We see ourselves as a partner in the community. The basis for good relationships is open communication: We therefore maintain a transparent information policy and endeavour to provide accurate information in a responsible manner. We also strive for lively and constructive debate: both internationally and at a local level.
Taking the initiative
We have joined forces with partners from business and the community, both at Group level and in the regions, to promote best practice standards for increased sustainability in the cement industry. In the world of politics, we advocate workable sustainability goals. This requires a close exchange of ideas with our stakeholders. More than 80% of our sites are engaged in an active dialogue and have community engagement plans in place.
Good partnership
HeidelbergCement is a member of the
World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and is committed to sustainable cement production. For this reason, we have drawn up guidelines at an international level, together with other cement companies, for the areas of climate protection, raw materials and fuels, occupational health and safety, emissions and the impact on the environment at production locations. They were published by the “Cement Sustainability Initiative” in June 2005 and are currently being implemented at the companies involved. This includes, for instance, collecting key figures, which we will publish regularly from the end of 2006. Within the Group, we use these key figures to identify possibilities for improvement, to direct measures and to monitor the achievement of goals.
Brevik Vel – a tradition in good communication
The cooperation between the action group Brevik Vel (Good Brevik) and Norcem in Norway illustrates how good communication can work: In 1980, Norcem made plans to use alternative fuels. The population of Brevik responded alarmingly to these plans and united to form an action group. This dispute formed the start of a longstanding relationship between the residents and the company. Today, the action group and Norcem representatives meet regularly two to four times a year. The members – virtually every third household in Brevik – are regularly supplied with information from the plant. This created a solid foundation of trust: In fact, the action group asked the government to allow Norcem to take over a waste treatment plant. Environmental groups were sceptical about a company recycling as well as using alternative fuels. However, the members of Brevik Vel felt the plant would operate the facility safely. |
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