Memberships and recognitions

 

As global leader in building materials and solutions, we are conscious of the bigger picture and strive to ensure that we live up to the responsibilities that come with our presence in many diverse countries. We take action to be a responsible and ethical company, with sustainability as a core value. Sustainability creates value for our business, our shareholders, our employees and society, and we aspire to be a leader in this field and leverage resulting opportunities.

 

Commitments

Business Ambition for 1.5°C

Holcim has joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) “Business Ambition for 1.5°C,” becoming the first global building materials company to sign the pledge with intermediate targets for 2030, validated by SBTi. This commitment builds on Holcim’s leadership in green construction with cutting-edge solutions such as ECOPact, its green concrete, and Susteno, its leading circular cement.

Science Based Targets Network (SBTN)

At Holcim we commit to deliver our actions in a rigorous, science-based way. As such we are now part of the Science Based Targets Network Corporate Engagement Program to road-test and provide feedback on the new methods, guidance and tools science-based target for nature is setting.

“Recover Better” movement

In the wake of the COVID 19 crisis, Holcim is ramping up its production to best support our customers and help the world economy recover as quickly as possible. Holcim is doing this by putting sustainable construction at the heart of the recovery. Building on this commitment, Holcim has joined the “Recover Better” movement, launched by the Science Based Targets initiative, the UN Global Compact and the We Mean Business coalition to embed climate action in today’s economic recovery. Holcim, together with a number of other global companies has signed a statement urging governments around the world to align their COVID-19 economic aid and recovery efforts with the latest climate science. Holcim and the other signatory companies have already set, or committed to set, science-based emissions reduction targets. By signing the statement, Holcim is reaffirming that its own decisions and actions remain grounded in science, while calling on governments to prioritize a faster and fairer transition from a grey to a green economy.

Call to Action for Business Leadership on Human Rights

In February 2020, CEO Jan Jenisch signed the Call to Action for Business Leadership on Human Rights by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), joining forty other leaders in sending a clear message on the need to elevate companies’ ambitions concerning human rights. Together our vision is to make human rights more than just a risk and compliance issue for companies – they should be actively promoted as part of a commitment to social responsibility.

Eliminating Child Labour 2021 Action Plan

The Holcim 2021 Action Pledge on eliminating child labour and strengthening children’s rights builds on our existing commitment to respect human and children’s rights. Respect for human and children’s rights is fundamental to our ability to do business across our 2,300 sites in 60 countries. Building on long-term efforts to respect and promote the rights of people and children in our operations and supply chain, we seek to accelerate action during 2021 by further integrating child rights into Holcim’s human rights approach and sustainable procurement systems.

WBCSD Wash Pledge

Holcim is a signatory of the WASH Pledge, an initiative led by WBCSD and WASH4Work. The WASH Pledge is an opportunity for us to contribute concretely to the implementation of SDG 6, while at the same time ensuring that we provide best practices on WASH (access to water, sanitation and hygiene) within our operations, at an appropriate level of standard for all employees and contractors. We commit to taking action on WASH across our value chain, including among our suppliers, as well as in the communities that surround our workplaces and/or where our employees live.

World Green Building Council

In 2021 Holcim joined the Corporate Advisory Board of the World Green Building Council (WGBC). The WGBC is a global action network that aims to transform the building and construction sector across three strategic areas—climate action, health & wellbeing, and resources & circularity.

Business for Nature (BfN)

In 2020, Holcim’s CEO Jan Jenisch signed the Call to Action of Business for Nature, which brings together influential organizations and forward-thinking businesses seeking to reverse nature loss. By signing the call we aim to positively influence policymakers who are currently discussing international agreements on nature and climate change. Also, our Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer, Magali Anderson is a member of the Business for Nature’s Strategic Advisory Group supporting them to set directions and prioritize actions.

 

Recognition

SBTi: climate targets validated

Holcim is the first in its sector with 2030 and 2050 net zero targets cutting across operations and value chain validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as in line with keeping warming to well below 2°C . Holcim has partnered with SBTi to define our net zero roadmap beyond 2030. The SBTi is a global collaboration between the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).

Sustainalytics risk rating

In their Risk Rating report released in August 2021, Sustainalytics rated Holcim at 21.2 - included in the medium ESG risk category. Holcim’s Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating is based on an exposure score of 53.9 and a Management score of 68.5. Holcim’s Management score for 2021 is the strongest of all 118 construction materials companies that were analyzed.

Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)

In the results of the 2020 Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) assessment, Holcim has been given an ‘A’ score for tackling climate change. We received a score of A- in the CDP ranking for water, which places the Group in the CDP’s Leadership band. This score recognizes Holcim's implementation of current best practices with regards to water performance and transparency. In addition, Holcim was recognized as a Supplier Engagement Leader in 2020 with an A score, raising the level of climate ambition across our value chain.

ISS Corporate ESG performance; “Prime” status

Holcim has been upgraded in the ISS ESG Corporate Rating issued in October 2021 to “B-” and enhances the already awarded “Prime” status. This is awarded to companies with an ESG performance above the sector-specific Prime threshold, which means that they fulfil ambitious absolute performance requirements. Consequently the companies' tradeable bonds and shares qualify for responsible investment.

Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI)

As of 2021, Holcim received an MSCI ESG Rating of “A”. MSCI ESG Research provides MSCI ESG Ratings on global public and a few private companies on a scale of AAA to CCC, according to exposure to industry-specific ESG risks and the ability to manage those risks relative to peers.

FTSE4Good: constituent of FTSE4Good index series

Created by the global index provider FTSE Russell, the FTSE4Good IndexSeries is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The FTSE4Good indices are used by a wide variety of market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products. FTSE Russell confirms that Holcim has been independently assessed according to the FTSE4Good criteria, and has satisfied the requirements to become a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series. Holcim has been a constituent of the index since the company was formed in 2015. The legacy companies (Lafarge SA and Holcim Ltd) were constituents of the index since 2003 and 2004 respectively.

edie Sustainability Leaders Awards

Holcim's net zero pledge has been named the 2021 edie Sustainability Leaders Awards "Net Zero Carbon Strategy of the Year." In their 14th year, edie’s RSA-accredited Sustainability Leaders Awards recognizes excellence across the spectrum of green business. They represent the UK’s largest and most prestigious sustainability awards initiative.

Corporate Human Rights Benchmark

In 2020, we scored highest in the building materials sector in the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark. This recognizes the strong human rights due diligence we have been putting in place for many years.

FastCompany innovation ranking

In March 2021, FastCompany recognized Holcim as one of the top 3 most innovative companies in urban development for creating a building material that’s friendly to both the climate and the developing world. FastCompany is the world's leading progressive business media brand with editorial focus on innovation.

Vigeo Eiris

In April 2021, Vigeo.Eiris, the environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) rating and research agency, ranked Holcim as number one in its sector, giving the company its highest rating of A1+. Holcim was also named best in its sector in terms of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. This rating places Holcim within the top 2% of companies ranked worldwide.

SEAL Business Sustainability Awards

Holcim is among the winners of the 2021 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards, representing the world’s 50 most sustainable businesses. SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement, and Leadership) Awards is an organization to honor and champion real corporate sustainability leadership through a robust awards process.

 

Memberships and involvement

United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)

Holcim is a participant in the UN Global Compact. With our integrated approach to sustainable development, Holcim aims to embrace the UNGC principles. We strive to implement the ten principles of the Compact and to use it as a basis for advancing responsible corporate citizenship. At the same time, the Compact provides Holcim with the opportunity to further push our own ongoing programs and processes in the areas of human rights, labor standards, the environment, and anti-corruption. In order to demonstrate our commitment, we publish a yearly Communication of Progress (COP).

World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a global, CEO-led organization of over 200 leading businesses working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. Holcim is an active member of the WBCSD, with CEO Jan Jenish appointed to the WBCSD Executive Committee in 2019.

Global Cement & Concrete Association (GCCA)

Holcim is playing an active role in the development of the GCCA’s climate vision, by co-chairing its “Vision 2050” workgroup and its associated climate policy. Holcim, together with eight other leading companies in the cement and concrete sector, launched the Global Cement & Concrete Association in early 2018. The GCCA is a progressive new association, dedicated to developing and strengthening the sector’s contribution to construction. The association will focus on driving advancements in sustainable construction, working to enhance the cement and concrete industry’s contribution to a variety of global social and developmental challenges. Holcim CEO Jan Jenisch is the President of the GCCA.

Cembureau

The European Cement Association, Cembureau, based in Brussels is the representative organisation of the cement industry in Europe. It’s primary audience is both policymakers and their relevant stakeholders and communicates on the industry’s views on all technical, environmental, energy and downstream issues and policy developments. Since June 2021, Isidoro Miranda, Managing Director of LafargeHolcim Spain, has been President of Cembureau. Holcim is also co-chairing two working groups relating to climate & energy and resources.

Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT)

The Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) gathers countries and companies that are committed to action to achieve the Paris Agreement. It provides an arena for public-private collaboration, and for sectoral and cross-sectoral learning for example when it comes to innovation opportunities and new technologies. LeadIT enables collaboration between political and industry decision makers by convening high-level dialogues to catalyze leadership. Holcim has been a member of the Lead IT initiative since 2020.

World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Holcim is a member of the World Economic Forum and contributes to some of their flagship initiatives, such as the First Movers Coalition or the CEO Climate Leaders Coalition.

Mission Possible Partnership - Concrete Action for Climate (CAC)

As one of the sectoral workstreams of the Mission Possible Partnership (MPP), Concrete Action for Climate is helping to coordinate global climate action and innovation in the cement and concrete industry. It aims to stimulate demand for low-carbon products, ensure appropriate financing and public policy are in place for the transition, and enlarge the circle of progressive companies committing to net-zero targets. Holcim is collaborating closely with the GCCA and the coalition of organizations leading the CAC initiative.

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD)

Holcim has been a supporter of the TCFD since July 2017. The TCFD is developing voluntary, consistent climate-related financial risk disclosures for use by companies in providing information to investors, lenders, insurers and other stakeholders

Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction

Since it was launched in Paris in 2015, Holcim has played a proactive role in the Global Alliance for Building and Construction (GABC), the leading global platform for governments, private sector, civil society and intergovernmental and international organizations to increase action towards a zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector.

Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPLC)

Holcim is on the steering committee of the CPLC - an organization that brings together leaders from government, private sector, academia, and civil society to share experience working with carbon pricing and to expand the evidence base for the most effective carbon pricing systems and policies.

We Mean Business Coalition

Holcim is a signatory of the We Mean Business Coalition - a global nonprofit coalition working with the world’s most influential businesses to take action on climate change. Together they catalyze business leadership to drive policy ambition and accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon economy.

Value Balancing Alliance

Holcim is a founder member of the Value Balancing Alliance (VBA), and is part of its steering committee. The value balancing model makes multicapital value drivers transparent for leading companies who want to make decisions optimizing good growth. This non-profit organization aims to create a standardized model for measuring and disclosing the environmental, human, social and financial value companies provide to society.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

Holcim is a member of the GRI Community and supports the mission of GRI to empower decision-makers everywhere, through GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards and its multi-stakeholder network, to take action toward a more sustainable economy and world.

Concrete Sustainability Council

Holcim is a founder member and Co-Chair of the Concrete Sustainability Council Holcim together with concrete industry partners from Europe, USA, Latin America and Asia initiated the development of a global responsible sourcing certification system, designed to help concrete, cement and aggregate companies obtain insight in the level to which a company operates in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible way. Concrete is the world’s most widely used building material. By creating a certification system for responsibly-sourced concrete, the Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC) promotes and demonstrates concrete as a sustainable building material to enable informed decisions in construction. It is our vision to build a sustainable, safe, durable and comfortable future.

Sea Cargo Charter

As a member of the Sea Cargo Charter, we are playing our part in advancing sustainable shipping while lowering indirect (‘scope 3’) emissions from fuels and transportation. This Charter contributes to our scope 3 emissions reduction target -- an industry first.

Supply chain emissions represent 20% of our total footprint, and the Sea Cargo Charter provides an approach to measuring and reducing the marine-based share. With third-party vessels moving 26 million tons of our materials each year, we are committed to play our part to advance a more sustainable shipping industry. This commitment forms part of our net zero pledge, announced in September 2020, when Holcim became the first global building materials company to sign the UNGC’s “Business Ambition for 1.5°C“ initiative, with a 2030 SBTi-verified action plan.

CEO Water Mandate

Holcim has endorsed the CEO Water Mandate, which is a UN Global Compact initiative that mobilizes business leaders on water, sanitation, and the Sustainable Development Goals. With the endorsement we are committing to show continuous progress on our water stewardship actions.

CFO Taskforce for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Holcim's CFO Géraldine Picaud is honored to have joined the CFO Taskforce launched by the UN Global Compact. With less than 10 years remaining to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Holcim is committed to accelerating its impact across the 17 SDGs as part of its sustainability ambitions. The principles endorsed by the taskforce will help align corporate finance actions with the SDGs, and fulfill our own purpose of building progress for people and the planet. The CFO Principles supplement the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles to support companies in the transition to sustainable development and to leverage corporate finance and investments toward the realization of the SDGs.

ECO Platform

Holcim is the first construction materials company to join ECO Platform. A leading international association, ECO Platform acts as a global Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) harmonization body, promoting sustainable development, a low carbon economy and resource efficiency.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development CFO Network

In June 2022, Holcim's CFO Géraldine Picaud joined the CFO Network group launched by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Members of WBCSD’s CFO Network are coming together to redesign financial system architecture, improve the capital market engagement and build out key elements of business practice towards to all aspects of sustainability.

Building progress for people and the planet

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Holcim builds progress for people and the planet. As a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, Holcim is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure and improving living standards around the world. With sustainability at the core of its strategy Holcim is becoming a net zero company, with its people and communities at the heart of its success. The company is driving circular construction as a world leader in recycling to build more with less. Holcim is 70,000 people around the world who are passionate about building progress for people and the planet through four business segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete, Aggregates and Solutions & Products.

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