Image number 32 of the current section of Cosentino looks to the future with its new Sustainability Report in Cosentino Australia

Cosentino looks to the future with its new Sustainability Report

We are proud to release Cosentino group’s 2021 Sustainability Report, outlining our significant progress, achievements and ambitions toward our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) approach.

Within this new framework, we continue to fulfil our commitment to transparency and responsibility in economic, social, environmental and ethical sustainability towards our employees and other stakeholders. In addition, in compliance with the international standard of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the document reports Cosentino’s performance in its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda.

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In our commitment to have maximum and best possible impact on people and minimum impact on the planet, we set out strategic levers, milestones and achievements in the social, environmental and good governance fields in the report. These pillars are underpinned by a well-established business model with financial strength (as demonstrated by last year’s financial results) and based on innovation and R&D, efficient production, circular economy, training, social action and, above all, on the strength and high professionalism of Cosentino’s team.

Download Cosentino Group’s 2021 Sustainability Report

Interactive Summary of the 2021 Sustainability Report

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Sustainability and environmental management (Environmental)

This area encompasses some of our current major projects. In 2021 alone, Cosentino invested almost €30 million in environmental assets and environmental improvement costs. We also demonstrate its commitment to circular economy and the reduction of carbon footprint through a series of solid milestones such as the use of 99% reused water, Zero Water Discharge (daily treatment and recirculation of 800,000 m3 of water), the use of 100% renewable electric energy and the development of sustainable products such as Dekton®, a Carbon Neutral product for its entire life cycle, and the HybriQ+® technology for Silestone® products.

Other milestones include the production of more than 3 million m2 of slabs from recycled or recovered materials (almost a third of Cosentino’s total production) last year. This was made possible thanks to Cosentino’s own Waste Treatment Plant, which enabled the company to manage 400,000 tons of solid waste in 2021, of which 13% was recovered, thus increasing the use of recycled raw materials by 26%.

However, our pursuit in improving our carbon footprint does not stop there. Last year, Cosentino implemented a new industrial energy model based on renewable energy sources and self-consumption, which also covers the management of water resources. In the coming weeks, we will set up the largest ground-mounted self-consumption photovoltaic plant in Spain (and one of the largest in Europe). The plant will have a peak power of 20 MW and an energy production capacity of approximately 34 GWH/year, which will be complemented by the installation of solar panels on the roofs of the factories. At the same time, Cosentino is building its own Wastewater Reclamation Plant. This plant will put the wastewater discharged by its neighbouring communities to a new use and is expected to become operational this year.

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Job creation and contribution to society (Social)

In addition to innovation and sustainability, our commitment to people is one of our core values. Our human capital is our most important asset. In 2021, Cosentino remains committed to quality employment and created nearly 700 new jobs, ending 2021 with a workforce of 5,425 employees. Our workforce is made up of people from 76 different nationalities and 91% making up permanent contracts

This commitment to prosperity and growth extends to the communities where Cosentino has a presence, especially in its immediate surroundings, in the regions of Almanzora and Almería, Spain. As a company, we are pioneering contribution to education and training by promoting Dual Vocational Training programmes conducted at its facilities and through activities carried out through Eduarda Justo Foundation. We also support the fields of architecture, design, sport and gastronomy through a series of partnerships and sponsorships, and promotes art and culture through Ibáñez Cosentino Art Foundation. Last but not least, we have made direct donations to various organisations and associations totalling more than €1 million, a 20% increase from 2020.

 

Responsible and transparent management (Governance)

Guided by ESG criteria, Cosentino moves forward with a roadmap on the basis of integration and transparent communication with its employees and its entire value chain of suppliers, customers and collaborators. A corporate governance body has been set up that is responsible for the development of talent through recruitment and management programmes such as Acelera, Ingenia or Impulsa. The body also increasingly invests in health and safety, and promoting equality and diversity (22% of women in management positions and 50% on its Board of Directors in 2021).

Of significance to the Australian market, the development of HybriQ® and HybriQ+® technologies for Silestone products address environmental and health impacts by reducing the level of crystalline silica* to a maximum of  50%,  and creating a new category in surfaces – the Ultimate Mineral HybriQ surface. This pioneering development further reinforces Cosentino’s commitment to providing a healthy environment for those working with its materials across the value chain.

With this new innovation, Cosentino’s unwavering commitment to creating high-performance, low silica*, more sustainable surfaces for the Australian market is clear.

*You must review the safety recommendations and information at osh.cosentino.com. For availability of Silestone colours with HybriQ® and HybriQ+® technology, please check cosentino.com, your nearest Cosentino centre or with your account representative.