Fortune once again recognises Cemex in their 2026 Change the World list
Published by Charlotte Sweby,
Editorial Assistant
World Cement,
Cemex announced that it has been included in Fortune’s 2026 Change the World list, marking the fifth time the company has received this recognition. This year, Fortune recognised Cemex for its freshwater-free concrete initiative in Mexico, a program that helps preserve freshwater for communities while strengthening operational resilience. The Fortune Change the World list recognises companies that are having a positive social impact through activities that are part of their core business strategy.
“Water scarcity is one of the most important challenges facing communities and industries, and this initiative shows how business can be part of the solution,” said Ricardo Naya, Executive Vice President of Sustainability, Operations, and Ventures at Cemex. “By rethinking water use in concrete production, we are reducing pressure on freshwater resources while strengthening the resilience and efficiency of our operations.”
Cemex’s freshwater-free concrete initiative replaces freshwater used in ready-mix concrete production with alternative water sources that are not suitable for human consumption or agriculture. The program prioritises water-stressed regions, while maintaining product quality, safety, and operational performance.
In 2025, the initiative reached a 67% freshwater substitution rate across Cemex’s ready-mix operations in Mexico. As part of the program, 31 Cemex concrete plants in Mexico have been certified under AENOR’s Zero Freshwater and Zero Discharge Framework, which verifies that they use no freshwater in concrete production and operations. The model has also begun to be replicated in Cemex operations in France, Spain, and the United States.
Cemex has previously been recognised by Fortune’s Change the World list for initiatives including Patrimonio Hoy, the Growing Platform of Inclusive Businesses, its COVID-19 response through the construction of mobile hospitals, and VeryNile.
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Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/24092026/fortune-again-recognises-cemex-in-their-2026-change-the-world-list/
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