Last week, Heidelberg Materials North America had the privilege of hosting three of the company’s global sustainability leaders for site visits in Indiana and South Carolina: Dr. Katharina Beumelburg, Board Member and Chief Sustainability & New Technologies Officer; Christian Knell, Global Vice President Decarbonization; and Amelie Heimann-Pohl, Group CSO Management Associate. Their visits provided an important opportunity to align regional and local initiatives with the company’s global sustainability strategy and to demonstrate the innovation and commitment driving progress across the North American operations.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip was a visit to Hamer Cave in Mitchell, Indiana, where the team is supporting a Quarry Life Award biodiversity project. This initiative reflects Heidelberg Materials’ commitment to protecting ecosystems and fostering collaboration between industry, science, and local communities: Through the Quarry Life Award, Heidelberg Materials’ global nature-based competition, we open our quarries to the scientific community, turning our sites into living laboratories for those pushing biodiversity research forward.

The visit also provided the opportunity to meet with members of the Indiana Karst Conservancy, who are leading efforts to study and protect the unique cave ecosystem. Their work highlights how partnerships can create meaningful environmental impact and strengthen community engagement.

“Seeing the Quarry Life Award project at Hamer Cave was truly inspiring,” said Dr. Katharina Beumelburg, Heidelberg Materials Board Member and Chief Sustainability & New Technoloies Officer. “It shows how our sustainability goals come to life on the ground—protecting biodiversity and working hand-in-hand with local partners. These efforts make a real difference for nature and for people.”