HeidelbergCement implements guideline to promote biodiversity

As the first company in the industry, HeidelbergCement today publishes its Group guideline for the promotion of biodiversity at mineral extraction sites. Its purpose is to allow uniform measures for subsequent use of sites to be co-ordinated internationally, thus laying the foundation for systematic implementation of the biodiversity goals at HeidelbergCement. With immediate effect, the guideline will be applied throughout Europe. Its adoption in all 50 countries in which the Group operates is currently being prepared.

Ten principles for promoting biological diversity form the core of the guideline. These are geared towards promoting dialogue with all parties involved – environmental authorities, nature conservation organisations and interested residents – as well as increasing biological diversity during and after quarrying in order to protect the native landscape and nature. In addition, the guideline defines ambitions HeidelbergCement aims to achieve by 2020: For example, the share of extraction sites with concrete plans for their subsequent use is to reach 100 %.

Dr Michael Rademacher, Manager Biodiversity and Natural Resources, explains: "For the first time, the guideline defines standards for restoration and renaturation, and ensures that all measures of after-use within the Group take into account the economic, ecological and social needs of the community. The forms of after-use planned at our locations, in the first instance only in Europe, should promote the preservation of biological diversity and – wherever possible – help to increase the diversity of animals and plants at our quarries."