Holcim seeks to foster a more sustainable built environment
View(s):Sustainability can only be achieved through an integrated approach and since 1990 Holcim has risen to the challenge of improving energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions, according to Michael Scharpf, Head of Sustainable Construction, Holcim – Switzerland.
He said the company is deeply committed to these initiatives, three decades on. During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, Mr. Scharpf spoke on sustainability issues in construction at two separate meetings organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) and the Society of Structural Engineers Sri Lanka (SSESL).
Holcim has a method of utilizing waste as alternative fuel and materials which helps in reducing the effects of waste on economic, social and environmental aspects.
The company works in accordance with the environmental product declaration which complies with ISO 14025 and suggests efficient building designs which are environmentally friendly while doing its best to reduce the CO2 emission in construction. Sustainability is the basis on which tomorrow’s businesses are being built. Whether it is a corporation or an edifice, aspects of sustainability cannot be ignored if the entity has to last and add value to the ecosystem, he said.
Holcim is reducing CO2 emissions in its production and regularly suggests building structures from which net carbon emissions would be significantly less. In addition, buildings can embrace water-and waste-management systems that are environmentally-friendly.
He explained that supported by Holcim’s expertise, some amazing improvements (in construction) have been achieved, such as the recently-introduced Green Building Centres in India which introduce high quality building material sufficient to construct 200 houses per year. The centres contribute to savings of 70 MT of CO2 emissions per year, 6480 MT of soil, in addition to utilizing 4200 MT of waste per year and the creation of 20 livelihoods directly and 60 livelihoods indirectly.