The new edition of the Stakeholder Engagement report shows the activities in the plants, after the years conditioned by the pandemic.
The document describes the various projects that the company has carried out throughout the country, reaching more than 9,000 stakeholders.

In addition to various cultural and social activities, particular effort was put into the training with schools on the climate change matter and other topics.
“High 5” has been a winning project also in 2022, involving 135 students with more than 11,000 hours of training at the plants and at Casale Monferrato headquarters.

Read the complete report here.
 

Dal 20 al 22 febbraio presso la cementeria Buzzi Unicem di Vernasca si sono svolti numerosi incontri per affrontare il tema dei cambiamenti climatici, attraverso l’utilizzo del simulatore En-ROADS con il suo Ambassador italiano Dott. Riccardo Parigi. Questo strumento, progettato per essere utilizzato in modo interattivo con gruppi di persone, è la base per attivare conversazioni scientifiche e rigorose su come occorra approcciare una tematica così complessa. 

Il Direttore dello Stabilimento, Dott. Carlo Gamba, ha accolto un centinaio di persone, tra cui gli studenti dell’Istituto Comprensivo di Lugagnano e di Morfasso e i loro insegnanti, le amministrazioni locali e le associazioni del territorio, Lugagnano Off-road e ASD Vernasca Calcio, che da anni collaborano con l’azienda.

Nei diversi incontri sono emersi numerosi spunti di riflessione grazie al simulatore, che si è confermato un prezioso strumento per ampliare le modalità con cui definire l’impatto delle buone pratiche ambientali su centinaia di fattori come la temperatura, la qualità dell’aria e il livello del mare e degli oceani. 

L’ampia partecipazione agli incontri di Vernasca è il risultato di una Politica di Stakeholder Engagement che l’azienda persegue da diversi anni e che rappresenta un punto fondamentale per la costruzione di un dialogo attivo con il territorio.

Buzzi Unicem presents the 21st edition of its Sustainability Report, a document that describes its economic, environmental and social performance in 2021.

During the past year, the Company continued its support, at the global level, for communities affected by the Covid-19 emergency, donating €1.5 million through various humanitarian organizations operating in the countries where it operates.

In spite of the global emergency situation and a substantial increase in costs in the second half of the year, production volumes improved and financial results maintained the excellent level attained in the previous year. In addition, 2021 was the year of publication of the GCCA (Global Cement and Concrete Association) roadmap. Buzzi Unicem actively participated in drafting this document, sharing its objectives. The GCCA roadmap presents the gradual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the achievement of climate neutrality by the year 2050. Buzzi Unicem is currently working on the definition of its strategic plan, aimed at setting new targets for the reduction of CO₂ emissions.

The Sustainability Report discloses information according to the European Taxonomy Regulation and the climate change risk assessment in line with the recommendations of the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures).

The Company confirms its commitment to pursue health and safety objectives for the protection of its employees, with more than 50% of training hours provided on these issues.

In this context of major and significant changes, Buzzi Unicem reaffirms to operate with a view to innovation and progress, attracting and holding on to young talent, promoting meritocracy and teamwork, and sharing with its stakeholders a strategic vision in line with the objectives of sustainable development.

Buzzi Unicem presents the second edition of the "Stakeholder Engagement Report", which describes the activities aimed at stakeholders carried out during 2021.
Inclusion, transparency, and focus on social issues and the environment are some of the principles underlying stakeholder engagement initiatives, which are conducted in collaboration with local entities and associations with the goal of creating new spaces for listening and fostering dialogue with the local territory.
The Report illustrates the widespread involvement of our stakeholders through collaborative events and activities aimed at supporting underprivileged or differently abled people, as well as culture, sports, and the arts.
The cement plants are an integral and integrated part of the local territory and provide a venue for debates and meetings aimed at identifying feasible and tangible projects. 
The production units are also involved in educational projects: they host visits and training courses for students from schools and universities, with the objective of illustrating the production cycle, the techniques employed and the technological innovation. 
The creation and sharing of value continue to be the key principles underpinning the Company's activities, where the building of relationships based on trust is of primary importance in the synergic process of collective growth. 
 

Buzzi Unicem launches on the Italian and German markets the new product line called CGreen, a family of CO₂ efficient cements. 
In keeping with the sustainability policies that distinguish the company and with the aim of meeting the targets of the future ecological transition, CGreen marks the natural evolution of Buzzi Unicem's hydraulic binders, continuing in the footsteps of a long tradition of high-quality, high-performance products.
The CGreen line was developed by selecting suitable active additions, partially replacing clinker, optimizing grinding and mixing conditions and using new generation additives, at the same time keeping the required technical performance. 

"The ecological transition", explains Antonio Buzzi, Chief Operating Officer Cemento Italia, "calls for us to adapt our behaviors and actions in order to neutralize our carbon footprint: we all have a responsibility to reduce CO₂ emissions, which are considered a key factor in amplifying the greenhouse effect and, consequently, climate change. This transition, therefore, implies the partial or total redesign of production processes, distribution systems and consumption patterns, heralding the start of a potential industrial revolution and a change in our habits".
So, in order to meet this challenge and involve the entire supply chain, the company aims at innovation with a line of products duly selected and suited to contain their environmental footprint.

Starting from the Global Warming Potential (GWP) indicator, which indicates the carbon footprint of each individual binder, the Italian CGreen cements were reclassified and organized, highlighting through this new line those products with the best environmental performance. In addition, like all Buzzi Unicem's cements, the CGreen cements are also accompanied by Environmental Product Declarations, obtained through the EPD certification system, which guarantees full transparency and representativeness of the environmental performance of the product throughout its life cycle. 
CGreen will be the distinguishing trademark for low carbon footprint cements in all countries where the group operates. In particular today, Dyckerhoff ECO COMFORT and Dyckerhoff CEDUR cements, launched on the German market, join the CGreen family.

Dirk Beese, Managing Director Dyckerhoff GmbH: “The CGreen cements Dyckerhoff ECO COMFORT and CEDUR are our new cements with a carbon footprint up to 39% lower compared to standard Portland cements. These cements are our solution to the increasing demand for CO2 efficient cements in our markets.”
CGreen represents a further step towards the achievement of energy transition objectives, which the company pursues also by investing in projects for the reduction of all emissions and for the development of technologies aimed at capturing and re-using CO₂.

For more details on CGreen line products:

CGreen product line Italy 

CGreen Dyckerhoff Germany 

Italgas and Buzzi Unicem have signed an agreement for the development of a feasibility study on the implementation of Power to Gas plants in combination with Carbon Capture Systems at Buzzi Unicem's production plants.

The implementation of these technologies is aimed at promoting the decarbonization of cement and concrete production processes in order to increase environmental sustainability and facilitate the energy transition. In particular, the study will assess the possibility of producing and using, in the most suitable Buzzi Unicem plants, synthetic methane obtained from the combination of green hydrogen produced by the Power to Gas plants with part of the CO₂ released in the production processes.

The agreement leverages on the solid experience gained by Italgas with the development of a Power to Gas project in Sardinia to produce green hydrogen with the aim of testing its uses also in urban contexts, in public transport and in supplying local energy-intensive industries.

"We strongly believe in Power to Gas technology – Paolo Gallo, CEO of Italgas affirmed - and in its strategic contribution to the energy transition in terms of sector coupling. The production of hydrogen from renewable sources enables the use of gas networks in the dual function of carrier and energy storage asset, ensuring greater flexibility to the system. The agreement represents a great opportunity for us to take a further step forward in the study of innovative solutions and technological best practices. Therefore, we are pleased to share with Buzzi Unicem the know-how we have developed in the design of the Italgas P2G plant that will be built in Sardinia, creating the first technological showcase of the green hydrogen production chain in Italy".

Luigi Buzzi, Group Technical Director at Buzzi Unicem, confirms that "we are very interested in the opportunity to collaborate with Italgas as an experienced partner to develop a project that is fully integrated into our industrial investment plan aimed at identifying technologies for capturing and reusing the CO₂ released by our plants, in line with the roadmaps defined by industry associations.
Our aim is to responsibly contribute to containing climate change by developing CO₂ capture technologies and identifying the best solutions for its reuse. We are currently experimenting with Calcium Looping technology for capturing the carbon dioxide released by the production process at our plant in Vernasca (PC). Thanks to the EU Horizon 2020 project "CLEANKER" (CLEAN- clinKER), it will be possible to assess the technical and economic sustainability of this technology and estimate the changes to the plant and the investments required to adopt this process in existing cement plants.
We are ready to face the ecological transition with great determination and motivated to start the Power to Gas project with Italgas soon, hoping that this new technology can be adopted on a large scale in the future".

On September 4^th , the Buzzi Unicem Vernasca plant hosted USD Vernasca Calcio (Vernasca Football Club/Association) for the presentation of its First Team for the 2021/2022 season, and the book “U.S.D. Vernasca Settant’anni di Storie” (USD Vernasca – Seventy Years of Stories).

The event opened with a speech from Carlo Gamba, Buzzi Unicem director, who welcomed the players, thanked those in attendance and reiterated an invitation to visit the plant with family and friends, reaffirming the company’s openness towards dialog with local associations and the community.

This was followed by greetings from the mayor, Giuseppe Sidoli, who wished the young athletes excellent results for the upcoming season. He also thanked Buzzi Unicem for upholding its pledge through this event to maintain the utmost openness and transparency towards the local community and associations. Massimo Trabucchi, the President of USD Vernasca, and Angelo Gardella, the FIGC Provincial Delegate, also joined the mayor in his thanks. Luigi Pelò, the outgoing FIGC Provincial Delegate, was also in attendance.

The event concluded with a short tour of the plant.  

With regard to the study by Mr. Agostino Di Ciaula, conducted at the Barletta cement plant and recently published in the "Exposure and Health" journal, Buzzi Unicem has taken note of the results and has begun a process of in-depth analysis, in order to carefully evaluate the findings of this study.

An initial analysis has revealed obvious shortcomings which could invalidate the study in question. It is therefore considered necessary for the competent authorities to assess the thesis presented in order to provide the public with the proper information.

By way of example, below are some aspects that should be highlighted:

• the emission fallout considered by the research does not reflect the actual situation;
• during the reference period, the kiln at the Barletta cement plant was not running for more than half of the time for air quality purposes;
• the data was published in a biased manner, which did not allow a full analysis of the situation observed;
• for several metals, the study found higher concentrations in the fingernails of children not subjected to the fallout from cement plant emissions;
• the biological samples on the fingernails are prone to external contamination, presenting important critical points in the assessment of environmental exposure in the absence of reliable comparison values. 

The document prepared by Buzzi Unicem will soon be shared with all the competent bodies, with a view to transparency and accountability.

The company reaffirms its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of the communities in which it operates and strives to address in-depth the concerns of many citizens, in everyone’s interest.
 

Buzzi Unicem takes part, for the second time, in Green Week, a week of visits, meetings and insights on environmental and corporate sustainability issues.

The event, organized by Italy Post, will be held in Parma in the first week of July and, on Wednesday 7, will involve the Buzzi Unicem plant in Vernasca.

The cement plant, chosen as the "Sustainability Factory", will welcome 30 graduate students and post-graduate masters from all over Italy.

The focal point of the visit will be the pilot plant for the recovery of carbon dioxide "Cleanker" built by LEAP of Piacenza. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the use of CSS in the production of cement.

The visit to our factory is part of the first part of the event which includes a tour to discover the "Factories of Sustainability". Subsequently, the initiative will move to Parma for the Green Economy Festival, which sees the most important exponents of the economy, finance and institutions attentive to sustainability issues as protagonists.

And precisely in Parma, on Friday 9 July, Buzzi Unicem will be present at the meeting "Business strategies for sustainability". The conference, moderated by Diana Cavalcoli, a Corriere della Sera journalist, will see the participation of important representatives of companies of excellence committed to innovation.

For more information: https://www.greenweekfestival.it/ 

The key cement plant figures for 2020 are available, reported in individual brochures that can be downloaded from this link as well as obtainable in paper form during plant visits. 

The purpose is to inform our stakeholders about Buzzi Unicem production site activities from both a strictly operational standpoint as well as our presence within the community. More specifically, the data are organized into two main areas, namely the specific figures for each plant and the overall figures for the Group. 
The individual plant figures focus on the environment, employee accidents, events involving the plant and atmospheric emissions. 

The environmental data include the tons of recovered raw materials (circular economy), the kilowatt hours consumed to produce one ton of cementitious material, the megacalories used to produce one ton of clinker, and the environment and safety investments made during the 2018-2020 three-year period. With respect to the atmospheric emissions, we report the figures for dust, nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. 

The overall Group figures include the key data for Buzzi Unicem S.p.A, the certifications obtained and the Group’s policies. 

The 2020 edition of Buzzi Unicem’s Sustainability report was presented today.

In addition to accurate reporting of economic, environmental and social indicators, the document also provides an update on objectives and targets, in line with the policies promoted by the company.

From an economic standpoint, the financial results show an improvement on the levels achieved in 2019 despite the difficulties related to the health emergency. The company hopes that both the vaccination plans and the economic stimulus announced by governments will strengthen demand for the sector and contribute to growth.

On the environmental level, the report illustrates the Group's commitment to reducing CO2 which in absolute value, in 2020, was down mainly due to a lower production of clinker and a lower use of electricity.

The year 2021 will be crucial for the definition of new targets for the reduction of CO₂ emissions in the medium term, while the goal of climate neutrality by 2050, already announced by Cembureau - the European Cement Manufacturers' Association - could also be confirmed by the end of the year by the global association GCCA (Global Cement and Concrete Association), of which Buzzi Unicem is a member. For the company this is a complex and stimulating challenge, which it does not want to shy away from.

Social performance highlights the results of good practices in terms of health and safety at work and confirms the downward trend in workplace accidents in recent years. In addition, in order to mitigate the problems related to the health emergency, the company has decided to help people in difficulty in the countries where the Group's plants operate by donating over € 3 million to provide tangible help, in collaboration with various non-profit organizations.

Lastly, the company noticed that interest in non-financial information is growing and thus reiterates its commitment to constantly improving the quality and level of detail of non-financial information.

The first edition of the 2020 Stakeholder Engagement Report aims to report on the many initiatives undertaken by Buzzi Unicem in favor of all stakeholders, mainly in the areas where the company operates.

The projects are part of the Stakeholder Engagement Policy and the intention is to highlight the constructive dialogue established over the years, sharing in a transparent manner the activities underway and the company's short and medium-term strategies.

The year 2020 was a difficult one, but despite everything we managed to strengthen our commitments to the community and establish new partnerships. The report identifies the main areas - social, cultural, educational and sports - on which it was deemed appropriate to focus, also on the basis of the needs expressed by the local communities.

In spite of the many difficulties that schools have had to face in recent months, School-Work activities have continued through the Webinar channel, which has been positively accepted and has become a consolidated practice for keeping in touch with the students.

Buzzi Unicem is fully aware of the importance of building and maintaining relationships of trust, based on mutual respect, active partnership, transparency and long-term collaboration with its stakeholders, in order to create shared value.

From the article published on February 7, 2021 Buzzi Unicem notes that the content, although based on some data published in the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment), is not supported by a representative photographic image of the condition of the premises, nor even less by a real project rendering produced by the Company.

As indicated in the EIA petition, the environmental reclamation of the mine is based on a scientific study that takes into consideration the intrinsic qualities of the landscape and local environments and the peculiarities of the Albarola site to be restored, according to a technical, multi-disciplinary and systemic approach.

Buzzi Unicem underlines how the mine reclamation project aims, besides achieving the gradual reintegration of the area into the territorial context, to increase the degree of biodiversity and the naturalistic value with the planting of more than 20,000 autochthonous plants and the creation of a new hill morphology which is fully compatible with the overall picture.

The main actions of environmental reclamation, as foreseen at the project level, concern the optimal inclusion of the new morphology in the surrounding territorial context, the use of reclamation techniques with absolutely no impact, the creation of large wooded areas and the restitution of the reclaimed area to the local community, consequently making it available for public use.

The Lazio Regional Administrative Court rejected the appeal lodged by the Val d'Arda committees against the authorization measures that allowed the introduction of combustible SSF-Fuel at the Vernasca cement plant, as well as against the Ministerial Decree itself (Ministerial Decree 22/2013 - Clini Decree) that establishes the conditions for the use of SSF in cement plants and thermoelectric power plants.

The Lazio Regional Administrative Court, moreover, clarifies that the Company has properly carried out all the administrative procedures and has legitimately obtained the authorizations necessary for the use of SSF (Environmental Impact Assessment and amendment to the Integrated Environmental Authorization).

The ruling reinforces the direction taken by Buzzi Unicem which, for years, has been investing in technical innovation to accelerate the decarbonization process and, consequently, promote a circular economy model, making less and less use of non-renewable fossil resources. The use of SS is therefore in line with European policies for creation and promotion of the circular economy, in full compliance with the European waste hierarchy.

The judges' pronouncement also clarifies the scope of the precautionary principle, often inappropriately invoked to block rigorous and thorough administrative procedures on the basis of simple, albeit legitimate, fears. The doubts of committees and stakeholders deserve to be heard and answered, in an open and transparent manner, bringing to the table scientific knowledge, statistical data and emission measurements, as well as academic validations: all elements that were produced in this case and that have received timely feedback. Prohibiting the realization of a work on the basis of the precautionary principle presupposes, however - clarify the judges - a real scientific uncertainty about its consequences, uncertainty which does not exist in the case analyzed.

The judgment marks an undoubted clarification with a significance of national interest.