Holcim’s recent launch of the Holcim Sustainable Construction Academy marks a pivotal moment in the push for greener practices in the built environment. By offering an open-access platform designed to empower professionals with tools and insights on low-carbon, circular, and regenerative design, the academy sets a global standard. Developed in collaboration with professors from the University of Cambridge and ETH Zurich, along with architects and engineers from leading firms such as Zaha Hadid Architects and ARUP, the academy offers free online courses designed to inspire innovation.
Beyond this initiative, Holcim’s sustainability efforts extend to its Philippine branch, which plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable construction in the country. In alignment with the academy’s global goals, Holcim Philippines has been at the forefront of promoting decarbonization and circularity. Recently, the company actively participated in key conferences, engaging stakeholders to support the nation’s sustainability objectives and advocating for stronger collaboration between industry players and the government.
At the Philippine Net Zero Conference, organized by the Net Zero Carbon Alliance, Holcim Philippines’ Chief Sustainability Officer Sam Manlosa, Jr. joined prominent speakers to discuss meaningful collaborations for a Net Zero Philippines. Among the panelists were Bukidnon First District Representative Jose Manuel Alba, co-author of the House of Representatives’ Low-Carbon Economy Bill, and Jonathan Breton, global director for the Built Environment.
Manlosa highlighted the urgency of transforming the construction industry. “With the construction industry accounting for 10 percent of global carbon emissions, we must actively engage with key stakeholders who are similarly moving for a Net Zero future. These engagements are important to raise awareness that Holcim is ready to support sustainable construction and encourage collaborations to hasten the transformation for better building norms in the country,” said the sustainability chief.
Meanwhile, at the 2024 Building Green Conference in Davao City, Manlosa emphasized the need to address the carbon footprint of building materials, in addition to improving energy efficiency. He showcased Holcim’s innovative solutions, which include low-carbon and circular construction materials tailored for sustainability-conscious partners.
Since 2018, Holcim Philippines has successfully reduced its carbon footprint by over 20 percent through initiatives such as producing blended cements. The company has also replaced coal with qualified waste materials as alternative fuels, transitioned to renewable energy sources, and optimized operational efficiency.
These efforts mirror the broader goals of the Holcim Sustainable Construction Academy, which aims to provide built environment professionals with the knowledge and tools to reduce the environmental impact of construction at every stage.