CEMEX implements water policy for global water management

643 Cemex is implementing a Corporate Water Policy that defines its global strategy for responsible water management and acts as a framework for the development of local water conservation and efficiency strategies across its operations worldwide.

The policy recognises the important role that the building materials industry plays in the sustainable management of this finite resource.

“Cemex is fully committed to carrying out our business activities in a sustainable manner, minimising pressure on water resources and covering three essential aspects such as resource availability, resource quality, and ecosystem integrity,” said Lorenzo H. Zambrano, Cemex’s chairman and CEO.

The comprehensive approach detailed in Cemex’s Water Policy includes the company’s compliance with relevant regulations and its commitment to protect ecosystems and biodiversity in its sites through sustainable water management. It also pledges to maximize water efficiency by managing water consumption and utilizing sustainable water sources such as rainwater. In addition to preventing water pollution, the company will monitor, review, assess, and disclose water efficiency performance against measurable targets to drive continuous improvement.

“Cemex is proud to be leading the way in responsible water management for the building materials industry,” said Luis Farias, Cemex vice president of Energy and Sustainability.

“This is a logical next step to complement our sustainability achievements, including increasing alternative fuel substitution rates and the use of renewable energy in our operations. This water policy reinforces our commitment to establish strategic alliances with authorities and local stakeholders, such as the recently launched Fondo de Agua Metropolitano de Monterrey (Metropolitan Water Fund of Monterrey) in Monterrey, Mexico, where Cemex participates as a founding member, sponsor, and member of the executive committee.”

The Corporate Water Policy is part of Cemex’s Water Project, developed in partnership with the 1778 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which is the oldest and largest global environmental organisation focused on helping the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. Cemex and the IUCN began working together in 2010 to strengthen the company’s approach to water issues. Already, they have achieved results such as a methodology to standardise water measurement and management and to increase water efficiencies across all of the company’s operations.