What changed in this filing

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Item 1. Business

2025-02-26 compared with 2024-02-29 · 117 added, 120 removed, 173 unchanged (58% of the section changed)

CRH is a leading provider of building materials solutions that build, connect and improve our world.

CRH is a leading provider of building materials that build, connect and improve our world.

In 2024, the Company generated $35.6 billion of revenues, $3.5 billion of net income and $6.9 billion of Adjusted EBITDA*.

1 Since formation in 1970, CRH has evolved from being a supplier of base materials to providing end-to-end value-added solutions that solve complex construction challenges for our customers.

CRH works closely with the customer across the entire project lifecycle from planning, design, manufacture, installation and maintenance through to end-of-life recycling, using our engineering and innovation expertise to provide superior materials, products and services.

The Company integrates essential materials (aggregates and cement), value-added building products as well as construction services, to provide our customers with complete end-to-end solutions.

CRH’s capabilities, innovation and technical expertise enable it to be a valuable partner for transportation and critical utility infrastructure projects, complex non-residential construction and outdoor living solutions.

1 Since formation in 1970, CRH has evolved from being a supplier of base materials to solving complex construction challenges for our customers.

CRH’s differentiated solutions strategy uniquely integrates materials, products and services across the construction value chain, better serving our customers’ needs and driving repeat business while making construction simpler, safer and more sustainable.

The Company integrates essential materials (aggregates and cement), value-added building products as well as construction services, to provide our customers with complete connected solutions.

CRH’s capabilities, innovation and technical expertise enable it to be a valuable partner for transportation and critical infrastructure projects, complex non-residential construction and outdoor living solutions.

CRH’s business addresses the needs of customers across infrastructure, non-residential and residential construction markets.

In 2023, approximately 35% of revenues came from infrastructure (such as highways, streets, roads, bridges, and critical utility infrastructure), 30% from non-residential construction (including construction and maintenance of manufacturing, datacenter and distribution facilities) and 35% from residential construction.

55% of revenues came from sales to new-build construction, while 45% of revenues came from repair and remodel activity.

Operating in 29 countries, the Company has market leadership positions in North America and Europe.

In 2023, 72% of net income and 73% of Adjusted EBITDA* was generated in North America.

In 2024, approximately 35% of revenues came from infrastructure (such as highways, streets, roads and bridges), 30% from non-residential construction (including construction and maintenance of critical water, energy and telecommunications projects, in addition to manufacturing, commercial, warehouse and data center facilities) and 35% from residential construction.

Approximately 60% of revenues came from sales to new-build construction, while 40% of revenues came from repair and remodel activity.

Operating in 28 countries, the Company has market leadership positions in North America, Europe and Australia.

In 2024, approximately 72% of net income and 74% of Adjusted EBITDA* was generated in North America.

The United States is expected to be a key driver of future growth for CRH due to continued economic expansion, a growing population and significant public investment in construction.

Our European business, which benefits from strong economic and construction growth prospects across Central and Eastern Europe as well as recurring repair and remodel demand in Western Europe, is an important strategic part of the Company and CRH intends to continue to expand its operations across the region.

In both geographies there is significant government support for infrastructure and increasing demand for integrated solutions in major infrastructure and commercial projects.

CRH has a proven track record in value creation through acquisition which over the last decade has accounted for approximately two-thirds of the Company’s growth.

In 2024, approximately 28% of net income and 26% of Adjusted EBITDA* was generated by our International Division.

Our International businesses, which benefit from strong economic and construction growth prospects as well as recurring repair and remodel demand, are an important strategic part of the Company.

CRH intends to continue to expand its North American and International operations given significant government support for infrastructure and increasing demand for customer-connected solutions in major infrastructure and commercial projects.

CRH has a proven track record in value creation through acquisition which over the last decade has accounted for approximately 60% of the Company’s growth.

We achieve this by acquiring businesses at attractive valuations and creating value by integrating them with our existing operations and generating synergies.

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In 2024, CRH completed 40 acquisitions for a total consideration of $5.0 billion compared with $0.7 billion in 2023.

The largest acquisition in 2023 was in our Americas Building Solutions segment where the Company completed the acquisition of Hydro International, a leading provider of stormwater and wastewater solutions in North America and Europe.

In 2023, CRH transitioned its primary stock exchange listing from the London Stock Exchange (LSE) to the NYSE.

CRH currently maintains a primary listing on the NYSE and a standard listing on the LSE for its ordinary shares, each listing represented by the ticker symbol “CRH”.

CRH believes that its NYSE primary listing will bring increased commercial, operational and acquisition opportunities for the Company, further accelerating its integrated solutions strategy and delivering even higher levels of profitability, cash and returns for its shareholders.

Customer Solutions

CRH’s differentiated strategy integrates building materials, products and services by providing them to customers as complete solutions that solve key challenges across the built environment .

The largest acquisition in 2024 was in our Americas Materials Solutions segment where the Company completed the acquisition of a portfolio of cement and readymixed concrete operations and assets in Texas.

The Company also completed the acquisition of a majority stake (57%) in the Australian building materials business Adbri Ltd (Adbri) within our International Solutions segment.

CRH has a primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and an international secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) for its ordinary shares, each listing represented by the ticker symbol “CRH”.

References to the 'Ordinary Shares' and 'Common Shares' refer to our ordinary shares of €0.32 each.

Effective as of January 1, 2025, CRH is a U.S.

domestic issuer.

Customer-Connected Solutions

CRH’s strategy integrates building materials, products and services by providing them to customers as complete solutions that solve complex challenges across the built environment .

Essential Materials

Essential Materials, consisting of aggregates and cement, are the foundation of CRH’s solutions strategy.

Essential Materials, consisting of aggregates and cement, are the foundation of CRH’s strategy.

Our vertically integrated businesses manufacture and supply these materials for use extensively in a wide range of construction applications, ranging from major road and infrastructure projects to the development and refurbishment of commercial buildings, private residences, public spaces and communities.

Our deep materials and market knowledge, along with our extensive network of locations and assets, drives our performance and helps us deliver value to our customers.

Our deep materials and market knowledge, along with our extensive network of locations and assets, drive our performance and helps us deliver value to our customers.

Customers typically range from national, regional and local governments to contractors and other construction product and service providers.

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Our Building & Infrastructure Solutions connect, protect and transport critical water, energy and telecommunications infrastructure to help solve complex construction challenges.

We integrate design, materials, products and engineering to enable the transition to a more sustainable and resilient built environment with a particular focus on the below-ground built environment where we are a leading provider of multi-material infrastructure that connects and protects the critical utilities that enhance the daily lives of millions of people.

We integrate design, materials, products and engineering to enable the transition to a more sustainable and resilient built environment.

Our products have a particular focus on the below-ground built environment where we are a leading provider of multi-material infrastructure that connects and protects the critical projects that enhance the daily lives of millions of people.

* Represents a non-GAAP measure.

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Through our $250 million Venturing and Innovation Fund we are supporting the development of new technologies and innovative solutions to meet the increasingly complex needs of customers and evolving trends in construction.

Our ability to replicate and scale our innovation and technical expertise between Europe and North America provides us with opportunities for further growth.

Our CRH Ventures platform partners with and invests strategically in construction and climate technology start-ups across the entire construction value chain, to pilot and scale cutting-edge and innovative technologies.

Our ability to replicate and scale our innovation and technical expertise between geographies provides us with opportunities for further growth.

Through our Innovation Center for Sustainable Construction (iCSC), we have a global network of experts across our businesses collaborating in the research, development and replication of innovative solutions.

In addition, our CRH Ventures platform works in partnership with industrial leaders (such as Shell, Volvo, Caterpillar and others) and academic institutions to pilot and scale cutting-edge and innovative technologies.

Sustainability is deeply embedded in all aspects of our business and sustainability leadership is a key pillar of CRH’s purpose.

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water, circularity and decarbonization.

Our ability to solve these challenges by uniquely integrating our materials, products and services, positions us to capture further value and accelerate growth across CRH.

Our strategy focuses on transforming essential materials into value-added and innovative solutions to address these global challenges.

By uniquely integrating our materials, products and services, we are positioned to capture further value and accelerate growth across CRH.

We are advancing solutions to address global water challenges by enhancing flood resilience and improving water management.

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We are developing innovative solutions to support a low-carbon future.

Our goals include reducing our absolute carbon emissions, minimizing operational carbon from our products and creating energy-efficient solutions to facilitate the clean energy transition.

Our goals include reducing our absolute carbon emissions, minimizing operational carbon from our products and creating energy-efficient solutions to facilitate a clean energy transition.

In 2024, we continued to enhance our capabilities to meet these challenges through investment in innovative technologies.

Two recent examples include our investment in FIDO AI, supporting the development of artificial intelligence leak detection software to accelerate our water infrastructure solutions in North America, as well as our strategic investment partnership with Sublime Systems, a U.S.-based company operating in the field of sustainable cement production.

Through these efforts, we continue to develop and deliver innovative, climate-resilient solutions for our customers.

By continuing to meet the changing needs of our customers and society, we aim to drive further growth and value creation.

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Business Segment Information

In the year ended December 31, 2023, CRH was organized through four segments across two divisions.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company’s segments changed to three segments across two divisions.

Refer to Note 20 “Segment information” in Item 8.

“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for additional information.

Americas Division

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Americas Materials Solutions and Americas Building Solutions.

The North American market’s positive fundamentals, including strong population growth and significant public investment in construction, is driving demand for CRH’s materials, products and services.

Over several decades, CRH has established leadership positions across the United States and Canada.

The North American market’s positive fundamentals, including strong population growth and significant public investment in construction, is driving demand for CRH’s connected portfolio of materials, products and services.

Over several decades, CRH has established difficult to replicate, leading positions of scale across the United States and Canada.

The Division employs approximately 47,400 people at 2,008 locations across 48 states of the United States and seven Canadian provinces.

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New-build construction accounts for approximately 60% of segment revenues while the remaining 40% came from repair and remodel activity.

The Americas Materials Solutions segment leverages our strong market knowledge, deep industry expertise and extensive array of essential materials to implement CRH’s differentiated strategy, offering value-added, end-to-end solutions which combine different types of materials, products and services to satisfy multiple customer needs.

In turn, this enables CRH to provide a value-enhancing, one-stop-shop experience, saving time and reducing logistical complexity for customers.

Through this approach CRH aims to reduce lead times and complexity, deepening relationships, driving repeat business and increasing the share of customer wallet spent on CRH products and services.

Vertical integration is a defining characteristic within this segment, enabling us to optimize production throughout the value chain and to capture greater value.

The Americas Materials Solutions segment leverages our benefits of scale, strong market knowledge, deep industry expertise and extensive array of essential materials to implement CRH’s strategy, offering value-added solutions which combine different types of materials, products and services to satisfy multiple customer needs.

In turn, this enables CRH to provide a value-enhancing, differentiated experience, saving time and reducing logistical challenges for customers.

Through this customer-connected approach CRH aims to reduce lead times and complexity, deepening relationships, driving repeat business and increasing the share of customer wallet spent on CRH products and services.

Vertical integration is a defining characteristic within this segment, enabling us to optimize production throughout the supply chain and to capture greater value.

In order to support its operations, the Company has established a network of long-term reserves at quarry locations, predominantly adjacent to urban areas where demand for its materials and products is strongest.

Americas Building Solutions

Americas Building Solutions manufactures, supplies and delivers high quality, value-added, innovative solutions for the built environment in communities across North America.

Solutions in this segment are highly specified, designed and engineered thereby adding value for the customer.

This segment offers solutions serving complex critical utility infrastructure (such as water, energy, transportation and telecommunications projects) and outdoor living solutions for enhancing private and public spaces.

1 Revenues from products with enhanced sustainability attributes is defined as revenues derived from those products that incorporate any, or a combination of:

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CRH Form 10-K 7

Americas Building Solutions

Americas Building Solutions manufactures, supplies and delivers high-quality, value-added, innovative solutions for the built environment in communities across North America.

Products in this segment are highly specified, designed and engineered thereby adding value for the customer.

This segment serves complex critical infrastructure (such as water, energy, transportation and telecommunications projects) and outdoor living solutions for enhancing private and public spaces.

In 2024, Americas Building Solutions accounted for approximately 20% of CRH’s total revenues and 20% of Adjusted EBITDA .

Approximately 65% of segment revenues came from sales to residential, 25% to the non-residential market and 10% to infrastructure.

Approximately 65% of segment revenues came from sales to residential, 25% to non-residential and 10% to infrastructure markets.

Repair and remodel activity accounted for approximately 60% of segment revenues, with the remaining 40% from new-build construction.

This segment analyzes market trends, including increasing urbanization, demand for more sustainable construction and evolving customer preferences to devise high-quality, effective building product solutions.

CRH’s ability to provide end-to-end solutions which are tailored to the specific requirements of individual customer projects helps to drive competitive advantage and deliver sustainable growth in this segment.

Europe Division

CRH’s Europe Division comprises two segments:

Europe Materials Solutions and Europe Building Solutions.

In Eastern Europe, we see high growth potential through strong infrastructure activity underpinned by European Union (EU) funding mechanisms.

In Western Europe, CRH’s businesses operate in markets which are more stable and developed with resilient demand for repair and remodel activity.

In both regions, CRH is experiencing increasing demand for its integrated end-to-end solutions offering.

CRH’s ability to provide solutions which are tailored to the specific requirements of individual customer projects helps to drive competitive advantage and deliver sustainable growth in this segment.

International Division

CRH’s International Division, which comprises one segment, International Solutions, is a leading provider of integrated building solutions primarily across Europe and Australia.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, the former Europe Materials Solutions and Europe Building Solutions segments were combined into this International Solutions segment reflecting how the business is managed.

In Eastern Europe and Australia we see higher-growth potential through strong economic activity, while in Western Europe, CRH’s businesses operate in attractive markets backed by significant public infrastructure spending and region- wide programs that support construction activity.

In these regions, CRH is experiencing increasing demand for its customer-connected solutions offering.

The Division employs approximately 32,400 people at 1,808 locations across 27 countries .

Europe Materials Solutions

Europe Materials Solutions provides building materials for the construction of public infrastructure and commercial and residential buildings across Europe.

The primary materials produced in this segment include aggregates, cement, readymixed concrete, asphalt and concrete products.

In 2023, this segment accounted for 28% of CRH’s total revenues and 22% of Adju sted EBITDA.

International Solutions

International Solutions integrates building materials, products and services for the construction and renovation of public infrastructure, critical networks, commercial and residential buildings, and outdoor living spaces.

CRH has established itself as a leader in its markets, enabling strong value creation through commercial excellence and performance improvement initiatives, while serving growing demand across the construction value chain for innovative and value-added products and services.

In 2024, this segment accounted for approximately 35% of CRH’s total revenues and 26% of Adju sted EBITDA.

Approximately 35% of segment revenues came from infrastructure, 35% from residential construction, and 30% from non-residential construction.

New-build construction accounted for approximately 70% of segment revenues, with the remaining 30% from repair and remodel activity.

The segment has extensively integrated its operations, enabling it to provide essential materials, value-added products and services and complete solutions to customers.

CRH has established itself as a market leader through this integrated approach, particularly in European regions, where the Company’s cement, readymixed concrete and aggregates operations have been integrated with its precast and concrete products businesses, enabling strong value creation through commercial excellence and performance improvement initiatives.

Europe Building Solutions

Europe Building Solutions combines materials, products and services to produce a wide range of architectural and infrastructural solutions for use in the building and renovation of critical utility infrastructure, commercial and residential buildings and outdoor living spaces.

This business serves the growing demand across the construction value chain for innovative and value-added products and services.

In 2023, this segment accounted for 8% of CRH’s total revenues and 5% of Adjusted EBITDA.

Approximately 40% of segment revenues came from residential construction, 35% from non-residential construction, and 25% from infrastructure.

New-build construction accounted for approximately 80% of segment revenues, with the remaining 20% from repair and remodel activity.

This business integrates design, engineering, materials and products to enable the transition to a m ore sustainable and resilient built environment.

Materials and Products

The following materials and products are produced and supplied by CRH’s businesses.

The following materials and products are produced and supplied by CRH’s connected portfolio of businesses.

Aggregates are naturally occurring mineral deposits such as granite, limestone and sandstone.

CRH extracts these deposits and processes them for sale as aggregates products such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone.

CRH extracts these deposits and processes them for sale as aggregates products such as crushed stone, sand and gravel.

Typically, aggregates are used in road and rail infrastructure, building foundations and in the production of products including concrete and asphalt.

Annualized aggregates sales volumes 2 in 2023 for the Americas Division and Europe Division were 213.9 million tons and 104.0 million tons, respectively.

Annualized aggregates sales volumes 2 in 2024 for the Americas Division and International Division were 229.8 million tons and 143.1 million tons, respectively.

Cement is produced from limestone reserves and is the primary binding agent in the production of concrete products, including readymixed concrete and mortars, which are used extensively throughout the built environment.

Annualized cement sales volumes 2 in 2023 for the Americas Division and Europe Division were 13.4 million tons and 30.9 million tons, respectively.

Annualized cement sales volumes 2 in 2024 for the Americas Division and International Division were 13.9 million tons and 35.7 million tons, respectively.

Concrete is a highly versatile building material, comprised of aggregates bound together with cement and water.

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These products are delivered to, and assembled at, construction sites where they are used throughout the modern built environment.

Annualized readymixed concrete sales volumes 2 in 2023 for the Americas Division and Europe Division were 16.1 million cubic yards and 18.3 million cubic yards, respectively.

Annualized readymixed concrete sales volumes 2 in 2024 for the Americas Division and International Division were 17.4 million cubic yards and 21.1 million cubic yards, respectively.

Asphalt consists of aggregates bound together with bitumen and is widely used as a surface material in roads, bridges, airport runways, sidewalks and other amenities.

In recent years, the use of recycled materials in asphalt has increased considerably.

Using materials from existing road surfaces to produce new asphalt reduces the need for virgin material demand, extends the life of our aggregates reserves and contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the product.

Using materials from existing road surfaces to produce new asphalt reduces the demand for virgin material, extends the life of our aggregates reserves and contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the product.

Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) are used extensively by CRH businesses to produce new asphalt products for road and other surfaces.

Annualized asphalt sales volumes 2 in 2023 for the Americas Division and Europe Division were 52.5 million tons and 10.2 million tons, respectively.

Annualized asphalt sales volumes 2 in 2024 for the Americas Division and International Division were 52.2 million tons and 10.0 million tons, respectively.

Building Products

CRH’s strategy of vertical integration utilizes our essential materials to produce a range of value-added building products and solutions.

These include the manufacturing of concrete and polymer-based products such as underground vaults, drainage systems, enclosures and modular precast structures which are typically supplied to the water, energy, telecommunications and railroad markets.

CRH also provides a range of engineered steel and polymer-based anchoring, fixing and connecting solutions for a variety of new-build construction applications.

2 Annualized sales volumes reflect the full-year impact of acquisitions and divestitures during the year and may vary from actual volumes sold.

This includes volumes which are used internally (e.g.

aggregates supplied internally for cement production).

CRH Form 10-K 8

Building Products

CRH’s Building & Infrastructure Solutions businesses manufacture concrete and polymer-based products such as underground vaults, drainage systems, utility enclosures and modular precast structures which are typically supplied to the water, energy, telecommunications and railroad markets.

The businesses also provide a range of engineered steel and polymer-based anchoring, fixing and connecting solutions for a variety of new-build construction applications.

CRH’s Outdoor Living Solutions businesses manufactures a variety of concrete masonry, hardscape and related products including pavers, blocks and curbs, retaining walls and slabs.

The businesses also produces fencing and railing systems, composite decking, lawn and garden products and packaged concrete mixes.

These products are supplied to residential, commercial & do-it-yourself (DIY) construction markets.

Further, CRH manufactures a variety of concrete masonry, hardscape and related products including pavers, blocks and curbs, retaining walls and slabs.

CRH also produces fencing and railing systems, composite decking, lawn and garden products and packaged concrete mixes.

These products are supplied to residential, commercial and do-it-yourself (DIY) construction markets.

Key Trends and Opportunities

Key trends affecting the development of CRH's business include:

Key trends affecting the development of CRH's businesses include:

• Population growth and urbanization driving increasing demand for construction;

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In addition, there are several industry-specific trends that are shaping how CRH evolves to meet the needs of its customers:

• Unprecedented levels of funding support for infrastructure, critical utilities and the onshoring of manufacturing activity;

• An evolving regulatory landscape driving increasing customer demand for innovative, end-to-end solutions to deliver a more resilient and sustainable built environment;

• Unprecedented levels of funding support for critical infrastructure and the onshoring of manufacturing activity;

• An evolving regulatory landscape driving increasing customer demand for innovative, connected solutions to deliver a more resilient and sustainable built environment;

• Supply-side dynamics, such as labor constraints, driving increasing investment in automation, technology and digital solutions.

Environmental and Governmental

Our operations in the United States are subject to federal, state and local laws, while our European operations are primarily subject to national environmental laws and regulations stemming primarily from EU directives and regulations.

Our operations in the United States are subject to federal, state and local laws, while our European operations are subject to national environmental laws and regulations stemming primarily from European Union (EU) directives and regulations.

Our operations elsewhere are typically subject to both national and local regulatory requirements.

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“Legal Proceedings" and Note 13 “Asset retirement obligations” in Item 8.

“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.

Land and Environmental Management

We generally own or lease the real estate on which our main raw materials, aggregates and other minerals are located.

As part of our vertically integrated business model, we have established an extensive global network of quarries comprised of 1,235 properties, of which 226,153 hectares of land are owned and 97,046 hectares are leased.

These quarries provide us with the raw materials to manufacture various primary building materials, such as aggregates, cement, asphalt, readymixed concrete and concrete products.

As part of our vertically integrated business model, we have established an extensive global network of extractive sites comprised of 1,296 properties, of which 246,058 acres of land are owned and 129,818 acres are leased.

These extractive sites provide us with the raw materials to manufacture various primary building materials, such as aggregates, cement, asphalt, readymixed concrete and concrete products.

We offer these products directly for sale and integrate them into our downstream products and services.

Materials produced by our aggregates and cement businesses, for example, can be supplied to our downstream businesses for use in our Road Solutions, Outdoor Living Solutions and Building & Infrastructure Solutions businesses.

Materials produced by our aggregates and cement businesses, for example, can be supplied to our downstream businesses for use in our Road Solutions, Building & Infrastructure Solutions and Outdoor Living Solutions businesses.

Our operations are typically required to comply with government land use plans and zoning requirements.

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From time to time, CRH may be required to install additional equipment or technologies to remain in compliance with such environmental regulations.

CRH Form 10-K 6

Climate Change

We believe the transition to a more sustainable built environment represents a commercial opportunity for CRH.

Certain government legislation designed to accelerate the energy transition has had a positive impact on our business and we see increasing opportunities as public policy changes begin to increase demand for low-carbon, sustainable products.

We are well-positioned to capitalize on this increased demand, which is underpinned by significant United States and EU funding programs and regulatory policies.

In particular, the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is the single largest long-term infrastructure investment in the history of the United States.

In 2023, CRH’s operating companies across the United States helped to deliver multiple infrastructure projects receiving funding under the IIJA.

As part of our ambition to be a net-zero business by 2050, CRH has announced an absolute carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions reduction target of 30% by 2030 (from a 2021 base year) inclusive of organic business growth.

We believe the transition to a more sustainable built environment represents a significant commercial opportunity for CRH.

We are well-positioned to support the increased demand for more sustainable products, which is underpinned by robust funding programs and regulatory policies in the geographies in which we operate.

In addition, extreme weather events are increasing the need for more climate-resilient infrastructure.

CRH Form 10-K 9

CRH has an absolute carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions reduction target of 30% by 2030 (from a 2021 base year) inclusive of organic business growth.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated our targets 3 in line with a 1.5°C trajectory.

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CRH’s roadmap includes incremental capital expenditure of approximately $150 million per annum on average, which is subject to strict internal investment criteria and the net business benefit is expected to increase revenues and profitability.

In 2023, our Scope 1 and 2 absolute carbon emissions decreased by 8%, from 33.6 million tonnes 4 in 2022 to 31.0 million tonnes in 2023, as we executed against the levers in our decarbonization roadmap and benefited from lower clinker production.

Our cement-specific net CO 2 emissions per tonne of cementitious product amounted to 562kg (566kg in 2022).

In 2024, our Scope 1 and 2 absolute carbon emissions decreased by 4%, from 31.0 million tonnes 4 in 2023 to 29.7 million tonnes in 2024, as we made further progress implementing the key levers in our decarbonization roadmap which offset the impact of an increase in emissions arising from changes in our business portfolio.

Our cement-specific net CO 2 emissions per tonne of cementitious product reduced to 537kg (562kg in 2023).

We are also continuing to advance our contribution to the circular economy, preserving scarce natural resources and using more recycled materials in construction.

In 2023, we recycled 43.9 million tonnes of by-products and wastes from other industries as raw materials and fuels in our products and processes (42.4 million tonnes in 2022).

CRH will continue to invest in solutions that strengthen circularity and resilience to climate change in the built environment.

In 2024, we recycled 44.7 million tonnes of by-products and wastes, sourced internally and from other industries, for use as alternative materials and fuels in our products and processes (43.9 million tonnes in 2023).

CRH employs a dedicated global purchasing team and its supply chain combines vertical integration as well as external suppliers and service providers to deliver products to customers in various markets.

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CRH is not dependent on any one source for the supply of these materials and resources, other than in certain jurisdictions with regard to the supply of gas and electricity.

CRH also utilizes various external suppliers and service providers throughout its business in addition to its internal supply chains, which enables us to economically source various raw materials, equipment and other inputs and to transport finished product to customers.

CRH also utilizes various external suppliers and service providers throughout its business in addition to its internal supply chains, which enables it to economically source various raw materials, equipment and other inputs and to transport finished product to customers.

The Company is committed to establishing a sustainable and resilient supply chain.

The Company takes an active approach to monitoring the resilience of its supply chain and ensures that it has access to a satisfactory level of required inputs at all times.

Activity in the construction industry is dependent to a considerable extent on the seasonal impact of weather on the Company’s operating locations, with periods of higher activity in some markets during spring and summer which may reduce significantly in winter due to inclement weather.

In addition to impacting demand for our products and services, adverse weather can negatively impact the production processes for a variety of reasons.

For example, workers may not be able to work outdoors in sustained high temperatures and heavy rainfall and/or other unfavorable weather conditions.

Therefore, financial results for any particular quarter do not necessarily indicate the results expected for the full year.

First-half total revenues accounted for 46% of full-year 2023 which is in line with first-half total revenues in 2022.

Competitive Environment

CRH is a market leader in many of the construction markets it operates in across North America and Europe.

CRH is a market leader in many of the construction markets it operates in across North America, Europe and Australia.

CRH prioritizes investment in markets with attractive fundamentals including population and economic growth, which drive demand for construction.

Many of the markets in which CRH operates are highly fragmented, and as a result, CRH products and services face strong competition.

The Company’s profits are sensitive to changes in volumes and prices which are impacted from time to time by market conditions experienced in different markets.

The Company’s profits are sensitive to changes in volumes and prices which are impacted from time to time by competitive conditions experienced in different markets.

Pricing for products is impacted by macroeconomic conditions, the number of competitors, the degree of utilization of production capacity, the specifics of product demand, innovation and differentiation, among other factors.

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3 The SBTi’s Target Validation Team has determined that CRH’s target ambition for Scope 1 and Scope 2, as well as Scope 3 for purchased clinker and cement, is in line with a 1.5°C trajectory.

Amounts stated in metric tonnes in accordance with the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) guidelines.

4 Note all sustainability metrics are presented in metric tonnes.

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CRH has registered or applied for registration of trademarks, service marks and internet domain names, both domestically and internationally, where appropriate.

CRH engages in ongoing research and development.

In particular, CRH is engaging in research and development projects to improve existing and develop new technologies that will empower more sustainable forms of construction in the future.

CRH engages in ongoing research & development projects to improve existing and develop new technologies that will empower more sustainable forms of construction in the future.

The Company’s research initiatives include:

• Venturing and Innovation Fund, a $250 million fund to support the development of new technologies and innovative solutions.

To date, research initiatives across the Company include hydrogen use, CO 2 mineralization projects, novel cements, artificial intelligence (AI) technology and Carbon Capture Use and Storage;

• Through CRH Ventures, the Company’s venture capital arm, CRH is investing in, and partnering with, construction technology and climate technology companies across the construction value chain to pilot and scale new technologies and innovations that will enable safer, smarter and more sustainable construction;

• The ICSC is CRH’s global center of excellence providing expertise and leadership to identify and analyze global market and construction trends and new growth opportunities to maximize the value of sustainable innovation.

• A $250 million Venturing and Innovation Fund to support the development of new technologies and innovative solutions.

To date, research initiatives across the Company include hydrogen use, CO 2 mineralization projects, novel cements, artificial intelligence technology and Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS);

• CRH Ventures, the Company’s venture capital arm, invests in, and partners with, construction technology and climate technology companies across the construction value chain to pilot and scale new technologies and innovations that will enable safer, smarter and more sustainable construction;

• iCSC, CRH’s global center of excellence provides expertise and leadership to identify and analyze global market and construction trends and new growth opportunities to maximize the value of sustainable innovation.

The iCSC incorporates a global network of laboratories and experts at CRH’s operating companies collaborating to advance research on sustainable building materials and processes, such as low-carbon cement and concrete.

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People are our priority, and we believe that building a safe and inclusive work environment that empowers and inspires our global workforce is core to our success.

In 2023, we employed approximately 78,500 people at 3,390 locations in 29 countries, of which approximately 46,400 were in the Americas Division and 32,100 in the Europe Division.

In 2024, we employed approximately 79,800 people at 3,816 locations in 28 countries, of which approximately 47,400 were in the Americas Division and 32,400 in the International Division.

Some of our businesses are seasonal in nature which results in peaks and troughs in employment numbers across certain sections of our workforce.

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Safety and Well-Being

The safety and well-being (including physical and mental health) of our employees, contractors and other stakeholders are top priorities.

The safety and well-being (including physical and mental health) of our employees, contractors and other stakeholders is embedded in CRH’s values.

Our ambition is to have a culture of safety and wellness working towards zero harm, with a target of zero fatalities in any year.

The Safety, Environment & Social Responsibility Committee, a Board sub-committee, receives regular reports in relation to safety indicators.

The Safety, Environment & Social Responsibility Committee, a Board committee, receives regular reports in relation to safety indicators.

CRH invests substantial time, effort and financial resources to comply with applicable regulations and ensure a safe workplace.

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Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is critical in generating insights regarding CRH’s performance culture, training and career development opportunities, safety culture, corporate purpose, initiatives to support inclusion and diversity (I&D) and overall strategy.

The Board has delegated responsibility for the management of employee engagement to the Nomination & Corporate Governance Committee.

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We continue to adapt engagement strategies, ways of working and leadership development approaches based on employee feedback.

Working with the Global Leadership Team, CRH develops action plans based on the results of these engagements.

Working with the executive leadership team (Global Leadership Team), CRH develops action plans based on the results of these engagements.

The proximity of our senior leaders to daily operations across CRH is a key reason for the Company's continued success and enables dynamic engagement across our operations.

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We invest in talent development throughout our businesses, empowering our employees across all levels of education and employment to grow their careers through personal and professional development opportunities to ensure we have a pipeline of talent in place for the next generation of leaders at CRH.

We continue to roll out our Frontline Leadership Program, advancing the skills of our employees in areas such as management and safety.

We continue to roll out our Frontline Leadership Program, which provides leadership development training for frontline supervisors across CRH, advancing the skills of our employees across a range of programs such as management, inclusive leadership and safety.

We have also established multiple training and compliance programs to support appropriate conduct, including mandatory annual trainings regarding anti-bribery, anti-fraud and anti-theft topics.

Inclusion and Diversity

At CRH we want to create and sustain a culture where fairness, inclusion and belonging are achievable for everyone.

The Board and management team are committed to building an inclusive and diverse organization, in which talented people of all backgrounds can work in an environment which enables them to perform at their best.

CRH has developed an I&D strategy which is built on, among other things, a firm commitment to nurture inclusion as a core capability.

CRH strives to ensure that its employee population reflects the communities in which it operates.

We promoted our I&D goals through a range of initiatives and developments in 2023, including continuing to establish Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) across our operating companies sponsored by senior leadership.

Our ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster an inclusive workplace by enhancing the experience for all employees.

Inclusion and Engagement

At CRH, we want to enhance and sustain a culture where fairness, inclusion and belonging are achievable for everyone.

The Board and management team are committed to building a respectful and inclusive culture where talented people of all backgrounds have opportunities and can perform at their best.

CRH has an engagement strategy which is built on, among other things, a firm commitment to nurture respect and inclusion as a core capability.

CRH promoted our inclusion and engagement goals through a range of initiatives and developments in 2024, including the development of new toolkits, forums and supports for our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

Our ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups, open to all employees including allies.

Their aim is to foster an inclusive workplace by strengthening communication, community and employee experience.

CRH Form 10-K 11

Available Information

The Company maintains an internet address at www.crh.com and makes available free of charge through its website its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments thereto, if any, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which are available as soon as reasonably practicable after CRH files or furnishes such information to the SEC.

Investors may also access such documents via the SEC’s website www.sec.gov.

The Company maintains an internet address at www.crh.com and makes available free of charge through its website its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments thereto, if any, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, which are available as soon as reasonably practicable after CRH files or furnishes such information to the SEC.

The Company also posts its proxy statements on its corporate website.

Investors may also access such documents via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov .

References in this document to other documents on the CRH website are included only as an aid to their location and are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CRH’s website provides the full text of earnings updates, copies of presentations to analysts and investors and circulars to shareholders.

CRH’s website provides the full text of earnings updates, and copies of presentations to analysts and investors.

Further, copies of CRH’s key corporate governance policies and other reports, including its Code of Business Conduct, Sustainability Performance Report and the charters for Committees of the Board, may be found on the CRH website.

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Additionally, we use our LinkedIn account (www.linkedin.com/company/crh) , as well as our other social media channels from time to time, to post announcements that may contain information that may be deemed material to investors.

Our officers may use similar social media channels to disclose public information.

We encourage investors, the media and others interested in CRH to review the business and financial information we or our officers post on our website and the social media channels identified above.

Our executive officers may use similar social media channels to disclose public information.

We encourage investors, the media and others interested in CRH to review the business and financial information we or our executive officers post on our website and the social media channels identified above.

Information on CRH’s website or such social media channels does not form part of, and is not incorporated into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Compared sentence by sentence after normalising whitespace, quotation marks, case and digits, so re-formatting and restated figures do not read as changed language. Wording changes appear as one removal and one addition. The current filing and the prior one are authoritative.

What changed 10-K

Item 1. Business