Sustainability encompasses the balanced integration of social, ethical, economic, environmental, health and safety factors in all planning, implementation and decision making of the business. PPC exercises due diligence in all areas of its business to promote sustainable development of the company, employees, the environment and the communities within which it operates.

PPC commits to delivering stakeholder value in all its endeavours:

• Board accountability
  Directors are accountable for PPC’s sustainability performance.
• Aligning values and principles with sustainable development
  PPC aligns all decisions pertaining to the company’s financial sustainability – and that of the fundamental rights of all stakeholders (employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers and the community in which it operates) – within an established framework of values and ethical principles.
• Assessing risks and opportunities
  By identifying and effectively responding to sustainability risks and opportunities, the company continues to enhance long-term shareholder value, whilst simultaneously fulfilling its broader economic, social and environmental responsibilities to society.
• Management systems
  Regular audits of management systems and programmes are conducted to provide assurance that the company’s sustainability policy is being implemented and remains effective. The ISO and ASPASA (Aggregate and Sand Producer Association South Africa) systems are externally audited. The ISO management systems are internationally recognised for performance and quality requirements. PPC is committed to the deployment of these systems and programmes that meet or exceed applicable legal and regulatory standards.
• Performance monitoring and reporting
  The organisation’s sustainability performance is reported publicly to stakeholders; and PPC is committed to monitoring the organisation’s use of natural resources and the development of indicators to assess progress against recognised standards.
• Engaging stakeholders
  PPC establishes and maintains constructive relationships with all stakeholder groups.
• Minimising environmental impacts
  The group is committed to identifying, assessing and reducing the environmental impacts of activities performed by employees, contractors and suppliers.
• Training and research
  PPC promotes innovative research, training and technology co-operation in the search for environmentally sensitive solutions to minimise the organisation’s environmental impacts.

The company openly embraces principles of social justice and fairness to achieve optimal wellbeing and prosperity for all stakeholders.

To minimise the impact of PPC’s environmental footprint by providing energy and resource efficient products emanating from an organisation that is driven by sustainable development.

• Emission control upgrade
  – During the year, the cement operation completed a R7 million upgrade to the kiln electrostatic precipitator (ESP) at its Port Elizabeth operation. The ESP is now more efficient in reducing dust emissions.
  – Lime operation successfully converted its Lime Acres kiln 9 (LK 9) from an electrostatic precipitator system to a bag-house operation in order to reduce dust emissions.
• Stakeholder engagement
  – The Jupiter factory instituted an environmental stakeholder forum as a platform for improved stakeholder communication.
  – PPC appointed an independent contractor to identify the needs and issues of key environmental stakeholders.
• Mine closure
  – All the requirements for mine closure at the Port Elizabeth clay quarry were concluded as per the closure certificate received on 26 February 2004. The mine closure certificate was not subject to additional conditions of reporting to the DME. The mining surface was leased from the council; upon receiving the closure certificate the land was returned to the council.
• Energy efficiency
  – PPC has received approval from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment for a new clinker grinding plant, currently under construction at the Hercules factory. PPC has selected a vertical roller mill (VRM) in place of a ball mill system which has previously been PPC’s standard. The energy consumption of a VRM is 25 – 35% lower than that of a typical ball mill used for grinding clinker to the same product fineness. The VRM also generates significantly less noise than a ball mill and also requires less process cooling water.
• Environment and sustainability specialist appointment at cement and lime operations
  – PPC has recognised the need for specialist knowledge in the area of environmental management and has initiated recruitment of environmental specialists at each cement and lime operation.

South Africa has a transformation imperative geared towards developing infrastructure and improving the quality of life of all people. PPC is committed to meeting the demands of its market in a sustainable manner. During the year, challenges inherent to PPC’s business included:

• The dependence on limited coal resources and the challenges associated with using alternative materials for energy;
• Reducing emissions per unit of product whilst restarting older, previously decommissioned kilns (due to high cement demand), in the interim period before commissioning new more efficient operations;
• Finalising the backlog of rehabilitation plans; and
• Managing the impacts of PPC’s activities on air quality.