The world is experiencing unprecedented urban growth, with cities expanding at a rate equivalent to adding a Madrid-sized metropolis every single week. This explosive urbanization, driven by global population growth, represents one of the most significant megatrends reshaping how cities are constructed and developed. To meet this massive demand sustainably, construction industry leaders are calling for collaborative, systems-thinking approaches that fundamentally transform traditional building practices.
Holcim, positioning itself as the leading partner for sustainable construction, stands at the forefront of this revolutionary change. The company has established comprehensive partnerships with key decision-makers across the entire building value chain, including public authorities, urban planners, architects, engineers, developers, and contractors. These like-minded partners increasingly rely on Holcim's extensive product offerings and end-to-end building systems to create the cities of tomorrow—sustainable, circular, durable, energy-efficient, and smart.
The company's EPD-certified ECOPlanet cement and ECOPact concrete are already enabling green building standards like LEED and BREEAM, and are being utilized in sustainable city construction projects worldwide. However, industry experts acknowledge that the shared opportunity to build sustainably remains in its early stages. Circular construction represents a particularly promising frontier, where Holcim has developed the capability to produce concrete that is 100% recyclable using their innovative ECOCycle circular technology.
This groundbreaking technology not only reduces the need for primary materials but also promotes efficient and circular resource use through locally sourced materials designed for easy utilization and recycling. As part of this initiative, Holcim is establishing recycling centers in metropolitan areas where they operate, with the ambitious goal of literally building cities from cities—transforming urban waste into new construction materials.
Energy-efficient repair and refurbishment of existing structures has emerged as essential for reshaping urban landscapes. Buildings currently in use account for approximately 70% of the construction sector's CO2 emissions, generated primarily from heating, cooling, and power consumption. Remarkably, about 80% of buildings that exist today will still be standing in 2050, making retrofitting and renovation crucial for environmental sustainability.
Supported by new regulations and government incentives, it has become increasingly possible to significantly extend building lifespans while dramatically improving energy efficiency. These improvements deliver substantial benefits, including enhanced thermal and sound insulation that enables better quality of life for urban residents. Holcim supports cities worldwide with innovative retrofitting and renovation solutions, ranging from energy-efficient insulation using Airium technology and high-performance roofing from ZinCo to PRB External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS).
As cities continue to grow, they are developing differently than previous generations. The construction industry is witnessing a significant rise in prefabrication and modular construction methods, where offsite production substantially enhances onsite productivity. This transformation results in greater construction efficiency, achieving cost reductions alongside enhanced quality control. Holcim offers precast concrete solutions specifically designed for the most ambitious infrastructure projects, demonstrating the practical applications of these advanced construction methods.
In response to climate change challenges, Holcim provides sustainable and durable solutions specifically engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions while mitigating environmental impacts. These innovative solutions include green roofing systems by ZinCo, which help reduce the urban heat island effect while bringing natural elements into dense city environments. Additionally, Hydromedia, a revolutionary water-permeable concrete, effectively lowers flooding risks and supports groundwater recharge, while Basalton concrete blocks are engineered for long-lasting coastal protection against rising sea levels and severe storms.
Digital automation and smart design technologies are rapidly superseding traditional construction methods across the industry. Artificial Intelligence applications, particularly Building Information Modeling (BIM), are revolutionizing urban planning processes by enabling more precise and efficient project development. Simultaneously, the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital twin technologies are making buildings safer and more efficient, providing improved cost management and enhanced reliability throughout the building lifecycle. Holcim has integrated these technological advances by offering AI-enabled ordering and delivery systems that streamline the construction process.
Holcim demonstrates its commitment to advancing sustainable construction by partnering across the entire value chain, providing high-value, end-to-end Building Materials and Building Solutions that span from foundation and flooring systems to comprehensive walling and roofing solutions. This holistic approach ensures that sustainable construction practices are integrated at every level of urban development, creating a foundation for the environmentally responsible cities of tomorrow.
