The Environment Policy aims at securing effective and enduring protection of the environment, improving working conditions and thus people’s health. Key principles are: reduction and prevention of potential environmental impacts, responsible use of natural resources, promotion and adoption of standards beyond local regulations and disclosure of performance to all stakeholders. The policy is applied and monitored at all subsidiaries, supported by appropriate management practices and dedicated training. 

Environmental protection
Italcementi’s proactive approach is focused on prevention and mitigation of any potential environmental impact and preservation of natural resources in the development and management of its production facilities.
Italcementi has defined four specific priorities in line with its sustainability strategy:

• climate protection though proper control and management of CO2 emissions;
• responsible use of resources, such as fuels and raw materials, electrical power and water;
• control and reduction of air emissions, by ensuring the accurate monitoring of all kilns and the adoption of best available techniques for emissions reduction;
• minimization of landscape and visual impacts, including quarry rehabilitation. 
  

Environmental certification
During 2009, the environmental management system of Shymkentcement passed certification audit by external auditing body “AFNOR-AFAQ” Russia and by Kazakhstani “Intercert” for obtaining ISO 14001 certification.

The ISO 14001 approach is based on three steps:

• compliance with all applicable standards;
• prevention of potential environmental impacts;
• Continuous improvement of performance.