Water

Freshwater is a finite resource. We aim to reduce water intensity throughout our business operations, implement nature-based solutions 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.

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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.

33

%

freshwater withdrawal reduction by 2030 per metric ton of cement produced

50

%

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

100

%

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

�鶹��ý has set new science-based nature targets to reduce freshwater withdrawals as an industry first-mover, using the Targets Network methodology.

-38% by 2035, in the Haine basin, Belgium¹
-23% by 2030, in the Cyclades basin, Greece¹ &�Բ��;
-16% by 2030, in the Onyar basin, Spain¹
- 39% by 2030, in the Moctezuma basin, Mexico²

These three new targets, which are validated by , demonstrate �鶹��ý's science-driven approach to nature.
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¹As per SBTN methodology, the baseline refers to a 2020-2024 average.
²As per SBTN Pilot exceptions, the baseline for this target refers to a 2022–2023 average.

How we reach our commitments

Freshwater withdrawal reduction

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.

Zero water pollution

�鶹��ý 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 �鶹��ý’s standards.

NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS

We are committed to implement nature-based solution projects beyond our fences across our regions by 2030. Nature-based solutions include ecosystem restoration, reforestation projects or other natural efforts to enhance biodiversity whilst ensuring stakeholder engagement and societal benefits.

Water Stewardship in action

From sky to soil: supporting water security and biodiversity in Poland

�鶹��ý’s team in Poland worked with local officials to provide an innovative solution for water-stressed hotspots in Kujawy, advancing our vision of a nature-positive future.

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How �鶹��ý creates and preserves wetlands, the lifeblood of our planet

�鶹��ý has a long global tradition of wetland creation and preservation. Our projects at wetland sites around the world support our goal of protecting biodiversity and water resources while contributing to build a nature-positive future.