Biodiversity
Our operations are strongly linked to natural resources and our business plays a key role in tackling biodiversity loss and degradation. We take a rigorous science-based approach and we work with nature in a transformative, rather than traditional way.
A STRONG COMMITMENT TO PROTECT and restore BIODIVERSITY
At Holcim, we commit to making a measurable positive impact on biodiversity by 2030 backed by science-based indicators on our active and non-active quarries, helping to protect natural ecosystems and the livelihoods of those in neighboring communities. We will achieve this by working in partnership with local stakeholders, who understand the local ecosystem, ensuring a positive contribution to biodiversity and the communities who rely on nature for their livelihoods and quality of life.
- We are measuring our biodiversity level baseline by implementing a scientific methodology called Biodiversity Indicator and Reporting System (BIRS), developed in partnership with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) across all of our active and non-active quarries by 2024.
- We are using the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) to support us in prioritizing actions in high biodiversity areas. By 2030 we will measure our biodiversity level again and our biodiversity index should be higher to ensure we are on a positive trajectory.
How we reach our commitments
Progressive transformative rehabilitation
Our approach to enhancing biodiversity is to work with nature in a transformative, rather than the traditional way. We capitalize on natural processes, endemic species and local adaptation to take into account the wider landscape and conservation context. Some key actions include buffer zone optimization and, when relevant, creation of habitats not previously found on the site, like green corridors for wildlife connectivity and wetlands.
Our sites are rehabilitated in a progressive way, in other words rehabilitation is taking place simultaneously with extraction work. Areas where extractive work is finished are rehabilitated while extraction continues in other areas of the quarry.
*Measured using the Biodiversity Indicator and Reporting System (BIRS), developed in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Measuring positive biodiversity impact
We apply the mitigation hierarchy to prioritize and guide actions to enhance our positive biodiversity impact.
We worked in partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to develop a methodology to measure our biodiversity level. This tool is called the Biodiversity Indicator Reporting System (BIRS). With BIRS we will define our biodiversity baseline and measure our biodiversity improvement over the years on our active and non-active quarries. BIRS assessment will allow us to better understand the challenges and opportunities we have at each site for enhancing biodiversity and improving ecosystem conditions. We will identify key actions, develop action plans and implement them to increase our biodiversity index.
*Developed in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Landscape approach
Our quarries and sites are an integral part of wider landscapes, which play an essential role in providing ecosystem services to people, including indigenous communities and vulnerable groups, as well as being the habitat of wildlife and flora. The landscapes cover important habitat types, from forests to grassland, from deserts to wetland habitats.
We aim to become a leading voice in landscape protection beyond our own sites, participating in or leading multi-stakeholder collaboration with all relevant stakeholders - from industrial sites to our suppliers (which usually are located in the same landscape) to agricultural producers and local communities.
Creating and executing on a common vision for biodiversity protection across our landscapes will include important local elements such as wildlife corridors, protection from natural hazards such as fire or floods, and it will be complemented by our approach to water stewardship and commitment to human rights and positive social impact. This will enable a holistic and inclusive view, resulting in a more sustainable landscape for all.
A pioneer in impact valuation
As a founding member of the Value Balancing Alliance, we developed a global Impact Measurement and Valuation standard for assessing and disclosing economic, social and environmental impacts in a monetized way within our own operations and suppliers.
Promoting good practices throughout the value chain
We work with suppliers identified as having a high environmental impact to demonstrate continuous improvement towards having a recognized environmental management system in place.
Embedding biodiversity into product innovation
We develop solutions that are focused on improving nature and bringing more of it into cities across our portfolio.
Our stories
