Strategies for Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management (CDRM) by CEMEX
CEMEX is a global building materials company focused on creating sustainable value by providing industry-leading products and solutions to satisfy the construction needs of our customers around the world. We strive to make the future better for our stakeholders.
Description
CEMEX was established in 1906 and has activities in over 50 countries across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. CEMEX has a rich history of improving the wellbeing of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote resilient societies and a sustainable future. CEMEX engages with multiple sustainability-related programs and initiatives, and in 2015 it became a member of ARISE, a private sector initiative led by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) whose members voluntarily commit to align with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
CEMEX believes that companies cannot succeed in societies that are not resilient and sustainable. So, we were part of the pilot implementation of a national ARISE network in Mexico. Working as a network with other companies at the national and international level allows CEMEX to have access to a large pool of good practices in CDRM, leading to more assertive DRR investments with fewer resources and greater impact.
The Enterprise Risk Management at CEMEX is based on four pillars: 1) Provide advice to senior management on strategic risk and opportunities; 2) Align the portfolio of risks and opportunities with our strategy; 3) Ensure resilience and business continuity; and 4) Create risk reduction and management corporate culture. CEMEX focuses its efforts on promoting resilient infrastructure and innovation in the construction ecosystem. Through sustainable and resilient infrastructure, it generates shared value and thriving communities. Resilient communities and businesses are key to local economic development. That is why CEMEX's participation in ARISE Global and Mexico pays for disaster risk reduction at both national and global levels.
Concrete results include the organization of workshops, informative meetings, forums, awards for social innovation, engagement in the elaboration of DRR plans and policies (prospective, reactive, and compensatory DRM), communication strategy through CEMEX’s own channels to disseminate knowledge, COVID-19 response support (global data and mini hospitals), and advisory to several international DRR initiatives, among others.
Did the Sendai Framework change or contribute to changes in your activities/organization? If so, how?
The Sendai Framework for DRR calls the private sector to integrate DRR into their management practices, especially in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who are often the most vulnerable to threats and hardest-hit by disasters. CEMEX is fully engaged with global DRR efforts providing awareness-raising and training for employees and customers; support for research and innovation; technological development for DRR; knowledge-sharing; active participation, as appropriate and under the guidance of the public sector, in the development of normative frameworks and technical standards for DRM.
What led you to make this commitment/initiative?
What was your position before making this Voluntary Commitment / prior to the Sendai Framework?
Global recognition of the effects that climate change and disasters will have on economic growth, community well-being, and the financial and economic systems is growing rapidly. For businesses, to survive and even thrive in this environment, they need to adapt quickly and prepare ahead. The current COVID-19 pandemic created an additional layer of pressure and disruptions stemming from a biological hazard, underlining the pressing need for societies to become more prepared and capable to deal with disasters.
CEMEX is aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 2015-2030 emphasis in risk management, putting behind a paradigm that dealt only with the moment of disasters, to highlight the importance of reducing existing risks, preventing new ones and strengthening resilience. The Sendai Framework also highlights the pressing need for all-of-society and all-of-State institutions engagement, recognizes a broad range of relevant stakeholders and highlights the importance of building platforms, strengthening cooperation and partnerships.
Deliverables and Progress report
Deliverables
Deliverables are the end-products of the initiative/commitment, which can include issuance of publications or knowledge products, outcomes of workshops, training programs, videos, links, photographs, etc.
In 2019, through our participation on the ARISE Global Board, we consolidated the ARISE Mexico National Network, which works to build cities’ disaster preparedness and prevention, considering resilience as key to sustainable development with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
CEMEX believes that climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time and supports the urgency of collective action to ensure compliance by all parties in the implementation of the Paris Agreement commitments and the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals on Climate Action. Climate change has been a priority for CEMEX for many years and we have been working to maximize all of the technical levers currently available in the cement production process: investing in energy efficiency, use of alternative fuels, expanding our use of renewable energy and increasing clinker substitution through alternative cementitious materials.
CEMEX is a member of the UNDRR Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE). ARISE was started by UNDRR in 2015 to support the private sector to become a key partner in reducing disaster risk. We are part of a network of over 350 members and over 20 networks across the world. There is incredible energy and appetite to grow ARISE and to equip it to effect change in how the private sector invests in a risk-informed sustainable future.
CEMEX acknowledges society's challenges and we understand that our growth is directly interlinked with its development, thus we promote change through listening to our stakeholders' needs and expectations and developing solutions, as part of our Social Impact Strategy, originating on our Sustainability Model, which ensures sustainability is embedded into every aspect of our business.
This strategy builds a better future through fostering sustainability and resiliency to improve the quality of life and well-being of stakeholders through a culture that contributes to our license to operate, creates a positive experience for our stakeholders, creates shared value and Strengthens our brand.
We continuously interact with a wide variety of stakeholders to discuss and address society's most pressing needs. Beyond this, we actively engage with our global Advisory Panel, of sustainability experts, who provide important and valuable advice.
Our stakeholders are the basis for our materiality assessment.
Given the importance of the sustainability-related challenges that society is facing, CEMEX has integrated sustainability into its business strategy. With the help of our Sustainability Model, we are incorporating sustainability practices into our day-to-day operations and decision-making processes worldwide. Our model ensures that we concentrate our efforts and resources on the issues of highest relevance to our business and greatest concern to our stakeholders.
Our sustainability model is the result of a detailed and collaborative process that involved both internal and external stakeholders consultation. It aims to address current and future global societal challenges where CEMEX can have a significant contribution.
CEMEX’s Sustainability Model links relevant global societal challenges to the creation of value for stakeholders and by taking action on our priorities.
CEMEX presides the UN Global Compact Network in Mexico.
Organizations and focal points
Implementing Organization(s)
Focal points
Partners
- Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza
- Wildlife Habitat Council
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
- Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education
- United Nations Global Compact
- Conservation International
- BirdLife International
- International Union for the Conservation of Nature
