Nature

The RainVault® system is specifically designed to capture, treat, store and supply rainwater as an alternative to potable water for non-potable applications. The system consists of treatment devices, storage components and a pumping system and is designed to suit each project’s requirements.

Manufactured predominantly of precast concrete by our Humes precast division, the RainVault® system maintains above ground uses whilst storing the water underground. Several other key benefits also make the system a cost-effective solution for commercial, industrial and large-scale residential projects from 5,000 litres.

The HumeFilter® Universal Pollutant Trap (UPT) is a stormwater treatment device featuring a multistage treatment method, including primary screening, media filtration, and membrane filtration. The multistage treatment approach provides exceptional pollutant removal rates at high treatment flow rates with minimal head loss and relatively low maintenance costs.

Hydromedia is a water management system that rapidly absorbs rainwater off streets, parking surfaces, driveways and walkways – reducing the risk of flooding. This permeable solution combines the properties of concrete and advanced drainage technology. 

Water is the world’s most vital resource and requires proper management in order to reap its benefits while avoiding its adverse effects. Hydromedia enables the ultra-rapid evacuation of water directly into the soil. This produces a natural aquifer recharge or enables the water to be recycled. The Hydromedia range is designed to cover all your possible needs, from street pavements to roofing solutions.

Freshwater is a finite resource. We aim to reduce water intensity throughout our business operations, implement freshwater replenishment programs beyond our site boundaries and treat the water we use when returning it to nature. We are prioritising our actions in high water risk areas, tailoring our solutions to local conditions.

At Holcim, we commit to making a measurable positive impact on biodiversity by 2030. Backed by science-based indicators on our active and non-active quarries, we help to protect natural ecosystems and the livelihoods of those in neighbouring communities. We will achieve this by working in partnership with local stakeholders, who understand the local ecosystem, ensuring a positive contribution to biodiversity and the well-being of our societies.

We measure our biodiversity level baseline by implementing a scientific methodology called Biodiversity Indicator and Reporting System (BIRS), across all our quarries by 2024. This has been developed in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Holcim is already using similar bioactive concrete to recreate artificial reefs and preserve marine habitats. With our partner EGIS/Seaboost, our teams have developed innovative concrete solutions for the rehabilitation of damaged coastal ecosystems. The concrete mix-design and placing process patented by Holcim allows the formation of a dense bottom layer topped with a layer of porous concrete. The structural and chemical characteristics of this innovative concrete, as well as the reef’s design, were specifically defined to allow rapid colonisation by a great diversity of local marine animals and plants.

Developed by Holcim Bouw & Infra (Netherlands) with the support of our Innovation Center in Lyon, France, this green wall is composed of two layers: a structural concrete layer followed by a special porous concrete layer, where seeds and plants can take root. Because the solution consists of prefabricated concrete elements, it is readily scalable for application in both housing and infrastructure.

The benefits of green walls are diverse. Acting as a biofilter, they regulate building temperature and reduce the heat island effect in the surrounding area. They also promote biodiversity, reduce noise pollution absorbing sound and help retain rainwater.