HeidelbergCement released its seventh Sustainability Report so far. The Sustainability Report 2015 highlights important topics and challenges for HeidelbergCement in its drive for sustainable development. Readers also learn about the successes and aims of corporate sustainability management, as well as the company’s activities in the arena of environmental protection, employees, workplace safety and social responsibility.

Sustainable business practices form an integral part of the business activities

“Sustainable business practices are an integral component of our business activities and therefore a central task of our local management teams. The important thing is to minimise the impact of our operations on the local environment, and to utilise our core competencies in a way that contributes to the society at large and generates economic opportunities,” said Dr. Bernd Scheifele, CEO of HeidelbergCement. “With this report, we transparently present our sustainability achievements and targets – and thereby make our performance understandable to our stakeholders.”

Focus on climate protection

Climate protection and the reduction of CO2 emissions remained in focus of our sustainability management in 2015. For instance, specific net carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 22% (compared to 1990 levels) to 606 kg per tonne of cement and we increased the use of alternative raw materials. The clinker factor decreased to 75%.

“The numbers show what kind of progress HeidelbergCement made in 2015,” said Dr. Scheifele. “We have also substantially intensified our commitment to the development of technologies to use CO2 as a resource, and we have entered into very promising cooperative research projects. This puts us at the forefront of the movement in the cement industry.”

First-time figures on water management

After implementing industry indicators for water reporting at all cement plants in 2013 and 2014, this year's HeidelbergCement Sustainability Report is the first to present figures on water management. Data is now also being collected from aggregates and ready-mixed concrete activities, meaning that figures will be available for these business lines in the future. Moreover, all plants in regions where water is scarce will have implemented an individual water management plan by 2030.

Reporting standard GRI G4

The Sustainability Report 2015 published by HeidelbergCement Group was prepared in accordance with the G4 guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the “Core” option. The report is targeted to HeidelbergCement’s customers, employees and business partners, as well as representatives of the media, NGOs, political actors and the general public.

You will find the Sustainability Report on the HeidelbergCement website.