European “Sustainable Development” competition for aggregate producers

This competition recognizes the exemplary initiatives of companies in the sector that integrate the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development into their activities.

A EUROPEAN COMPETITION TO PROMOTE GOOD PRACTICES

Organized every three years by the European Union of Aggregates Producers, this competition honors companies in the aggregates sector that are implementing exemplary initiatives in all areas of sustainable development: environment, biodiversity, safety, circular economy, territorial dialogue and innovation.
The winners are selected from an initial national phase, led by professional federations such as the UNPG, then submitted to an independent jury at European level.
The files are anonymized for content study and selection.
Of the 25 French entries, 2 received a national distinction from the jury (outside the competition categories) and 9 entries were selected to represent France in the competition.
The national trophy presentation took place on June 18 during the Board of Directors meeting.
of the UNPG.

A TWO-STAGE COMPETITION

Organized in two phases, the competition rewards the most exemplary initiatives carried out by companies in the sector.
During the national phase, companies adhering to the UNPG submit their application in one of the defined categories.
An independent jury examines all anonymous applications and selects the best projects based on their impact, originality and added value.

A National Grand Prize is also awarded. The 2025 edition awarded two national distinctions from the jury, to Cemex who receives the Special Jury Prize for the Avensan Site (33) and his project " Partnerships for the municipal environment " as well as VICAT who receives the Special mention for biodiversity for educational tools used in the service of biodiversity in the project context " Tools to facilitate communication around biodiversity with field teams ».

The other 9 French winners then move on to the European phase, organized by the UEPG (European Union of Aggregates Producers), where they compete alongside other member countries.
It should be noted that the 10th edition of the Sustainable Development Trophies, organized on November 30, 2022 at the “La Madeleine” site in Brussels, brought together a record number of 230 participants, representing 15 European countries.

EXEMPLARY PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY 9 FRENCH SITES

The projects are evaluated in various categories and the 9 winning French sites are:

• Redevelopment of sites :
  LAFARGE – Lagruère Quarry (47), Project integrated into the local specificities of the territory.
• Best environmental practices :
  NEXSTONE – Saint-Porchaire Quarry (17), “Reasonable management of the Bruant water resource, in close connection with the region” project.
• Preservation of biodiversity :
  EUROVIA – Gravel pits of Alsace Lorraine (67), project “Integration of each taxon in the ecological management of quarries”.
• -partnerships with local communities :
  GAGNERAUD – Iffendic Quarry (35), project “Recycling a clay by-product into artisanal cups with local potters”.
• Best Health and Safety Practices :
  HEIDELBERG MATERIALS France Granulats – Several sites, project “Development of secure areas for the opening and closing of manual doors in excavated areas”.
• Economic contribution/added value to society :
  HEIDELBERG MATERIALS – Caveirac site (30), “Recovery of recycled concrete for urban renewal and flood protection” project. An asset in urban renewal (concrete recycling) and the protection of the city of Nîmes (flood control basin).
• Best operational practices or process or product innovations :
  HEIDELBERG MATERIALS – Illats Quarry (33), “Creation of an innovative drainage platform” project.
• Recycling and recovery :
  VAILLS – Baho site (66), project “Establishment of the RECYCAT 66 unit for the recovery of building rubble and waste”.
• Communication:
  NEXSTONE – Saint-Porchaire Quarry (17) project “Education at the heart of our profession now and for the future”.

This competition plays a key role in promoting the positive dynamics of the sector at the European level. It highlights exemplary initiatives, encourages innovation and continuous improvement, and strengthens corporate social responsibility.
The UNPG is fully committed to this system, convinced that the recognition of good practices and the sharing
experiences are all levers to support the entire profession towards a more sustainable model.
The 2025 Sustainable Development Trophies will be presented on November 26 in Brussels, at the La
Magdalene.
A key moment to reward the most virtuous projects and inspire the future of the sector.