Water
Freshwater is a finite resource. We aim to reduce water intensity throughout our business operations, implement freshwater replenishment programs beyond our site boundaries and treat the water we use when returning it to nature. We are prioritizing our actions in high water risk areas, tailoring our solutions to local conditions.
Our water stewardship commitments
Our Nature Strategy sets out measurable targets to protect and restore precious freshwater resources, with a tangible action plan to achieve these goals by 2030.
Our strategy for water stewardship
* Projects are implemented within a local context and in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including communities and public infrastructure
How we reach our commitments
Our operations are becoming more water-efficient through process optimization, reduced leakages and equipping our sites with water recycling systems. When possible, we shift our water use from freshwater to non-freshwater. In some countries, during heavy rains, we use harvested rainwater, while in others we use sea or treated municipal wastewater.
Holcim commits to reducing freshwater withdrawal by 2030 in cement, aggregate and ready-mix concrete production by 33%, 20% and 15% respectively. We also commit to have recycling systems in place across 100% of our sites in water-risk areas by 2030.
Holcim commits to treat the water we use and return it to nature. We require all our sites to implement strict standards to ensure the discharge of high-quality water according to in-country regulations and Holcim’s standards.
With 24% of our sites located in medium to high water-risk areas, Holcim is doing its part by implementing freshwater replenishment programs beyond our site boundaries.
Projects include watershed protection and restoration, water access and sanitation, and water for productive use. Solutions are tailored to local needs in consultation with community and institutional stakeholders.
Water product innovations
Water is one of the two elements we place at the heart of our Nature Strategy. In addition, we continue to develop products and solutions that positively impact freshwater ecosystems.