Lafarge Africa Plc has released its comprehensive report that highlights the company’s unwavering dedication to sustainability and showcases its commitment to a better future for both people and the planet.

The report details the company’s remarkable progress and significant achievements across its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives during the period spanning January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022.

It also emphasises performance across its four sustainability pillars, namely climate and energy, circular economy, nature, and people, underscoring the company’s comprehensive approach to sustainable business practices.

“It also highlights our steadfast commitment to sustainability and ongoing journey towards a greener future,” said Chairman of Lafarge Africa Plc, Prince Adebode Adefioye.

“Themed, ‘Shaping a Greener Future through Innovation and Collaboration,’ it encapsulates our dedication to fostering positive environmental and social impacts, while upholding strong governance practices,” he added.

The GMD/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the company believes that sustainable practices are critical for delivering shared value and building a resilient future, particularly in the light of the challenging business environment.

“With the unwavering support and collaborative efforts of our shareholders, employees, customers, and communities, we were able to innovate in the areas of manufacturing, supply chain and service delivery to create value for all our stakeholders while preserving our planet for the future generations. Our 2022 Sustainability Report highlights the milestones we have achieved on this journey,” he said.

According to Alade-Akinyemi, the company during the year achieved a reduction in its carbon dioxide (CO2), fuel and the deployment of energy-efficient technologies across its production and distribution processes, achieving a global thermal substitution rate of 13.5 per cent compared to 9.4 per cent recorded in 2021.

It also continued to work diligently towards restoring biodiversity and ecosystems in areas affected by its operations.

He said: “By adopting best practices and engaging with local communities, we ensured that our quarry rehabilitation efforts not only met regulatory requirements but also created sustainable livelihoods for host communities through employment and job creation, as well as other social impact programmes.

“The social impact performance aspect of the report underscores the company’s commitment to the well-being of its stakeholders as it continues to foster partnerships with communities, governments, and non-profit organisations to address social challenges and make a positive impact.

“We continue to focus on the areas with the most needs for our communities by implementing interventions in education, employment and empowerment, health and safety, as well as shelter and infrastructure.”