Sustainable Development

Lafarge is a member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (W.B.C.S.D.). This organization brings together around 200 companies from around the world, all of which are inspired by the same commitment to sustainable development.

Lafarge is particularly active in two programs within the framework of the W.B.C.S.D.: "Cement sustainability initiative" and "Energy Efficiency in Buildings".

Cement Sustainability Initiative (C.S.I.)

Lafarge took the initiative to bring together 18 cement producers, accounting for 27% of global cement production, on 5 continents in an action program entitled Cement Sustainability Initiative (C.S.I.).

These cement producers are committed to:

• protecting the environment,
• preserving resources (natural raw materials and fossil fuels),
• ensuring the health and safety of employees.

This initiative offers a framework for dialogue among all stakeholders in the cement sector and is actively promoting sectoral approach. Around 10 meetings have already taken place in Brazil, Thailand, China and the United States. Over 300 people have participated, among them producers, N.G.Os. (nongovernmental organizations), development organizations, decision-making bodies, employees, suppliers and customers.

Energy Efficiency in Buildings (E.E.B.)

In 2006, again within the framework of the W.B.C.S.D., Lafarge initiated the Energy Efficiency in Buildings (E.E.B.) project in partnership with United Technologies Corp., the world's leading supplier of capital goods.

This project seeks to change the way construction is understood at every level, from design to demolition. Members of the E.E.B. project are working to "push back the barriers" in order to modify behavior and raise awareness of the challenges of sustainable development. The target for 2050 is to construct buildings which are self-sufficient in terms of energy and do not emit any CO2.

Three phases will occur over a 3-year period:

• identify existing "green" construction practices and obstacles,
• define the range of existing and potential solutions,
• launch a call for action in 2009 to encourage the implementation of these solutions.

In just a few months, 9 multinational companies, all among the leaders in their sectors, have joined the project. They include DuPont, Gaz de France, Cemex, Tokyo Electric Power Company and I.T.T.

In partnership with Jacques Ferrier, Lafarge has developed the concept for an innovative tower, intended for the world's megalopolises. This tower, called Hypergreen, uses materials developed by Lafarge's researchers and innovative construction techniques to minimize the environmental impact of the building throughout its entire lifecycle.

Lafarge takes a proactive approach to collaboration with architects, developing materials for tomorrow that will fire their imaginations. Ductal® is the star of the new building for the R.A.T.P. (the Paris transport authority) in Thiais (Val-de-Marne, France). The building was conceived by the architectural agency E.C.D.M.

Ductal® incorporates all the properties of a "clean" material. The manufacturing process requires fewer resources and less energy than conventional concrete which means it emits fewer greenhouse gases. In use, its thermal properties help to reduce energy consumption and running costs. Again, there is a reduction in CO2 emissions!

Lafarge, Arcelor, E.D.F. and Gaz de France are combining their expertise with the aim of achieving a four-fold reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by 2050.

The Foundation supports research projects considered to be in the general interest, such as the improvement of energy performance in existing buildings.

Lafarge leads the Sustainable Building Construction Initiative (S.B.C.I) within the framework of the United Nations Environment Program (U.N.E.P.). The initiative works to promote more environmentally friendly construction practices and benchmarks for sustainable building.