One of the world's leading building materials producers, Switzerland's Holcim has been practicing sustainable development for decades as it became a global leader in energy saving, emission reduction and recycling waste into useful products.

Holcim's development in China is through investment in Huaxin Cement Co Ltd.

The partnership started in the 1990s. Over the years, the two sides have worked very hard to consider each other's interests and understand each other's culture, creating a smooth, harmonious and successful cooperation.

An important ingredient in the partnership has been shared objectives, among them a shared commitment to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.

The cooperation between Huaxin and Holcim is a classic example of successful cooperation between China and Switzerland.

Both sides have shared the same strategic vision from the very start.

Beginning with technical cooperation, the relationship gradually deepened and developed into operations management, human resources, corporate governance, sustainable development, safety and customer service.

The global concept of Holcim "Strength, Performance and Passion", is similar to Huaxin's "Honesty, Devotion, Performance and Innovation".

Holcim's key priority is to help Huaxin continue to improve its sustainable development to retain its position as the leading environmental company in China's building materials sector.

Holcim, founded in 1912, has production facilities in over 70 countries.

In recent years, Holcim not only placed great importance on the company's sustainable development, but also promoted the concept of sustainable development to the international community.

Holcim has continuously been listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and established the Holcim Foundation - a non-profit organization independent of Holcim's commercial interests - to promote sustainable construction.

In cooperation with world-renowned colleges and universities, the foundation organizes and bestows the prestigious $2 million Global Holcim Sustainable Construction Awards.

Huaxin Cement, established in 1907, is the oldest cement company in China, honored as the cradle of Chinese cement industry.

Huaxin's cement has been used for many national key projects including the first large dam of China Danjiangkou - world-famous Three Gorges Dam, and Beijing's top 10 buildings.

Seizing the development opportunities brought by structural adjustment of the cement industry, Huaxin follows a sustainable development strategy of low energy consumption, low emissions, high technology and high efficiency.

Most importantly, with active support from Holcim, Huaxin has become the leader of the building materials industry in resource conservation and environmental services.

In the future it will not be enough that the cement industry produces a useful product - the society expects more.

For example, waste management through "co-processing" waste in cement kilns as an alternative fuel provides the industry with a way of helping mega-cities solve a pressing need.

Since entering the Chinese market, Holcim has contributed to the sustainable development of Chinese cement industry in many aspects such as sharing experience from around the world to help China develop regulations for co-processing in cement kilns.