Natural World

As a large landholder, CRH continues to protect and enhance biodiversity. We operate over 1,200 extraction sites and recognize the role that quarries can play in halting and reversing nature loss, contributing to the global goal of nature positive. CRH is committed to protecting and, where appropriate, enhancing the environments in which we operate.

Our holistic approach to environmental management aims to limit our environmental footprint and create a positive impact on the world around us, one that helps to accelerate the world towards a nature-positive economy.

2030 Target: 100% of locations in sensitive areas to have a Biodiversity Management Plan

Ongoing Target: Particulates, NO_x and SO_x air emissions reductions at cement plants

Thriving ecosystems are an essential part of a healthy natural world and underpin the global economy. As a large landholder, CRH continues to protect and enhance biodiversity. We aim to manage biodiversity risks and maximise opportunities by conserving the often-notable species utilising the unique habitats at our sites. We strive to positively impact biodiversity across active areas and non-operational land at our quarries, as well as around our other manufacturing sites and offices.

Clean air is one of our priorities, not only for the sustainability of our business, but for the continued protection of people and our natural world. This is why we are committed to reducing the impact of air emissions by ensuring that we meet the strictest air emissions limits.

Our 2023 performance:

• 93% of locations in sensitive areas have a Biodiversity Management Plan in place.
• Our ongoing target is to reduce our specific major air emissions at our cement operations and, in 2023 particulates, NO_x, and SO_x levels remained at low levels.

Find out more about what we are doing for the Natural World:

2023 Sustainability Performance Report

Biodiversity loss will not be reversed without collaboration, and that is well recognized and practiced at CRH. Across the countries in which we operate, we are drawing on the knowledge of external experts, including those from academia and non-governmental organizations. These partnerships are enabling us to innovate to drive best practices and support global nature targets.

Wildlife Habitat Council

We have been collaborating with the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) since 2004. This non-profit group combines conservation and business to develop sites as wildlife habitats. These may be large, depleted quarries or small buffer zones between an operating plant and a highway.

Through our continuous engagement with the WHC, we now have over 1,200 hectares of land recognized under their Conservation Certification® scheme, across 17 projects.



Society for Ecological Restoration

As part of our sustainability targets, CRH commits to 100% of our extractive sites having reclamation/restoration plans. Across the countries we are operating in, we are creating and restoring natural habitats for the benefit of wildlife and people.

Therefore, we are very excited to become a business member of the Society for Ecological Restoration in order to share our experiences and continue to learn and collaborate with experts in the field of ecological restoration.