Main interview

Finally , we ’ re heading to net zero ! While 38 percent of global CO 2 emissions come from buildings , 70 percent of that is from the life of the building and 30 percent comes from the building material . Urbanization and population growth will continue driving these numbers if we don ’ t make changes . We have the possibility to improve that 30 percent with low-impact products , and we can also affect the other 70 percent by considering the full building envelope and using more efficient materials . My division is precisely focused on bringing these types of solutions into Holcim ’ s portfolio , while continuing inorganic growth through mergers and acquisitions .

It ’ s worth noting we were one of seven companies globally that had our 2050 roadmap verified by SBTi ( Science Based Target Initiative ). As the name implies , our sustainability goals are based on science - it ’ s not just advertising . We have also put our money where our mouth is and have sustainability-linked financing - targeted at 40 percent by 2024 - and have also linked senior leadership incentives to our sustainability targets . From the products we procure to the way we run our factories , to the products we produce , we have put sustainability at our core .

Returning to your own career again finally , what is the most important lesson you have learned in business , and also the best bit of advice you have had from someone else ? Throughout my career there have been many lessons and many times

I had to remind myself that if it were easy , they wouldn ’ t need me . In the end , it really does come down to people and working as a unified team with a shared purpose . This is the absolute most important part of my job as a leader . You can have the newest factory with the best equipment that money can buy , but if you don ’ t have a great leader with a motivated , united team , that factory will never perform as it could and will be run down before its time . Best advice - get the people right !

Any closing words ? This industry is being hit by a tsunami of change . Twenty years ago , I was speaking to specifiers about using lower impact products and LEED was the buzz . These were just tiny waves , no surfing . Now the wall of water is upon us , and there is

For more details on Holcim ’ s range of building envelope solutions visit : www . holcimbe . com

a huge opportunity to ( surf and ) join an industry that will define our future as a society

and the way we live . If we can ’ t get the younger generations and a more diverse population excited about being part of this , I don ’ t know what will . I believe the next ten years will be the most dynamic this industry has ever seen . It ’ s an exciting time , and I am proud to be a part of a company that wants to lead . ■