CHICAGO, 8 November 2024 – Holcim US has proudly received the Michigan Manufacturers Association’s newly introduced Manufacturing Sustainability Award, a testament to their pioneering role in advancing eco-friendly manufacturing solutions across Michigan. This award, presented on 6 November, commends Holcim’s efforts to drive sustainable production practices across its facilities, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental innovation.
Sustainability as a strategic priority
Receiving the award from Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA), Jaime Hill, North America regional head at Holcim, expressed the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability: “At Holcim, improving sustainability goes hand-in-hand with accelerating economic development,” Hill remarked. “Our vision for a sustainable future is what guides every decision we make, from reducing our carbon footprint through renewable energy sources to providing low-carbon building solutions.”
John J. Walsh, MMA President & CEO, emphasised the significance of Holcim’s accomplishments: “Holcim’s sustainable innovations are having a profound impact on the broader manufacturing industry and our environment. As the first recipient of the Manufacturing Sustainability Award, they’ve rightfully earned recognition for their role in building greener cities, smarter infrastructure, and improved living standards.”
Over the past years, Holcim has channelled more than $100 million into advanced green technologies across Michigan. A key project in June 2023 saw the opening of an alternative fuels facility in Alpena, established through a $7.4 million investment. This facility co-processes materials for fuel, supporting 10% of the plant’s operations and significantly lowering reliance on traditional fuels.
October 2024 marked another milestone with the launch of a solar array, the largest solar project in Holcim’s Midwest operations. Powering the Alpena cement plant, the solar array will help meet 75% of the plant’s energy needs through green sources, a critical step in Holcim’s ambition to transition its U.S. operations entirely to renewable energy by 2030.
This accolade also follows a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant awarded to Holcim and the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority under the Clean Ports initiative. Aimed at decarbonising Detroit’s port operations, this grant also seeks to improve local air quality, benefiting Detroit’s residents and workforce for years to come.
Holcim’s cement from Alpena is integral to many of Michigan’s notable infrastructure projects, including the Gordie Howe Bridge, Comerica Park, and Ford Field. Beyond major venues, Holcim’s products serve various purposes, from roads and schools to hospitals and decorative projects, underscoring the company’s reach and versatility.
With a presence across nearly 350 sites in 43 states, Holcim US is a key contributor to innovative and sustainable construction solutions nationwide. Its eco-efficient offerings, such as the ECOPact and ECOPlanet product lines and ECOCycle® circular technology, underscore Holcim’s dedication to building resilient, green communities.
As a global leader in sustainable building solutions, Holcim operates with a workforce of over 63,000 and recorded net sales of CHF 27 billion in 2023. Driven by a mission to build a better future, Holcim partners with customers to deliver progressive, environmentally responsible construction solutions that improve living standards worldwide.
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