Carbon Footprint — Operations: How does Holcim score?

Holcim reports comprehensive Scope 1 (71Mt) and Scope 2 (4Mt market-based) emissions for 2024, following GHG Protocol methodology. Data is third-party verified, multi-year tracked, and granular (broken down by cement, aggregates, ready-mix). The 2024 Climate Report and Sustainability Performance Report provide detailed methodology. Scope 1 decreased 4.05% YoY in 2024.

Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain: How does Holcim score?

Holcim reports all 15 Scope 3 categories (42Mt in 2024), with largest contributors being Investments (Cat. 15, 19.6Mt) and Purchased Goods & Services. Full value chain mapped, supplier engagement via EPD requirements and clinker/cement supplier CO2 data collection. However, Scope 3 remained relatively stable YoY with no significant reduction. FIR/ACT assessment noted only 31% of Scope 3 covered by 2030 targets.

Emissions Trajectory: How does Holcim score?

CRITICAL: Holcim's targets are overwhelmingly intensity-based (9 of 10 targets are per-tonne intensity). The 2025 Sustainability Statement shows Scope 1 at 502 kg/t (-11% vs 2020 baseline), but absolute Scope 1 emissions were 71Mt in 2024 vs 77Mt in 2022 — a decrease partly driven by portfolio divestitures (North America spin-off). Scope 3 remained stable. Tracenable notes Holcim has achieved only 8.65% of its operational emissions reduction target. FIR/ACT analysis and Friends of the Earth both

Energy Source: How does Holcim score?

Holcim is pursuing renewable electricity through multiple PPAs (Iberdrola 250GWh in Germany, VPPAs in Texas, on-site solar in El Salvador, wind in Morocco covering ~70% of local needs, 100% renewable in Colombia plants). Target to reduce Scope 2 by 65% by 2030 vs 2018. However, Holcim is an extremely energy-intensive company — cement kilns remain predominantly fossil-fuel powered (coal, petcoke, natural gas) with alternative fuels at 28% thermal substitution. No RE100 membership. Renewable elect

Nature & Biodiversity Impact: How does Holcim score?

Holcim has a comprehensive nature strategy. It operates 800+ quarries with significant biodiversity impact. Developed the BIRS methodology with IUCN. Was among the first three companies globally to receive SBTN-validated nature targets (freshwater target: 39% reduction in Moctezuma basin by 2030). Early adopter and taskforce member of TNFD. Piloted TNFD framework. However, the Mormont quarry controversy — where activists occupied a biodiversity-rich site to protest quarry expansion, leading to p

Resource Use & Waste: How does Holcim score?

Holcim recycled 10.2 million tons of construction demolition materials in 2024, a 23% increase on prior year, with a target of 20Mt by 2030. ECOCycle technology drives circular construction. Clinker factor reduction to 73%. Alternative fuels at 28% thermal substitution rate. Has measurable circular targets and public reporting. The company is a genuine leader in construction waste recycling. However, the linear extraction model (limestone quarrying) remains at the core of its business.

Water Impact: How does Holcim score?

Holcim reports freshwater withdrawal intensity at 179 l/t of cementitious materials in 2025, a 25% reduction vs 2020 baseline. Target is 33% reduction by 2030. Achieved CDP A rating for water. Uses WRI Aqueduct for water risk assessment, prioritizes high-risk areas. Set SBTN-validated freshwater target (39% reduction in Moctezuma basin). Has water recycling systems at sites and water quality discharge standards. However, as a massive industrial operation across 44 markets, absolute water consump

Targets & Commitments: How does Holcim score?

Holcim was the first in its sector with SBTi-validated 1.5°C near-term and net-zero 2050 targets. Targets cover Scopes 1, 2, and 3. However, 9 of 10 targets are intensity-based (per tonne), not absolute. Only 67.2% of Scope 3 emissions are covered by 2030 targets. FIR/ACT assessment notes heavy reliance on CCUS (56% of CAPEX 2023-2032) — a technology considered non-credible as a primary strategy. Tracenable reports only 8.65% progress on operational target. SBTi validation adds credibility, but

Transparency & Accountability: How does Holcim score?

Holcim publishes extensive annual sustainability documentation: Climate Report, Sustainability Performance Report, Non-Financial Matters Report, Sustainability Statement, and a Climate Policy Engagement Report. TCFD, TNFD, and CSRD-aligned disclosures. Board oversight of climate strategy. Long-term executive compensation linked to Scope 1 reduction targets (16.5% criterion). Say-on-Climate shareholder vote since 2022. CDP A ratings for climate, water, and supplier engagement. Chief Sustainabilit

Controversies & Red Flags: How does Holcim score?

Start at 8. DEDUCTIONS: (1) Lafarge Syria terrorism financing — $778M fine in US (2022), ongoing French trial for financing terrorism and complicity in crimes against humanity (verdict April 2026). This is the largest fine ever paid by a private company for material support to terrorist organizations. While pre-dating the Holcim merger, Lafarge SA remains a Holcim subsidiary. Deduct 3. (2) Landmark climate lawsuit by Pari Island residents admitted by Swiss court in Dec 2025 — first climate case

Holcim Sustainability Score: 29/100

Recently scored: Dentsu, Omnicom, Publicis Groupe, WPP

507 companies scored·4 score updates this week

Holcim·Construction / Real Estate·Zug, Switzerland·Founded 1912·Last verified 21 April 2026

out of 100

Significant gapsPending Review

Holcim reports comprehensive emissions data and leads in circular construction waste recycling, but trajectory is fundamentally compromised: nine of ten targets are intensity-based rather than absolute, masking stagnant Scope 3 emissions. The Lafarge terrorism financing scandal ($778M fine, ongoing French trial), landmark climate lawsuit admitted by Swiss court, and Mormont quarry police crackdown reveal structural conflicts between extraction economics and stated commitments.

No challenges currently filed

The calculation

Every score shows its working.

Same formula for every company. No curve. No private weighting.

SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × Scale

Industry base impact

Construction / Real Estate sector ceiling.

35 / 100

Performance score

Sum of the 10 rubric questions, scored 0–10 each.

54 / 100

Raw score

Weighted average before scale penalty.

(0.3 × 35) + (0.7 × 54) = 48.3

Scale penalty

Multiplier based on absolute emissions volume — physics-first.

× 0.6

Final score

Rounded. Significant gaps.

29 / 100

The ten questions

Where Holcim is strong, and where it isn't.

Strongest on Carbon Footprint — Operations and Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain (8/10, 7/10). Weakest on Controversies & Red Flags and Emissions Trajectory (2/10, 3/10).

Where the evidence comes from

Every document used, listed.

21 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.

[1]Third-party verified

Tracenable — Holcim GHG Emissions

Ongoing

Q1Q2

Every score shows its working.

Where Holcim is strong, and where it isn't.

Every document used, listed.

Holcim sits at the bottom of the construction / real estate pack.

Holcim's score over time.

This score is not currently being contested.

Related companies worth a look.

We'll let you know when the score moves.

Which companies moved this week, and why.