Cement firm goes beyond green

MANILA, Philippines - Going green has become  the new buzz word for many companies who are now adopting environmental sustainability programs as part of their corporate social responsibility.

At a time when the Philippines is at its most vulnerable to natural calamities, it is but the right moment for businesses to start thinking green.

But one multinational company is aiming to address not just the environmental sustainability of the community but its economic and social sustainability as well.

Swiss-based cement company Holcim Ltd. through its non-profit organization Holcim Foundation said it is committed to support the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the community through its centerpiece Sustainable Construction.

“We have five target issues namely, Progress, People, Planet, Prosperity and Proficiency,” Holcim Foundation general manager for Sustainable Construction Edward Schwarz told The Star in an interview.

“As the global provider of building materials, sustainable constr

ction is our obligation, it requires that the present generation meets its needs without limiting the opportunities of future generations. For an approach to enable long-term viability, it must integrate economic, environmental and social impacts, the three elements of the triple bottom line,” he said.

Schwarz stressed that the construction industry can contribute greatly to global sustainability “because everything that is built shapes the way people live today, and in the future.”

“Buildings account for up to 40 percent of primary energy consumption. Handling building design and management, material selection, and also energy and resource consumption in a sustainable manner would be a significant step toward ecologically and responsible development,” said Schwarz.

“In addition, advanced responses in terms of ethical and social responsibility and financially feasible projects that provide long-term economic benefits illustrate the important role that architecture, engineering, urban planning and construction have in achieving a more sustainable future,” he stressed.

Raising awareness on the importance of sustainable construction among professionals and the public is the Foundation’s main objective.

“We want to promote a mindset that views sustainability not only in terms of immense technical challenges, but that also incorporates architectural excellence and leads to a higher quality of life,” he says.

Here in the Philippines , Holcim has already implemented a number of initiatives that highlight Holcim Foundation's sustainable Construction.

Among these are the Holcim Journalism Awards which aims to educate the public about the importance and meaning of  what sustainable construction is all about, and the Holcim coffee talks which enjoins local government units and local business companies to support Sustainable Construction in their communities.

“We are trying to raise awareness about Sustainable Construction, that there is necessity and building for the next generation.  We want many people to be aware about making sure that  resources for construction will still benefit the future generation, Sustainability goes beyond the environment, it should be holistic for the people and progress as well ” said Beng Prado, Vice-President for Corporate Communications.