E: Environmental

The climate change issue has the potential to cause substantial damage to our planet, and Vietnam is particularly exposed to this negative impact. Therefore, maintaining the balance between production and environmental protection is our premier mission. To create confidence in our management of the environment, INSEE Vietnam has adopted the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System as its guideline.

Inspired by the promise of a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, SCCC Group has devised the Sustainability Ambition 2030, in which INSEE Vietnam shared the same ambition. We develop our ambitious targets based on business operations at the local, in alignment with all business units across the Group, to ensure that as a Group, we can really make positive impacts on the environment.

According to Government regulations, the Companies must publicize environmental protection reports as well as environmental information. Following the request of Government, INSEE Vietnam uploads the information to related parties such as: customers, investors, surrounding communities, please visit the link to view

Climate & Energy

Global warming is one of the world’s most pressing challenges. If left unaddressed, it will impact both our climate system and the security of the population in general.

The Climate & Energy pillar calls for INSEE Vietnam to focus on the reduction of clinker content in our cement and inspire us to do business with the 100% Green Cement Portfolio certified by SGBC (Singapore Green Building Council) and EPD (Environmental Product Declaration).

Targets

Reduce CO2 emissions by a further 15% to < 530 kg net CO2/ton (20% reduced since 1990)
Reduce electricity consumption (by > -10%) with at least 20% coming from alternative electrical energy usage

Key Initiatives

Clinker content reduction thanks to increased byproducts usage:

Through careful control of the chemistry involved, INSEE Vietnam can use byproducts from steel and thermal power plants like fly ash or slag in our products and bring additional product properties such as improved sulfate resistance.
100% Green product portfolio:

The entire product portfolio of INSEE is granted the "Green Label" certificate approved by SGBC (Singapore Green Building Council) and VGBC (Vietnam Green Building Council). Moreover, INSEE's products also meet the standards of prestigious evaluation systems such as LEED, Lotus and Green Mark. INSEE is the first cement company in Southeast Asia to achieve International EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) certification.

Waste Heat Recovery :

Waste heat recovery power plants bring great benefits to the economy, society, and environment, meeting 25% of the power demand of the plant, equivalent to the amount of electricity for 18,000 households in 1 year. The power plant with a capacity of 6 MW reduces the burden on the national grid and helps INSEE indirectly save about 25,000 tons of carbon.

Circular Economy

INSEE is fully committed to using more alternative raw materials and fuels where possible. Discarded materials and industrial waste are exciting options for the development of more environmentally friendly products and solutions.

Targets

Double use of waste-derived fuels to >1.0 million tons
Increase (> +65%) byproduct usage (fly ash, slag etc.) to >1.4 million tons per annum

Key Initiatives

The 40% TSR (thermal substitution rate) sprint:

Over the past 15 years, we have been continuously developing our pre- and co-processing capacities and capabilities, and we have further expanded the waste portfolio we can treat. In 2022, we gave ourselves the challenge of making a step change in the substitution of coal, with the target of achieving 40% substitution rate. In a company-wide effort, the “40% TSR sprint” was initiated at the end of 2021. A lot of preparation work was done by various departments in INSEE, and in June 2022, we successfully achieved a 42% thermal substitution rate for the month. The next challenge is to make this high level TSR sustainable. This will be another contribution to solving a local waste management problem while reducing the use of fossil fuels, thereby also reducing the environmental footprint of our products.
Treat non-recyclable plastic waste

Ocean plastic waste has always been seen as a major challenge for the world. As a waste management solution with co-processing in cement kilns, INSEE Ecocycle is proud to contribute to the treatment of this problem by converting non-recyclable plastic waste into energy through the partnership program with TONTOTON since 2020 and later with OPTOCE led by SINTEF in 2022.

Biodiversity and Water

Biodiversity is essential for ensuring minimal impacts from our quarrying and mining activities on the planetary ecosystem. As the planet is very short on clean, palatable, drinkable water, we must play our part in preserving as much water as possible, especially in the water usage in manufacturing our products.

Targets

Assure a net-positive impact on biodiversity
Lower water consumption (by > -20%) with enhanced use of surface water (to > +40% of all water used)

Key Initiatives

1) Partnership with IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

Since 2008, INSEE Vietnam (formerly Holcim) has partnered with IUCN on various biodiversity projects. In 2021, INSEE also worked with IUCN to sign a new agreement to implement the goal of biodiversity conservation until 2030, such as conserving Phu My Wetland Nature Reserve and establishing the Kien Luong Karst Nature Reserve in Kien Luong district, Kien Giang province.

2) Water Management

All wastewater discharged at Cat Lai, Hiep Phuoc, Thi Vai, and Nhon Trach terminals always meet the standards of the Vietnam’s law, the Industrial Areas, and QCVN 40:2011 /Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Production wastewater) & QCVN 14:2008/Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Domestic wastewater) before discharge. The legal regulations on water use permits and discharge standards are respected by the Company and set as a guideline throughout our plants' operation. With a clear sustainable development roadmap, we carry out water reuse activities in potential areas and look for other alternative water resources, such as rainwater and surface water. In addition, INSEE holds a conference with stakeholders once a year to discuss environmental issues and water use in localities.