Argos, a cement producer and distributor, is part of the Colombian holding company Grupo Argos. With a presence in more than 15 countries and territories in the Americas, the company has become a benchmark for quality, innovation and sustainable production.
Framed in its sustainability strategy, which outlines actions to adequately manage its environmental impacts, Argos leads disruptive initiatives in the industry in its respective countries, being a pioneer in many of them. Projects such as the installation of solar farms to supply clean energy to its production processes, the push to co-process tires and waste, the installation of water recirculation systems to protect water sources, among others, have strengthened the company’s reputation as a sustainable and environmentally conscious company.
In Panama, Argos has been operating for more than 11 years and is backed by more than 80 years of experience in the industry. It currently has a cement grinding plant, a robust and innovative portfolio at the service of the construction industry, an aggregates quarry, a bulk terminal, and cutting-edge technical know-how at the disposal of its customers.
Sustainability is the best way to create value for society and its stakeholders, and Argos has understood the need to act decisively and effectively to contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. That is why its actions in climate issues is a relevant part of the company’s strategic framework. On the road to reducing its carbon footprint, a plan was devised. The company also participated in various initiatives such as ‘The First 50 Carbon-Neutral Organizations’ and the ‘Reduce Your Corporate Carbon Footprint’ (RTHCC) programme. These initiatives were endorsed by the Ministry of the Environment and the Panamanian Government’s Climate Change Department, an entity that today recognises Argos Panama as the country’s first carbon-neutral cement plant.
To achieve certification, both the cement plant and the ready-mix plant went through an exhaustive process, following the guidelines established in the RTHCC programme, in which a detailed inventory of the carbon footprint was made, including quantification of direct and indirect emissions. Then a verification audit process with an international certifying entity was carried out to validate data and quantify their residual footprint.
Now, as the first cement operation in Panama to receive a verified carbon neutrality certification, Argos has demonstrated that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, overcoming the seemingly impossible challenge of becoming carbon neutral in a short period of time.
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