Holcim pioneers adoption of science-based targets for nature
- One of first three companies worldwide to adopt science-based targets for nature with Kering and GSK
- Confirms Holcim’s rigorous science-driven approach to nature and commitment to preserve and restore freshwater ecosystems
Holcim has been named by the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) as one of the first three companies globally to adopt science-based targets for nature, at the COP16 Convention on Biological Diversity, alongside Kering and GSK. This science-based target-setting, starting with freshwater, is a significant milestone in advancing ambitious and measurable corporate action for nature. It follows a year-long SBTN pilot program, for which Holcim was one of 17 companies selected globally and the only company in its sector.
Nollaig Forrest, Chief Sustainability Officer, Holcim: “At Holcim, nature matters. That’s why we want our nature targets to be backed by science. As a first-mover company working with SBTN , Holcim is now equipped with a gold standard approach to operationalize broad-based action to protect and restore nature across our business. With this rigorous approach, we can comprehensively assess and measure our nature footprint to set the right nature targets across our operations and with our suppliers.”
Erin Billman, Executive Director of the Science Based Targets Network: "Our corporate pilot program has shown that science-based targets for nature are both feasible and valuable. We’re pleased to see companies like Holcim leading the way by publicly adopting the world’s first science-based targets beyond climate; demonstrating that a clear and credible pathway for ambitious action for nature is possible. The time for companies to act is now — responsibly, urgently, and with the ambition that matches the scale of the challenge.”
Holcim’s granular water data has enabled it to set an ambitious target of 39% reduction of freshwater withdrawals by 2030 in its direct operations in the Moctezuma basin in Mexico, compared to an average 2022-2023 baseline.
This ambitious target comes as world and business leaders gather at COP16 in Colombia, where urgent action to preserve biodiversity and nature have been at the heart of negotiations. Future steps for Holcim will include science-based target-setting for priority basins in its direct operations, and advancing a supplier engagement program to collect geolocation data and gain more traceability for target-setting.
About Holcim
Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions with net sales of CHF 27.0 billion in 2023. Our 63,448 employees are driven by our purpose to build progress for people and the planet across our regions to improve living standards for all. We partner with our customers to offer the broadest range of advanced solutions, from sustainable building materials ECOPact and ECOPlanet, to our circular technology ECOCycle®, all the way to Elevate’s advanced roofing and insulation systems.
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