim’s environmental initiatives and support for the future of sustainable design at a symposium organized by The Boston Society of Architects (BSA) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

“Advancing technology and the adoption of newer architecture techniques for greener cities is paramount to sustaining our environment, not only for the city of Boston and the New England area, but for the planet,” Dolberg said. “The more sustainable our designs and planning – the more sustainable our planet will be.”

The symposium – Mass Impact: Cities & Climate Change – is bringing leading U.S. and international urbanists together to explore strategies employed by cities on the leading edge of sustainable urban design and how these innovative technologies and policies could be adapted for New England.

“At Holcim, we take our environmental responsibilities very seriously,” Dolberg said. “For the third year in row, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index recognized Holcim as having the best sustainability performance in the building materials industry.”

“Beyond our own company’s efforts, we are seeking to inspire sustainable construction projects all over the world. Through the Holcim Awards – sponsored by the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction – we are recognizing and rewarding innovative projects with $2 million in prize money,” Dolberg added.

Mass Impact is sponsored by Holcim (US) with additional support provided by the City of Boston, UK Trade Investments, Goulston & Storrs, Sasaki Associates, Consulate General of Canada in Boston, the Environmental Protection Agency--New England Office, Arup, ArchitectureBoston, the Boston Foundation for Architecture, and the School of Architecture and Planning at MIT.

The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction is supported by Holcim Ltd but is independent of its commercial interests. Holcim Ltd is one of the world's leading suppliers of cement and aggregates (crushed stone, gravel, and sand) as well as further activities such as ready-mix concrete and asphalt including services. The Holcim Group holds majority and minority interests in more than 70 countries on all continents, and employs almost 90,000 people.

Holcim (US) Inc. is a subsidiary of Holcim Ltd, and one of the nation’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of cement and mineral components. Holcim (US) has approximately 2,900 employees and operates 16 manufacturing plants and over 76 distribution facilities in the United States.