Better Health for All

Vulcan Materials Company's core business activities, particularly the production of construction aggregates and asphalt mix, are linked to severe negative health outcomes for surrounding communities. Residents near a proposed quarry in Texas face health risks from dust emissions, including silicosis and pulmonary diseases, potentially affecting over 12,000 locals

. An asphalt plant in Houston emits hazardous particulate matter, impacting a community primarily composed of low-income people of color . The Mexican President pushed for the permanent closure of Vulcan's operations in Quintana Roo in July 2024 due to major environmental concerns linked to limestone quarrying . Historically, a plant in McCook was shut down in 2003 due to air pollution issues, contributing to over $4.8 million in penalties since 2000 . These widespread and severe health externalities from the company's operations lack documented remediation efforts. The company's entire revenue stream is derived from these activities with established negative health outcomes. In a positive initiative, Vulcan created the “Under the Hard Hat” program, published in May 2025, to integrate mental health awareness and support into its safety culture . This program fosters an open culture through leadership communication and manager training, and provides resources such as Employee Assistance Programs, helplines, and digital tools . During the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020, the company's foundation contributed over $300,000 to assist schools and families . Additionally, Vulcan designated $250,000 in February 2026 to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin through a rural hospital tax credit program, supporting the expansion of outpatient and emergency services to enhance healthcare access for thousands of Georgians .

Fair Pay & Worker Respect

In 2023, the Mine Safety and Health Administration upheld a citation against Vulcan Construction Materials for inadequate guarding of a ladderway at an Alabama quarry.

As of February 2026, employee overall satisfaction was rated 3.5 out of 5 based on 682 evaluations.

Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing

No specific, quantifiable evidence was found in the provided articles to assess Vulcan Materials Company against the Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing value's key performance indicators. While the company has a Human Rights Policy prohibiting forced and child labor and expecting suppliers to adhere to ethical standards

, and was recognized for corporate responsibility , these are policy statements and general acknowledgments, not specific data points on certification percentages, audit frequencies, incident numbers, traceability, or remediation speeds as required by the rubric. Incidents regarding worker pensions, healthcare, wages , and misclassification of truckers relate to internal labor practices, which fall outside the scope of this value's KPIs focused on supply chain ethical sourcing.

Honest & Fair Business

Vulcan Materials Company was fined $228,000 in December 2023 for air quality violations at its Pleasanton plant

, cited for public nuisance from asphalt odors and nitrogen oxide limit exceedances . The company has a formal Whistleblower Policy (GM-13) that allows employees to report violations anonymously through a helpline for U.S. and Mexican operations, or directly to the Compliance Officer or Board of Directors . This policy states that no employee will be punished for making a legitimate report and maintains confidentiality . Additionally, Vulcan Materials maintains an FCPA-compliant International Business Policy that prohibits bribery of foreign officials, commercial bribery, and kickbacks . This robust policy covers gifts, business travel, entertainment, charitable contributions, and facilitating payments, and includes detailed guidelines for third-party intermediaries, requiring review and approval for payments exceeding $100,000 or commissions over 5% .

Kind to Animals

Vulcan Materials Company's operations have led to significant habitat destruction and threats to wildlife. A quarry in Mexico was shut down by the government due to environmental problems, including groundwater contamination

, and the company faces ongoing legal actions. Proposed mining in Belize threatens the Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Antillean manatees and Morelet’s crocodiles . A proposed quarry in Georgia could fragment a critical wildlife corridor, impact water quality, and cause habitat loss for species like the blue heron . The company has incurred $4.2 million in fines and penalties since 2000 . In public policy, Vulcan actively seeks zoning changes and has sued governments to advance mining plans , which have faced opposition due to environmental concerns. Conversely, Vulcan also engages in substantial conservation. It operates 40 Wildlife Habitat Council Certified Sites and manages 6,300 acres in mitigation banks and conservation easements . Initiatives include a bird box program for bald eagles , managing a 14.4-acre rookery for over 90 bird species , a deer management program , and contributing over $100,000 to wetland conservation . Nearly 200 acres of its Pilarcitos Quarry are a protected nature preserve for endangered species like the Townsend's big-eared bat and California red-legged frog , and it operates conservation banks for species such as the San Bernardino kangaroo rat and the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly .

No War, No Weapons

Vulcan Materials Company's core business is the production of construction materials for civilian infrastructure, and it does not manufacture weapons or military-specific technologies.

The company has engaged in minor contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense for construction materials, totaling $64,300 in 2000 and $8,211 in 2004. These contracts represent a negligible portion of its overall revenue, and there is no indication that Vulcan actively seeks or prioritizes military engagements. As the company does not deal in weapons, it has no exposure to controversial weapons, no defense assets to divest, and no need for codified ethical red lines regarding weapons. Vulcan employs approximately 600 veterans and supports community initiatives, including the Riverside National Cemetery and AHEAD With Horses. In December 2023, Newsweek recognized Vulcan as one of America's Most Responsible Companies.

Planet-Friendly Business

Vulcan Materials Company achieved a 96% overall waste diversion rate in 2024, including 100% for universal waste and 96% for vehicle/equipment waste.

The company sources 13% of its operational energy consumption from renewables. Approximately 66% of its municipal water volume is withdrawn from watersheds designated as Extremely High or High water stress. In recent years (2022-2024), the company recorded 1-2 environmental compliance violations annually, with total environment-related penalties exceeding $3 million since 2000. VMC publishes a 2023 TCFD(IFRS) Report. For biodiversity, over 250 acres of its Rockingham quarry are actively managed for habitat protection and certified as a North Carolina Wildlife Federation Wildlife and Industry Together site. The company also states it is dedicated to protecting natural resources across approximately 310,000 acres through responsible development. Scope 1 and 2 emissions declined by 3% in 2024 versus a 2022 baseline, and water consumption was reduced by 18% from a 2019 baseline, with 65% being recycled or reused. VMC supports the Family Forest Carbon Program for carbon sequestration and integrates CarbonCure technology to inject and sequester CO2 in concrete.

Respect for Cultures & Communities

The company has no reported cultural appropriation incidents. It actively supports the Historic Gold Hill & Mines Foundation by providing materials and annual contributions for preservation projects

. However, its response to community complaints has been reactive, with a spokesman indicating improvements were made only after recently learning of neighbors' grievances . Formal grievance mechanisms, including a helpline, are available for U.S. and Mexican operations , which also indicates basic language inclusivity .

Safe & Smart Tech

Vulcan Materials has experienced past threats and breaches of data and systems, including malware and computer virus attacks.

But these have not materially affected its business strategy, operations, or financial condition. No recent security news or data breaches have been mentioned. The company implements a layered cybersecurity strategy based on prevention, detection, and mitigation. and has a Cyber Incident Response Plan. Vulcan places a strong emphasis on ethical AI practices, which includes robust data privacy measures, transparency in algorithmic decision-making, and regular audits of AI systems to maintain ethical standards. All employees with computer access are required to complete cybersecurity training at least once per year, with additional specialized training for certain roles. Quarterly phishing tests are conducted for all employees with computer access. and simulations and tabletop exercises are performed to prepare for potential cyber incidents.

Zero Waste & Sustainable Products

Vulcan Materials Company demonstrates strong performance in waste diversion, with 100% of universal waste and recovered concrete material diverted from disposal, and 96% of vehicle/equipment waste diverted.

Between 2016 and 2020, the company diverted 8.5 million tons of waste concrete from landfills. The company integrates circular design principles, being an industry leader in developing low-carbon concrete mix designs and designing new products to increase recycled asphalt use. They offer pervious concrete and utilize CarbonCure technology to inject recycled CO2 into concrete. Waste reduction initiatives include redirecting all production waste to re-melt facilities , precise material planning for increased yield , and the creation of Vulcan Recycle to process and resell construction aggregate material. For hazardous waste management, Vulcan is transitioning all powder coating to chromate-free powder coating facilities. However, the company has incurred 3 waste-related violations (air pollution, environmental) in the past three years (2022, 2023, 2024).