Water

Protecting freshwater resources

Knowing that freshwater is a finite resource, we aim to reduce water intensity throughout our business operations. We tailor our solutions to local conditions and replenish freshwater resources in medium and high water-risk areas.

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 them by 2030.

33

%

freshwater withdrawal reduction by 2030 per metric ton of cement produced

20

%

freshwater withdrawal reduction by 2030 per metric ton of aggregates produced

15

%

freshwater withdrawal reduction by 2030 per cubic meter of ready-mix concrete produced

75

%

of our sites located in medium, high and extremely high water-risk areas will be water positive by 2030 thanks to freshwater replenishment projects outside our site boundaries to the benefit of communities and nature

100

%

of our sites in medium, high and extremely high water-risk areas to be equipped with recycling systems by 2030

100

%

of our discharged water by 2026 will meet Holcim water quality standards and in-country regulations to protect ecosystems and biodiversity

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

Freshwater withdrawal reduction

Our operations are becoming more water-efficient through process optimization, reduced leakages and freshwater recycling systems. When possible, we shift our water usage 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.

Zero water pollution

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.

Freshwater replenishment

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.

Three main project categories can be implemented: watershed protection and restoration; water for productive use; and water access and sanitation. Projects are selected according to local needs, and in consultation with relevant stakeholders including communities and public institutions, to maximize the watershed improvements and equitable distribution of water.

Water product innovations

Water is one of the two pillars we place at the heart of our nature strategy. In addition, we continue to develop products and solutions that positively impact freshwater ecosystems.

Going beyond our freshwater commitments, we are creating solutions to preserve and protect marine ecosystems .

Hydromedia: permeable water management solution

Hydromedia is a water management system that combines the properties of concrete and advanced drainage technology. It absorbs rainwater from streets, driveways, etc., reducing flood risks. Hydromedia rapidly evacuates water directly into the soil, producing a natural aquifer recharge allowing urban forests to grow and minimizing the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHIE).

EXPLORE HYDROMEDIA

I-DRACRETO: intelligent concrete solution

I-DRACRETO infuses moisture into concrete, reducing early-age cracking and associated repairs while saving 70 liters of water per square meter of concrete floor.

EXPLORE I-DRACETO