Cemex has announced major progress in its sustainability initiatives at the Balcones Cement Plant and Quarry in New Braunfels, Texas. A key part of this effort is the Cemex Nature Center, a 33-acre open space dedicated to biodiversity, environmental education, and community engagement.
The Nature Center includes a restored prairie, pollinator and vegetable gardens, and an education facility designed as a living classroom for employees, students, and community visitors. It features more than 130 native plant species, over 25 honeybee hives, and habitat enhancements such as Purple Martin hotels, Eastern Bluebird houses, and a natural savannah with walking trails and nesting boxes.
Empowering Communities Through Partnerships
Through its partnership with United Way’s PEACE program, Cemex created a wheelchair-accessible vegetable garden that allows adults with special needs to grow and share produce with local shelters. In 2024 alone, participants harvested 4,064 pounds of fresh food, while a community fundraiser attracted more than 200 attendees.
The site’s greenhouse also cultivated and donated over 4,500 native trees to regional organizations. In addition, the Balcones Dry Comal Creek Wildlife Habitat Center is set to engage approximately 1,500 employees and community members through interactive learning experiences each year.
A Model for Sustainability
Cemex’s efforts at Balcones highlight how conservation and community partnerships can be integrated into industrial operations. The company plans to expand its biodiversity initiatives and education programs at the site in the coming years, strengthening its commitment to environmental stewardship.
About Cemex
Cemex is a global construction materials company focused on building a more sustainable future through innovative products and solutions. The company is working toward carbon neutrality and leads in the circular economy, using alternative raw materials and fuels.
Cemex operates globally, offering cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urbanization solutions supported by a multinational workforce and advanced digital technologies.
For more information, visit www.cemex.com.
