• Fortune recognized Cemex’s freshwater-free concrete initiative in Mexico, which replaces freshwater in ready-mix concrete production with alternative water sources.
• The initiative reached a 67% freshwater substitution rate across Cemex’s Mexican ready-mix operations in 2025.

Cemex announced today 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 recognized 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 recognizes 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 prioritizes 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 recognized 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.

The full Fortune 2026 Change the World list is available at: https://fortune.com/ranking/change-the-world/2026/

About Cemex

Cemex is a multinational construction materials company focused on building a better future for communities worldwide. The company produces and markets cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and related construction materials such as admixtures and mortars, enabling construction projects across its markets. Through customer-centric solutions, operational excellence, and continuous innovation, Cemex delivers high-performance materials that meet the industry's evolving needs. With a workforce of around 40,000 people worldwide, Cemex provides reliable, sustainable, and high-quality products and services, partnering with its customers to deliver solutions that create long-term value. For more information, visit cemex.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

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Fortune recognized Cemex’s freshwater-free concrete initiative in Mexico, which replaces freshwater in ready-mix concrete production with alternative water sources.