HERACLES GROUP

To substantially reduce dependence on freshwater and protect local water resources and ecosystems through water reuse, desalination, closed-loop recycling systems and science-based, locally adapted targets for nature.

Local communities in island and coastal areas, environmental and regulatory authorities, industrial companies, customers and partners, as well as the wider construction value chain.

Ongoing initiative with multi-year implementation and a significant milestone in 2025: validation of a new science-based freshwater target for Greece.

HERACLES Group treats water as a critical natural resource and a key factor of resilience for both its operations and local communities. The initiative combines complementary solutions tailored to the specific conditions of each location: industrial symbiosis, reuse of treated water, seawater desalination and closed-loop recycling systems.

At the Volos plant, a distinctive industrial symbiosis initiative has been in place for more than a decade, reusing treated water from the neighboring EPSA industry. At the Milaki plant and the quarry on Gyali Islet, autonomous seawater desalination units operate to drastically reduce the need for freshwater withdrawal for production activities. In parallel, 34 Group units have water-recycling systems, increasing water reuse and resource efficiency.

In 2025, this approach gained an even stronger scientific foundation. Holcim set a new target for nature, developed using the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) methodology and validated through the Accountability Accelerator: a 23% reduction in freshwater withdrawal from its direct operations in the Cyclades Basin by 2030, compared with the 2020-2024 average, with the objective of limiting freshwater withdrawals to 53,082 m³.

Greece is therefore at the heart of Holcim's internationally pioneering, science-based approach to nature. Holcim is among the first three companies globally to adopt science-based targets for nature and was the only company in its sector in the original SBTN pilot program. HERACLES Group translates this ambition into concrete actions on the ground, connecting responsible water stewardship with ecosystem protection and the long-term resilience of local communities.

EPSA industry and local water authorities/providers within the framework of the individual initiatives. At Holcim level, the target for the Cyclades Basin was developed using the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) methodology and validated through the Accountability Accelerator.

Implementation is based on cross-functional collaboration among technical teams, Environment & Sustainability, Production, Quarries, Maintenance and H&S. Employees contribute to the operation and monitoring of desalination and recycling systems, data collection and the continuous improvement of water efficiency.

Volos, Milaki in Evia, Gyali Islet and Group units across Greece. Specific SBTN focus: Cyclades Basin.

The initiative has created an integrated framework for reducing pressure on local water resources:
• 34 units operate water-recycling systems.
• At Milaki and on Gyali Islet, the use of desalinated seawater significantly reduces production activities' dependence on freshwater and helps reduce pressure on local aquifers.
• In Volos, the long-standing industrial symbiosis with EPSA transforms a treated water stream into a usable resource, avoiding the corresponding consumption of primary freshwater.
• For the Cyclades Basin, a science-based target has been set to reduce freshwater withdrawal by 23% by 2030 versus the 2020-2024 average, to 53,082 m³.

The value of the practice extends beyond water savings: it creates a replicable water stewardship model for areas facing increased water stress, combining technology, circularity, partnerships and science-based targets.

Reduced exposure to water-scarcity and water-availability risks, greater operational resilience, better use of alternative water resources and stronger environmental performance. At the same time, alignment with the Holcim Water Directive and science-based targets for nature strengthens transparency, credibility and trust among local communities and other stakeholders, supporting the long-term Social License to Operate.