climate action

At Holcim, we are taking a science-driven approach to becoming a net-zero company. We continue to lead our industry with science-based targets and a clearly defined net-zero roadmap.

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Climate action FAQ

What are Holcim's main climate actions?

We were among the first companies worldwide to have our 2030 and 2050 CO₂ reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

In 2023, as we continue to lead our industry in sustainability, we made strong progress toward these targets for 2030, which are in line with the SBTi’s revised 1.5°C framework.

We have set out a clear pathway to net zero. By offering our low-carbon products and by enabling smart design systems, we will support the shift to more carbon-efficient construction.

We are also decarbonizing our operations by reducing our clinker factor, using alternative fuels and raw materials, and increasing our thermal substitution rate and renewable energy use.

What are scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 emissions?

Emissions are generally categorized into three scopes, distinguishing emissions from a company's own operations and its wider value chain.

Scope 1 emissions are those that are released directly from our operations.

Scope 2 emissions include indirect emissions from the generation of electricity we purchase.

Scope 3 emissions refer to all other indirect emissions from our value chain.

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Our net-zero journey

Our net-zero targets are at the heart of our strategy to accelerate green growth. Transparency about our climate-related progress and performance is a key aspect of this process.

Net-zero enablers

Our net-zero enablers are setting new standards for emissions reductions within the low-carbon construction industry.

Our climate targets

Our SBTi targets aligned with 1.5°C

In 2023, we updated our 2030 climate targets to meet the latest SBTi 1.5°C validation criteria. We also extended our 2050 target coverage to include all 15 categories of Scope 3 emissions.

Overall Net-Zero Target: Holcim commits to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050.

Near-Term Targets: Holcim commits to reduce gross scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 26.2% per ton of cementitious materials by 2030 from a 2018 base year¹. Holcim also commits to reduce gross scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services 25.1% per ton of purchased clinker and cement by 2030 from a 2020 base year.

Long-Term Targets: Holcim commits to reduce scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions 95.1% per ton of cementitious materials by 2050 from a 2018 base year¹.

Holcim also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 90% by 2050 from a 2020 base year.

¹The target boundary includes land related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

“At Holcim, we are committed to decarbonizing building for a net-zero future. When I see the thorough decarbonization plans we are deploying across our business, I am confident that we will decarbonize building at scale.”

NOLLAIG FORREST | Chief Sustainability Officer

Memberships and recognitions

Our memberships and recognitions underscore our commitment to becoming a net-zero company.

CONTRIBUTING TO UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

We work to have a positive impact on all 17 UN SDGs. Under our climate action pillar we have identified four goals where we can make a significant difference:

How we are making it happen

Scaling up CCUS

Finding ways to decarbonize the construction phase of a building’s lifecycle is critical to reaching the world’s climate targets. We are harnessing advanced technologies like carbon capture, utilization and storage with flagship projects around the world well positioned to produce net-zero cement.

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Decarbonizing Holcim with alternative fuels

Replacing fossil fuels with alternative fuels, such as biomass and other materials at the end of their life, is one of the key levers of our net-zero journey. We continuously and systematically innovate to accelerate the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy in our cement sites. Our plants in Europe will operate with 90% alternative fuels by 2030.