The environmental dimension is always one of the fundamental pillars of sustainability and, therefore, of FCC Construcción's Sustainability Strategy. Construction can have a significant impact on the environment and, therefore, the company has established a series of ambitious objectives to reduce its ecological footprint.

FCC Construcción, a leading company in the sector, recognized for its extensive experience in the market and its firm commitment to sustainability, has recently approved its sustainability strategy for the next four years, with an eye on the horizon of 2050. The sustainability strategy revolves, like sustainability itself, on three pillars: social, environmental and governance. In this article, we will focus on the company's environmental strategy and some of the measures it has implemented to reduce its impact on the environment.

The environmental dimension is always one of the fundamental pillars of sustainability and, therefore, of FCC Construcción's Sustainability Strategy. Construction can have a significant impact on the environment and, therefore, the company has established a series of ambitious objectives to reduce its ecological footprint.

One of the main environmental challenges that FCC Construcción faces is the emission of greenhouse gases. According to data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), construction is responsible for 39% of total emissions worldwide. To address this problem, FCC Construcción has established a clear objective: to reduce its direct and indirect emissions by 30% by 2030 and join the European objective that commits us to zero emissions by 2050.

To achieve this goal, the company has implemented a series of concrete measures. First of all, it is working on improving the energy efficiency of the processes in its works and fixed centers. This implies the use of more efficient technologies and the optimization of energy consumption in all phases of the project. By reducing energy consumption, FCC Construcción not only reduces its environmental impact and contributes to mitigating climate change, but also obtains economic benefits by reducing operating costs.

Another important measure is the promotion of the use of renewable energies and the reduction of its dependence on fossil fuels. By gradually incorporating renewable energy sources into its operations, the company contributes to the decarbonisation of the construction sector and promotes the transition towards a more sustainable energy model.

In addition, FCC Construcción is working with its suppliers to guarantee that the materials and equipment used in its works are more sustainable and efficient, with a focus on circularity. This collaboration with the supply chain is essential to promote responsible practices throughout the construction industry and maximize the positive impact on the environment.

Another important environmental challenge that FCC Construcción faces is waste management. Construction generates large amounts of waste, although most of it is non-hazardous for the environment and human health. FCC Construcción has committed to implementing the Zero Waste methodology in all the company's works by drawing up a mandatory waste management guide by 2026. Reducing the waste generated involves promoting reuse and recycling of materials in their works.

This implies the separation of waste at source and its subsequent treatment for reuse or recycling. By promoting circular economy practices, FCC Construcción contributes to reducing the extraction of natural resources and the generation of waste, which, again, not only results in a lower environmental footprint but also in economic results from both savings in waste management and the least amount of natural resources needed.

In addition, the company is also working with its suppliers to ensure that the materials used in its works are more sustainable and generate less waste. It is promoting the use of recyclable and recycled materials in its projects, which allows closing the life cycle of materials and minimizing the environmental impact associated with their production and disposal.

Water management is another important environmental challenge faced by FCC Construcción. Construction is responsible for 12% of global water consumption, according to IPCC data. 

It will understand the calculation of its water footprint in all its works and has established objectives to reduce water consumption.

To achieve this objective, FCC Construcción is implementing measures to promote the efficient use of water in all phases of the project. This implies the use of more efficient technologies, such as intelligent irrigation systems and low water consumption equipment, recovery of runoff or washing water from tanks and concrete gutters or cooling water from tunnel advance fronts. Work is also being done with suppliers to ensure that the materials used in their works are more sustainable and have less impact on water resources.

There are many more fields in which FCC Construcción has established an Environmental Strategy, within Sustainability, which make it an ambitious and concrete strategy to reduce its impact on the environment. The company is aware of the problem that greenhouse gas emissions, the consumption of energy and natural resources, the generation of waste, and air and water pollution, among others, represent for the world today, and it is firmly determined to contribute to palliate and improve the state of the environment in these matters, providing the service that, on the other hand, and with the social and economic components in the other hand, we are obliged to provide.

Through measures such as improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, proper waste management and the implementation of responsible practices in all phases of the project, FCC Construcción is advancing towards a more sustainable model and laying the foundations for a more respectful future with the environment in the construction sector and, therefore, in the planet.