The construction industry is at a critical juncture, with the need for sustainability becoming increasingly pressing. A recent survey of 2000 adults in the UK, conducted by Holcim, has revealed a clear desire for change. The report, Making Sustainable Construction a Reality, outlines the key areas where Holcim UK plans to drive the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Key Findings from the Survey
- 82% believe there should be more access to green spaces across the country.
- 69% think the government should take the lead in driving sustainable action.
- 54% believe businesses must play a key role in driving sustainable action.
- 80% want companies to be more transparent about their sustainability policies.
These findings are supported by Lee Sleight, CEO at Holcim UK, who states: “Our research indicates that many recognise the need to incorporate more green spaces across the nation. Yet, it is clear that the government and businesses must work together to achieve this.”
Commitments to Sustainability
- Decarbonisation: Holcim UK is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through the use of alternative fuels and more efficient production processes.
- Nature: Holcim UK is working to make sustainable construction a reality through its Nature Strategy, which includes a benchmarking process to track and measure the biodiversity of its quarry sites and associated landholdings.
- Circularity: Holcim UK is expanding the uptake of sustainable building materials in the UK, including its ECOPact low carbon readymix concrete and ECOPlanet range of low carbon cement.
- Innovation: Holcim UK is committed to driving positive change through its expert teams and sustainable solutions.
Holcim UK’s Nature Strategy, launched in 2024, is a key component of its sustainability plan. The strategy includes a benchmarking process to track and measure the biodiversity of its quarry sites and associated landholdings. This is supported by the business’s recent work, including the planting of a 64-hectare woodland at Glensanda Quarry in a move to restore part of the temperate rainforest that once thrived in the Scottish region.
“Our strategic focus centres around making sustainable construction a reality, focusing on decarbonisation, nature, circularity and innovation. The aim is to achieve this through both our commitment to reducing our own impact on communities and the planet, in addition to driving positive change for the industry and customers through our expert teams and sustainable solutions.” – Lee Sleight, CEO at Holcim UK
This vision for a more sustainable future is supported by Holcim UK’s commitment to expanding the uptake of sustainable building materials in the UK. The business offers a range of sustainable products, including its ECOPact low carbon readymix concrete, ECOPlanet range of low carbon cement, and its ECOCycle range of products, which are made from at least 10% recycled materials.
Creating a Greener Future for Communities
| Project | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Planting of 64-hectare woodland at Glensanda Quarry | Scottish region | Restoring part of the temperate rainforest that once thrived in the region, creating priority woodland habitat for local wildlife. |
| Expansion of sustainable product ranges | UK-wide | Offering a range of sustainable products, including ECOPact low carbon readymix concrete and ECOPlanet range of low carbon cement. |
As Lee Sleight concludes, “Our strategic focus centres around making sustainable construction a reality, focusing on decarbonisation, nature, circularity and innovation. The aim is to achieve this through both our commitment to reducing our own impact on communities and the planet, in addition to driving positive change for the industry and customers through our expert teams and sustainable solutions.” This vision for a more sustainable future is one that Holcim UK is committed to achieving, and one that it believes will have a positive impact on communities and the planet for generations to come.