Sustainable Development

How the panel works

Since 2003, members of the panel have been meeting twice a year to develop recommendations concerning:

• the management's sustainable development approach,
• and the company's environmental and social performance.

A number of issues were debated at the panel's last meetings, including: diversity and non-discrimination within the Group, work-related health, sustainable construction, Lafarge's public positions...

November 2009: agenda with the Executive Committee 

On November 26th, 2009, in Paris, the stakeholder panel met with the Group's Executive Committee to discuss:

• social actions resulting from economic downturn,
• safety and the health road map,
• persistent pollutants,
• Biodiversity Year in 2010,
• the Copenhagen Conference and climate change,
• Code of business conduct,
• sustainable construction.

The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss the latest topics involving our stakeholders including the Dura quarry in Uganda, tax havens, lobbying, etc.

Summary of comments on the 2008 Sustainability Report

The stakeholder panel approved the new structure implemented for the 2006 Sustainability Report.

The panel also appreciated:

• the Group's ongoing commitment to cutting CO2 emissions and the positive influence on the building sector,
• the emphasis on sustainable construction, 
• the considerable progress made with regard to protecting environment.

The panel expects improved in-depth reporting on persistent pollutants, local stakeholder relations, training of non-managerial staff, partnerships in sustainable construction, and new acquisitions in emerging markets (renovation of plants, Human Rights, bribery and corruption, etc.)

Read all of the panel's comments!

The advisory panel on biodiversity was created in 2006 to advise the Group on its biodiversity strategy and contribute ideas to improve and develop it. The objective is to create a forum which meets twice a year to debate the best environmental practices.

The members of the panel

• Were chosen for their expertise in biodiversity subjects ranging from the preservation of fauna to international agreements and the management of natural zones.
• They also represent a broad cross-section of countries and cultures.