Cosentino looks to the future with its new Sustainability Report

In its commitment to have maximum and best possible impact on people and minimum impact on the planet, Cosentino sets out its 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 the company’s team.

Download Cosentino Group’s 2021 Sustainability Report

Interactive Summary of the 2021 Sustainability Report

Sustainability and environmental management (Environmental)

This area encompasses some of the company’s current major projects. In 2021 alone, Cosentino invested almost €30 million in environmental assets and environmental improvement costs. Cosentino demonstrates its commitment to circular economy and the reduction of its 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 the company’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, the company’s pursuit in improving its 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, Cosentino 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.

Job creation and contribution to society (Social)

In addition to innovation and sustainability, its commitment to people is one of Cosentino’s core values. Its human capital is its 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. The company’s 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. Cosentino makes a 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. The company also supports 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, the company made direct donations to various organisations and associations totalling more than €1 million, a 20% increase from 2020.

Responsible and transparent management (Governance)

Cosentino’s roadmap is based on ESG criteria and moves forward on the basis of integration and transparent communication with its employees and its entire value chain of suppliers, customers and collaborators. A governance body has been set up which is responsible for the development of talent through recruitment and management programmes such as Acelera, Ingenia or Impulsa. It 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).