Texan by Nature is excited to recognize Cemex as a 2024 TxN 20 honoree for their leadership in conservation and sustainability. Cemex’s commitment to conservation, their projects, programs, best practices, and lessons learned are an example and inspiration for us all.

Honoree Industry and Size: Construction, Enterprise

Company Overview:
Cemex is a global building materials company that provides high-quality products and reliable services. Founded in 1906, Cemex has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and sustainability efforts. Our U.S. network includes 8 cement plants, close to 50 strategically located cement terminals, nearly 50 aggregate quarries, and over 280 ready-mix concrete plants. Cemex U.S. has been repeatedly recognized for its efforts in sustainability and energy management, including earning the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year consecutively since 2019.

What is Cemex’s conservation and sustainability mission and why is it important to your culture?
At Cemex, sustainability is one of our five strategic priorities and is present in every aspect of our business.  We dedicate significant efforts to addressing key sustainability-related issues, from biodiversity and conservation to renewable energy, emissions monitoring and decarbonizing our operations. Our mission is to build a better future by helping the world reach the next frontier of sustainable living. This can only be achieved by acting with integrity, responsibly, and transparently—while caring for our people, our communities, and our natural resources.

Cemex received a Conservation Certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council for biodiversity conservation efforts Photo: Texan by Nature

What steps is Cemex taking to address global natural resource challenges, and how are these efforts integrated into your overall business strategy?
Cemex is one of the first companies in the global cement industry to have its 2030 and 2050 carbon reduction goals validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Our goals align with the new 1.5-degree Celsius target, the most ambitious standard for the industry, which aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. These validated targets cover all direct and indirect carbon emissions, ensuring that we contribute meaningfully to the Paris Agreement’s objectives.

To achieve our ambitious 2050 target of net zero carbon, we’ve developed detailed plans with strong interim goals for reducing emissions by 2030. Our Future in Action program helps us track progress through the following six pillars:

1. Sustainable Products and Solutions
2. Decarbonizing our Operations
3. Circular Economy
4. Water, Biodiversity & Air Quality
5. Innovation & Partnerships
6. Promoting a Green Economy

Fundamental to guiding our business’ sustainable operations is the Water, Biodiversity & Air Quality pillar. Our  Water Policy outlines the responsible use of water in operations including developing site-specific Water Action Plans and our larger objective to switch to non-freshwater consumption.

Cemex’s Biodiversity Policy outlines responsible natural resource management by incorporating best practices and aligning biodiversity efforts with our decision-making, management, and business model. The policy follows the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Global Cement and Concrete Association sustainability guidelines.

At Cemex, we believe a circular economy—one that reduces waste, conserves resources, and minimizes environmental impact—is essential to addressing global resource challenges. Our Future in Action initiative integrates specific sustainability goals into daily operations across all business lines, empowering our team to make informed decisions that advance our objectives. It also establishes key performance indicators to track our progress. 

Who in Cemex is leading your conservation and sustainability efforts and what are some examples of employee engagement in conservation and sustainability at your company?
In Texas, Cemex collaborates with universities, educators, conservation experts, NGOs, and government agencies to tackle regional biodiversity challenges and focus on local conservation priorities. Key figures in Cemex Texas’ conservation efforts include:

• Jerae Carlson, Sr. Vice President of Sustainability, Communications & Public Affairs, Cemex
• Scott Ducoff, Regional President – South Central Region, Cemex
• Billy Pat McKinney, El Carmen Land & Conservation Co., Manager
• Bonnie McKinney, El Carmen Land & Conservation Co., Wildlife Coordinator
• Lance Griffin, Director of Aggregates – South Central Region, Cemex
• Lindsay Sparks, VP General Manager Ready Mix – South Central Region, Cemex
• Adam Slusser, Balcones Quarry Operations Manager, Cemex
• Roberto Luna, Balcones Cement Plant Manager, Cemex

Cemex employees are deeply involved in conservation and educational projects, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. In 2023, the Cemex Balcones Quarry and Cement Plant in New Braunfels, Texas, continued high-quality habitat conservation and community engagement programs, maintaining its 2021 Silver Tier Conservation Certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council. A centerpiece of our efforts is the 33-acre Cemex Dry Comal Creek Wildlife Nature Center, which enhances biodiversity, promotes environmental stewardship, and provides education opportunities. The Cemex Nature Center features a wheelchair-accessible vegetable garden for PEACE members, supporting adults with mental and physical disabilities. In 2023, PEACE group members harvested over 5,200 pounds of produce from the garden. We also hosted a fundraising event that raised approximately $89,000 for PEACE.

In 2023, Cemex collaborated with Trees for Houston to host a tree-planting event at the Monarch School and Institute, which serves children and young adults with neurological differences. Forty employees planted 30 trees on the campus, and Cemex provided funds for their care for the next two years. This project supports Houston’s goal to plant 4.6 million trees by 2030 and earned Conservation Certification® from the Wildlife Habitat Council.

Last year, Cemex contributed over $34,000 to sustainability programs and employees volunteered more than 490 hours at over 20 conservation-related events across Texas, including nine hosted at the Cemex Nature Center.

“Sustainability is our guiding principle, and conservation is our committed practice. In Texas, our operations embody more than a business endeavor; they represent a pledge to the future.”

– Jerae Carlson, Sr. Vice President of Sustainability, Communications & Public Affairs, Cemex

Visitors touring the greenhouse garden in the Cemex Dry Comal Creek Wildlife Nature Center Photo: Texan by Nature

What conservation and sustainability programs and projects does Cemex lead and participate in?
Cemex leads numerous sustainability and conservation initiatives across Texas, prioritizing preserving water, land, and wildlife resources while integrating resource-efficient manufacturing practices. We support Texas’s construction projects with a focus on sustainable practices. Our Balcones operations, spanning 3,000 acres in the ecologically significant Edwards Plateau and Blackland Prairie regions, include a cement plant and quarry. The Balcones Quarry features an advanced water recycling system that conserves over a billion gallons annually, reducing water usage by up to 90%. 

The Balcones Cement Plant is recognized for exploring carbon capture technology through a $3.7 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy and RTI International. Cemex’s nationwide commitment to energy efficiency earned us the 2024 U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award for the sixth consecutive year. The Balcones Plant further supports sustainability by utilizing alternative fuels like wood biomass and scrap tires, promoting a circular economy reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels.

Cemex is also dedicated to land and wildlife conservation through the El Carmen Land and Conservation Company (ECLCC). This partnership focuses on restoring native desert landscapes and protecting ecological corridors along the Texas-Mexico border. The ECLCC manages 27,000 acres in Brewster County, serving as a sanctuary for diverse plant and animal species. Collaborations with Texas Tech University include research on climate-related impacts on wildlife, bat ecology along the Rio Grande, and the genetics of the black bear population.

What strategies does Cemex use to educate and raise awareness among employees, customers, and stakeholders about the importance of conservation and sustainability?
At Cemex, we employ a range of strategies to educate and raise awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainability among our employees, customers, and stakeholders:

1. Employee Engagement: We provide internal trainings, workshops, and virtual educational courses to ensure our employees understand our sustainability goals and their role in achieving them. Additionally, the Cemex Nature Center provides hands-on learning experiences about local ecosystems and conservation efforts.
2. Sustainability Reporting: We publish annual integrated reports that cover our financial performance and detailed sustainability efforts. These reports are shared with employees, customers, and stakeholders. 
3. Community Outreach and Education: We collaborate closely with local schools, universities, and organizations to promote our environmental education programs. The Cemex Nature Center has outdoor classrooms where students and community members learn about biodiversity and conservation practices.
4. Collaborative Projects: By working with environmental groups, NGOs, and governmental agencies, we foster a broader understanding and support for our sustainability initiatives which result in collaborative projects like those managed by the El Carmen Land and Conservation Company. 
5. Sustainability Events and Campaigns: We organize and participate in Earth Day celebrations, sustainability fairs, and conservation workshops to raise awareness and encourage community participation in environmentally responsible and sustainable practices.
6. Digital Platforms and Communication: We use our website, social media, and internal communication tools to share updates, success stories, and educational content about our sustainability efforts, keeping our audience informed and motivated to make a global impact.
7. Sustainability Certifications and Recognitions: We seek and promote third-party certifications and recognitions, such as those from the Wildlife Habitat Council and Texan by Nature. These endorsements help validate our efforts and communicate our commitment to sustainability to a wider audience with enhanced credibility.
8. Customer Education: Our sales and marketing teams connect customers with our sustainable products and their benefits, including our Vertua® sustainable solutions.

Through these strategies, Cemex ensures all our stakeholders are fully engaged in our commitment to conservation and sustainability.

Can you share specific examples of successful partnerships or innovative collaborations Cemex has formed with other organizations to enhance sustainability and conservation outcomes?
Cemex invests directly and through partnerships to build a better future. A key collaboration is with rancher Josiah Austin in the El Carmen Land and Conservation Company, LLC (ECLCC), a conservation area along the Rio Grande in Brewster County, Texas. Since 2006, the partnership has focused on restoring the desert landscape, protecting ecological corridors, and reintroducing native wildlife through land restoration, water development, and research.

Moreover, in 2023, Cemex partnered with over 20 organizations across its Texas operations, including the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Texas Bighorn Society, and collaborated with Texas Tech University on five major projects at ECLCC alone.

The Balcones Cement Plant received a $3.7 million agreement from the U.S. Department of Energy and RTI International to study carbon capture technology, setting new industry standards. Cemex Ventures also invested in Carbon Upcycling, a Canadian startup developing carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization technology, with pilot projects underway in Texas and the U.K.

In 2023, Cemex replaced three old diesel locomotives with near-zero emissions models at its Balcones plant, supported by a $4.59 million grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The Cemex Nature Center features two apiaries with 26 honeybee hives, managed by local expert Charlie Agar. The native plant gardens and nursery, overseen by Steve Wilson, founder of Rancho Sylva Tree Farm and Dan Hosage, Jr., a nationally known naturalist, botanist and Texas historian, provide high-quality plants for community donations and have been featured on PBS programs and in publications.

Charlie Agar led a tour of the apiaries at the Cemex Dry Comal Creek Wildlife Nature Center for Cemex interns. Photo: Charlie Bee Company

How does Cemex quantify investment and return on conservation and sustainability?
Cemex’s 2023 Integrated Report highlights the financial returns from global conservation and sustainability investments. Recognizing the value of nature, the report emphasizes biodiversity, ecosystems, and sustainable development through quarry rehabilitation, biodiversity action plans, third-party conservation certifications, and water action plans in high-stress areas.

In Texas, Cemex invested over $34,000 in conservation programs with organizations like Trees for Houston and Ducks Unlimited in 2023. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Cemex planted 234 trees, including 46 in Texas, for every U.S. employee who completed training on their Vertua® product line. Additionally, 350 native trees were donated to Headwaters at the Comal for Earth Day 2023.

Aligned with our Climate Action Strategy, Cemex supports natural carbon sinks to reduce CO2 levels. Quarry rehabilitation and conservation efforts contribute to CO2 removal. The El Carmen Nature Reserve in Mexico, connected to the ECLCC preserve in Texas, stores around 12 million tons of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of 2.6 million gasoline-powered vehicles. [1]The biodiversity and landscape services of El Carmen are valued at $60 million per year, increasing to $70 million with annual CO2 sequestration.

In 2023, Cemex’s U.S. operations planted or donated over 19,100 trees, nearly doubling the previous year’s number. These trees are expected to sequester over 63 million pounds of CO2 over 40 years, valued at over $1.4 million. In Texas, 1,380 trees were planted in 2023, estimated to store over 9.2 million pounds of CO2 over 40 years, valued at over $214,000.

Long-term Environmental and Economic Benefits of Trees Planted in Texas by Cemex in 2023 [2]

[1] Estimate calculated using the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.
[2] Estimate calculated using the i-Tree planting tool
[3] Air pollutants included are: O3, NO2, SO2, and PM2.5. 

How do you see the future of conservation and sustainability evolving, and what role will Cemex play in that progress?
The cement and concrete industry is shifting toward more responsible and environmentally conscious practices, and Cemex is committed to leading this change. As one of the world’s largest building materials providers, we’ve set ambitious decarbonization goals to reduce emissions across our product lifecycle and the industry’s value chain, aiming to become a net-zero CO2 company by 2050.

Cemex is enhancing our sustainability efforts, exceeding conservation requirements, and earning recognition from top environmental organizations. We adhere to the Global Cement and Concrete Association’s Sustainability Guidelines, especially in Quarry Rehabilitation and Biodiversity Management. Our commitment is evident in our ECLCC and Balcones operations, which have received accolades from Texan by Nature and the Wildlife Habitat Council. These endorsements ensure our programs continue to evolve and benefit the environment.

Our conservation initiatives also provide opportunities for employee and community involvement in wildlife projects, raising awareness of the balance between industry and nature. Safeguarding biodiversity and the environment remains a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainable operations.

What is the one lesson that Cemex has learned from your conservation and sustainability efforts that others can take back and think about applying within their own space?
One significant lesson that Cemex has learned from our conservation and sustainability efforts is the importance of employee engagement in sustainability efforts. They are key to our success on this journey to carbon neutrality. Our award-winning online training platform, Cemex University, features a Sustainability Academy that helps our employees understand the pillars of our Future in Action program and stay informed on our sustainability goals and targets. The Sustainability Academy features four courses:

• Carbon Neutrality Essentials (English and Spanish)
• Decarbonizing our Operations (English and Spanish)
• Vertua® Brand Ambassador
• Future in Action: The Evolution of Its 6 Pillars

Since the inception of our Sustainability Academy, 1,500 employees have completed these courses, including almost 500 Texas employees having completed nearly 1,000 courses, resulting in more than 1,900 hours of learning.

Why is Texas an important home or base of operations for Cemex?
The state’s diverse culture and dynamic economy make it an ideal hub for Cemex’s operations in the U.S. Texas has a robust economy across various sectors with a growing population and infrastructure development, creating a high demand for building materials. Texas is also an ideal location for the company’s U.S. headquarters due to its central position in the country and within our operational footprint. Additionally, the state’s rapid population growth and diverse demographic offer abundant opportunities for business expansion, innovation, and talent. 

Texans have a strong sense of community, coming together to support one another when needed, and they value nature. By contributing to projects that enhance the well-being of local communities and protect the environment, Cemex demonstrates its commitment to these shared values.

Cemex has been a cornerstone in the development of significant projects throughout Texas for many years. With a robust network in Texas that includes a corporate office, one cement plant, seven distribution terminals, two strategically placed quarries, and more than 20 ready-mix concrete plants, Cemex is well-positioned in the state. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share that makes your strategy and approach to conservation and environmental sustainability unique?
Rapid population growth and urbanization pose significant challenges for economic development and climate action. Embracing a circular economy—through reducing, reusing, and recycling—can help restore balance to natural resources and support a low-carbon world. We believe our industry can play a key role in this transition with efficient design and material reuse.

Cemex’s U.S. operations divert waste from landfills by using alternative fuels in cement manufacturing. The Balcones Cement Plant utilizes biomass and other alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gases and promote a circular economy. By diverting waste with biogenic content, we also prevent methane emissions. In 2023, renewable energy accounted for 28% of the plant’s grid power, reducing the impact of non-renewable energy sources.

We aim to build resilient, equitable communities by developing green spaces and sustainable infrastructure. While reducing our carbon footprint, we focus on creating demand for sustainable products. In September 2023, Cemex became the first in our industry to provide validated Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all core products globally, an effort led by the U.S. operations. EPDs offer real-time data on environmental impacts, such as Global Warming Potential, acidification, and eutrophication, enhancing transparency and supporting sustainable construction.

Our efforts are showing results. Vertua® products with sustainable attributes now represent 56% of our global cement sales, exceeding our 2025 goal of 50%, and 48% of global concrete sales, nearing our 2025 goal. For instance, we are supplying over 20,000 cubic yards of Vertua® lower-carbon concrete for the world’s largest medical complex in Houston, Texas.

Find out more about Cemex’s conservation and sustainability efforts here

Glossary

Aggregate quarries – Sites where materials like sand, gravel, and crushed stone are extracted for construction use.
Acidification – The process by which soil or water becomes more acidic due to pollutants, harming ecosystems.
CO2 sequestration – The long-term capture and storage of CO2 (carbon dioxide) to reduce its presence in the atmosphere.
Eutrophication – Nutrient over-enrichment in water bodies, causing excessive algae growth and oxygen depletion.