The environmental footprint of buildings needs to be reduced throughout their lifecycle in order to respond to the challenges of climate change. Lafarge follows a rigorous methodology, invests in innovation and brings together all its partners to develop solutions promoting sustainable and efficient construction solutions.
The Lafarge approach: a sustainable building throughout its life cycle |
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Buildings represent nearly 40% of global energy demand. Reducing constructions' environmental footprint is an essential tool in fighting climate change. At least 80% of a building's energy consumption occurs during its use. It is therefore vital to improve its performances throughout its lifecycle.
To do this, Lafarge has developed an approach based on 3 priority focuses:
while improving structures' other environmental and social footprints as much as possible.
To achieve these objectives, the Group uses the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, which quantifies a product's or building's environmental footprint throughout its life (greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, water consumption, transport, etc.).
And to raise the public's awareness of its commitment to more efficient and sustainable construction, Lafarge has created EFFICIENT BUILDING™, an approach relying on measurable factual data. EFFICIENT BUILDING™ is meant to highlight the particular benefits of a solution, construction project, partnership or innovation, such as its contribution to energy performance, durability or to optimizing resources used throughout a construction's life.
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Low-energy housingDiscover a flash animation of the 20 golden rules of sustainable construction combined with the Group's innovative solutions and products. The Jambert-Lafarge LEB houseLafarge has teamed up with French residential construction company Maisons Bernard Jambert to design and build the Jambert-Lafarge LEB home. The partnership's objectives are to promote traditional construction methods (cement, concrete and gypsum) and provide effective, sustainable solutions to buildings' energy performance challenges. |
Involving the whole sector in innovation |
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Lafarge believes that a building's environment footprint begins from its design stage. In order to offer solutions upstream in the value
chain, the Group focuses on innovation,
devoting over 50% of its R&D investments in 2010, representing more than 70
million euros, to sustainable construction.
Lafarge also carries out research in collaboration with architecture firms and engineering offices to offer solutions with environmental characteristics most suited to projects. For example, the Group worked with the firm Arte Charpentier to design Essilor's new R&D center, which sets an environmental benchmark.
Collaboration with players in the sector also includes partnerships with project owners, such as Bouygues Construction, with whom Lafarge develops innovative solutions responding to sustainable construction challenges. |
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Taking the lead in sectoral bodies |
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2009 EEB reportTo achieve its global targets for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the fight against climate change, the building sector must change. Using a unique simulation model, the EEB experts have come up with 6 recommendations to transform the sector. This initiative is taking place in the context of the Group's 2012 sustainability ambitions and its partnership with WWF.
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Lafarge works in numerous bodies and working groups, on an international
and local level, to promote more sustainable construction and contribute to
progress towards more sustainable methods of construction, in its sector and
beyond. Lafarge is a member of the World Business Council for
Sustainable Development (WBCSD), an organization of 200 large companies
committed to a sustainability approach.
In 2010, the Chairman and CEO Bruno Lafont co-chaired the CSI, showing the Group's permanent commitment.
Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EEB)
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With the Fondation Bâtiment-Energie |
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Four major players in the building and energy sectors (Lafarge, Arcelor, EDF and GDF-Suez) have come together to form the Fondation Bâtiment-Energie, a recognized NGO in France. Its mission is to support research and curb climate change.
The goal is to quarter greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through:
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With the United Nations |
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As part of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Lafarge is
leading the Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative. |
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