The rankings were announced during the launching of the CDP’s latest report CDP Investor Latin America 2012, which comprises data on the emissions of greenhouse gases from 32 major companies in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Peru.
The CDP is a UK-based independent non-governmental organisation that possesses the world’s largest database on corporate impact on climate change.
Among the companies that took part in the report and were also highlighted for outstanding performance and disclosure policies were Vale, Itaúsa, Walmart de Mexico, Petrobras and Banorte.
Cemex says that outstanding climate change data disclosure, of which Cemex obtained the highest grade in the report for Latin America, is indicative of an approach to climate change deeply integrated into the company’s overall strategy, a thorough comprehension of its risks and areas of opportunity, and a transparent measurement and disclosure of the company’s carbon footprint.
One of Cemex’s most important initiatives in this area is its CO2 Footprint Tool that allows the company to measure the greenhouse gases emissions of its cement, ready-mix concrete and aggregates products. The footprint tool considers a cradle-to-gate approach, from raw material sourcing to product manufacturing, providing significant assistance to its customers in calculating the carbon footprint of their projects.
“In the grading of performance, a high grade like the one obtained by Cemex indicates a completely integrated strategy showing maturity in climate change initiatives. In 2011, CEMEX achieved a 22.7% reduction on CO2 net emissions per tonne of cement produced relative to its 1990 baseline, allowing the avoidance of yearly emissions equivalent to that of 1.3 million passenger vehicles per year,” says the company.
“Also in 2011, Cemex’s rate of alternative fuel use rose to approximately 25%, a sizeable improvement from its rate of 20.3% in 2010. Cemex is on track to reach its 2015 target of 35% alternative fuels substitution rate.”
