CEMEX Ventures Earns Top Sustainability Investor Award

CEMEX Ventures has been named “Sustainability Investor of the Year” at the BuiltWorlds Awards, underscoring its role in scaling ConTech and decarbonization startups such as WtEnergy. Through its “Future in Action” program and EU-backed funding, Cemex is advancing gasification and hydrogen technologies to replace fossil fuels in cement production and meet SBTi-aligned 2030 climate targets. The strategy positions Mexico’s construction sector at the forefront of the global circular economy transition while addressing productivity and environmental mandates.

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CEMEX Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of CEMEX, has been recognized as "Sustainability Investor of the Year" at the 2026 BuiltWorlds Awards, underscoring its role in advancing innovation and decarbonization across the global construction value chain through targeted investments in high-impact climate technologies.

The award was presented to Jesús Ortiz, head of CEMEX Ventures, during a ceremony in Madrid that convened global leaders in infrastructure and construction technology. BuiltWorlds selected the firm for its sustained commitment to backing startups that not only enhance operational productivity but also structurally transform how the built environment is designed and delivered in line with decarbonization targets.

“This recognition reinforces our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs developing solutions capable of delivering measurable impact,” Ortiz said. “Innovation is critical to addressing the sector’s structural productivity challenges while accelerating the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient industrial ecosystem.”

The distinction reflects CEMEX Ventures’ expanding portfolio of startups focused on digitalization and advanced construction methodologies. Since its launch in 2017, the unit has evolved into an open innovation platform, collaborating with entrepreneurs, academic institutions and industrial partners to pilot and scale emerging technologies across CEMEX’s global operations.

A recent example of this strategy is the firm's investment  in Waste to Energy Advanced Solutions (WtEnergy), announced in February 2026. The company specializes in converting non-recyclable waste and biomass into clean energy, supporting CEMEX’s “Future in Action” program, which targets a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

WtEnergy’s proprietary gasification technology converts waste into low-carbon syngas, clean hydrogen and other sustainable byproducts, enabling increased use of alternative fuels with high biomass content. This approach is aligned with the decarbonization roadmap validated for CEMEX by the Science Based Targets initiative under a 1.5°C scenario, and is expected to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in clinker and cement production.

The technology has also attracted institutional support from the European Union. In collaboration with CEMEX, WtEnergy secured a US$5.2 million grant from the EU Innovation Fund to scale its waste-to-fuel infrastructure. Additionally, the company is leading the HYIELD project at CEMEX’s plant in Alcanar, an initiative backed by the EU’s Horizon Europe program to produce high-purity hydrogen from bio-waste, reinforcing its position within the circular economy.

“WtEnergy represents exactly the type of solutions we aim to scale,” said Alfredo Carrato,investment manager, CEMEX Ventures. “The ability to convert waste into clean fuels is critical for the energy transition in heavy industry, generating tangible value across the cement value chain.”

Since its inception, CEMEX Ventures has structured its investment strategy around four core pillars: low-carbon materials, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), digitalization and advanced robotics, reflecting a systemic approach to transforming construction processes.

Broader Sustainability Recognition

The BuiltWorlds distinction builds on a series of sustainability milestones achieved by CEMEX in 2025. The company received certifications from AENOR for ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), and its Zero Fresh Water & Zero Discharge framework, highlighting its progress in operational efficiency and water stewardship.

CEMEX was also recognized at the SUMe Awards to Sustainable Edification, organized by Saint-Gobain. The company’s Innovation and Development Center received the 2025 Innovation in Materials award for Vertua Conservación de Agua, a concrete solution that eliminates the use of potable water by relying on treated, rain or industrial wastewater.

Since its launch in 2015, the initiative has saved more than 4.3 billion liters of potable water — equivalent to approximately 38 days of water consumption for the population of Monterrey — according to verification by Environmental Resources Management.

Beyond water efficiency, CEMEX has expanded its circular economy strategy through its Regenera business line, which converts urban and industrial waste into alternative fuels and raw materials. In Mexico, the company processes more than 500,000 tons of waste annually, contributing to emissions reductions and resource efficiency across its operations.