Holcim Lebanon granted permit to co-process pharmaceutical waste by the Ministry of Environment

March 13, 2013

The Ministry of Environment granted Holcim Lebanon an exclusive permit to co-process pharmaceutical waste in its cement kiln. The permit follows the 3-day successful pilot test held in October 2012 under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Holcim Lebanon, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Health, APAVE and the Lebanese Pharmaceutical Importers Association (LPIA).

According to the report released by APAVE, the results of the pilot test indicated that the atmospheric emissions measured at the kiln during the pilot test did not impact the standard levels. As per the permit, co-processing will be done under the permit conditions of the Ministry of Environment and with respect to Holcim Directives. As such, Holcim Lebanon will submit quarterly progress reports to the Ministry of Environment and in transparency towards the local communities

Obtaining the permit to co-process pharmaceutical waste allows Holcim Lebanon to use its equipments, expertise and know-how in offering waste management solutions in its facilities, without increasing atmospheric emissions or impacting the quality of the products.

The permanent permit is renewable once per year and allows Holcim Lebanon to become the standard disposal site to co-process pharmaceutical waste, catering for the whole of Lebanon through the Ministry of Health and LPIA.

As co-processing falls under Holcim Lebanon's commitment to sustainable development, it paves the way for further cooperation between Holcim Lebanon and the government authorities for the development of sustainable solutions to ensure a responsible use of waste materials.

___________________________________________________________________________

Holcim Lebanon published its third sustainable development report

November 21, 2012

Holcim Lebanon published its third sustainability report, a holistic view of the company's management of environmental, social and economic impacts. The report highlights the key achievements from 2009 to 2011, assesses performance against internal targets and identifies the challenges as opportunities for improvement. The report showcases Holcim's transparency and integrity in reporting and focuses on top priorities, some of which are resource management, atmospheric emissions, occupational health and safety (OH&S), employment practices, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and economic impact.

Occupational Health & Safety

On the occupational health and safety level, achieving zero accidents to employees, sub-contractors and visitors is a priority. This is achieved through the continual improvement of the safety programs such as the green pyramid, and the effective implementation of the fatality prevention elements. Challenges still remain to reduce the lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR). The goal is to achieve LTIFR below 1 by end of 2013, in compliance with the Holcim Group target.

Reducing Environmental Impacts

The past three years witnessed significant reductions in the levels of atmospheric emissions; dust at stack was decreased by 82%, fugitive dust by 22% and net CO2 emissions per ton of cement by 5%, along with other improvements in environmental performance. Environmental investments went beyond compliance with legal requirements to achieve ambitious internal targets. The modernization of the main filter in 2010 resulted in drastic reductions in the levels of dust at stack to achieve one of the best results in the cement industry sector.

Forward-thinking Projects

A waste heat recovery project for electricity generation was launched in 2011 to boost energy efficiency and reduce emissions. This project will save on the use of fuels, resulting in an improvement in environmental footprint and reduction in energy costs. The quarry rehabilitation pilot project in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reflects a sense of professionalism and seriousness in dealing with environmental challenges. In addition to the business case for alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) for clinker production.

Environmental Challenges

Challenges remain significant with the absence of legal framework and lack of support and awareness from public authorities to implement AFR. Other challenges in environmental performance are managed whereby efforts are taken to mitigate the environmental impacts. The report describes a case study on this matter.

Social Responsibility

CSR engagement is strategically embedded in the business. The aim is to work as partners with all stakeholders, building and maintaining relationships of mutual trust and respect. Commitment to sustainable development and CSR is confirmed through abiding by Holcim's code of conduct, the guideline for fair business practices. Commitment to diversity and equal opportunities in recruitment, employment, development and retention is respected.

Stakeholder Engagement

Community engagement activities revolve around CSR projects endorsed by NGOs on one hand, and transparent and continuous dialogue with the local communities on the other. Holcim Lebanon recognizes the opportunity to have a positive impact on its sphere of influence. Therefore, a sustainable relationship is established with suppliers and sub-contractors who adhere to the principles of UN Global Compact and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Economic Impact

Holcim Lebanon's contribution to the local economy is significant on the surrounding communities as well as the national level. Activities and services provide benefits to employees, local suppliers, sub-contractors, shareholders and government authorities.

About the Report

Holcim Lebanon releases the sustainable development report every 3 years. The last report was published in 2009. The sustainability report follows the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, the robust and internationally recognized standards. The sustainable development report 2012 can be downloaded from

* * * * * * *

Established in 1929, Holcim Lebanon is one of the leading cement companies in Lebanon. It operates a grey and while cement plants in Chekka, 6 ready mix concrete plants all over the country and a grinding station in Northern Cyprus (BEM).

distributed by