Extractive Sector Species Protection Code of Conduct

The protection of biodiversity is a global challenge. Governments, business, and civil society have to find solutions that help reverse nature loss.

HeidelbergCement is highly committed to its contribution and has been promoting the protection and enhancement of biodiversity during and after the quarrying activities for many years. 

The reclamation of quarries to a nature-based end use is one such contribution where HeidelbergCement but also the extractive sector as a whole can provide significant benefit for biodiversity. Another is during the active phase of a quarry which we as a company also recognize as having a huge opportunity to support nature. However, this comes with challenges that need to be addressed collectively.

Therefore, HeidelbergCement has initiated and accompanied the development of an “Extractive Sector Species Protection Code of Conduct” co-signed by CEMBUREAU, Eurogypsum, UEPG and BirdLife Europe and Central Asia, and endorsed by the European Commission.

HeidelbergCement fully supports this Code of Conduct, which provides a consistent approach to the management of temporary habitats linked to the extractive sector while ensuring compliance with European legislation and continued extractive activities. Moreover, with the launch of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, HeidelbergCement considers the Code of Conduct a key element in facilitating the extractive sector’s contribution to reversing biodiversity loss across Europe.