Concrete is one of the most utilised resources in the world, second only to water. Extraction of materials for concrete production can have significant environmental impacts, posing major risks to biodiversity and ecosystems.These impacts can contribute to habitat degradation, fragmentation and loss and pose a significant risk to business operations. However, when managed adequately, biodiversity can also present an important opportunity, allowing companies to demonstrate to stakeholders that they are responsible stewards of biodiversity thereby improving the ability to secure permits and maintaining a social license to operate among communities surrounding their operations.
IUCN's Business and Biodiversity Programme has been working with the cement and aggregates sector since 2007 to better integrate biodiversity into company decision-making and operations. Specifically, IUCN has been engaging with global building materials company, LafargeHolcim to develop and pilot biodiversity management and monitoring tools as well as with a number of industry associations to promote and disseminate biodiversity management in the sector. Visit the Resources section of the website to view the monitoring tools, download case studies and read more about IUCN's work with the cement and aggregates sector.
IUCN is also working with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Cement Sustainability Initiative to facilitate the consultation process for the Concrete Sustainability Council's (CSC) certification scheme. CSC is a global effort by 25 major cement producers, who believe there is a strong business case for pursuing sustainable development. Read more about the Cement Sustainability Initiative here.
