well-located quality operations and good regional
market positions with the potential to develop into
integrated building materials businesses over time.
In the mid-1990s, CRH applied this approach to
its entry into the Polish market where it is now the
leading integrated building materials company.
In 2007 and 2008, CRH established two new
platforms in China and India to ensure it is well
placed to capitalise on economic growth in these key
developing economies.
While developing its business interests in emerging
markets, CRH fully maintains its focus on the areas
where it has long been a leader. In developed-world
economies, CRH’s strategic focus is to continue to
reinvest in its established platforms for operational
efficiency, product quality and customer service,
and to develop these businesses further. In Ireland
itself, CRH’s commitment to world class operating
standards is symbolised by the recent multi million
euro investment at the Irish Cement plant in Platin,
Co. Meath. Significant energy efficiencies, clinker
factor improvements and emissions reductions are
being achieved at the plant, which now produces
lower carbon “green” cements.
Corporate Social Responsibility is fully embedded
as an integral component of CRH’s performance
and growth strategy. This commitment is focused
on four specific areas of business: corporate
governance, environment & climate change, health
& safety and social performance. In each of these
areas, CRH has clearly defined Group policies,
objectives, implementation programmes, review
procedures and reporting mechanisms. CRH’s
proven commitment to managing all aspects of
operations relating to its many stakeholders in this
ethical and responsible manner has resulted in
its high ranking by leading Socially Responsible
Investment rating agencies. CRH believes that
meeting the expectations of stakeholders across the
broad sustainability and corporate responsibility
agenda is positive for its business and enhances its
strong corporate performance.
As regards climate change, CRH has committed
to a 15% reduction in specific CO 2 cement plant
emissions by 2015 compared with the 1990 specific
emissions for the same portfolio of plants. In
addition, many of CRH’s products are ideally suited
to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The success of CRH is founded on the exceptional
commitment and capability of its management
and staff together with the culture of performance
which characterises CRH throughout its widespread
operations. With its geographic spread and a
federal organisational structure, there is strong
management commitment to both the local
company and to the CRH Group. This is supported
by best practice teams that share experience and
know-how across products and regions. Such a
“global but local” management philosophy motivates
local entrepreneurship, while maintaining and
benefiting from Group synergies. As an Irish
success story, CRH takes pride in applying its
strong corporate identity and culture across its
operations and provides significant opportunities for
Irish graduates to develop skills in the global market
place.
Ireland has proved to be the ideal base for CRH. As
Ireland moves forward in the years ahead, CRH will
maintain its focus on management development,
operational excellence and commercial delivery
to ensure its businesses throughout the world are
strongly positioned to continue to deliver value for
all stakeholders.
45