Source: Cemex S.A.B. de C.V., Monterrey, Mexico
Cemex will apply a methodology this year to initially measure concrete, cement and aggregate operations’ water footprint, then define actions to increase their water efficiency and reduce total volume consumed.
The “Water Project” is the result of a three-year partnership between Cemex and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) aiming to improve water management in the heavy building materials industry. The partnership has thus far leveraged key findings from data collection to minimize the producer’s water footprint, and presented a status report late last year to a European Commission gathering in Brussels.
“Sustainability is embedded in [our] business strategy and day-to-day operations. Under existing climate change scenarios, it is predicted that almost half of the world’s population will live in areas of high water stress by 2030,” says Cemex Senior Vice President of Energy and Sustainability Luis Farias. “Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that efficient water management plays an important role in our business. As Cemex strives to minimize its environmental footprint, partnering with IUCN helps our company to reduce risk, be good stewards of the environment, and ensure we provide the greatest value for our stakeholders.”
“Water is a resource for which there is no substitute. Without adequate supplies of water, not only do businesses face serious risks, but also do public water providers and ecosystems. In partnering with IUCN, Cemex is working to achieve improved water management across its operations, maintain access to sustainable sources of water, and reduce risks associated with water for the company,” adds IUCN Water Program Coordinator, Global Initiatives, Dr. James Dalton.
Related Articles:
Central Concrete early adopter of Climate Earth water usage tracking system