AMBITIONS 2020
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From manufacturing with a smaller emissions footprint, enhancing biodiversity and water conservation, to designing and delivering more energy efficient products and systems for energy efficient building, from conserving natural resources through recycling materials and enhancing deconstruction methods, to how materials are delivered, Lafarge wants to be a key player in sustainable construction.
Sustainable construction is one of the key levers for reducing worldwide energy consumption, since energy used in the building sector accounts for approximately 38% of worldwide total energy consumption - more than in transport or industry.
Almost 85% of the energy used in buildings is consumed during the use of the building from operation, maintenance and renovation, and only 15% of the total energy is a result of the materials manufacturing, transportation, construction and demolition. To address the 85% of energy used in buildings, Lafarge is committed to drive the change from materials to solutions which will bring sustainability, energy savings, and comfort improvements. |
Reporting 2012We have devoted 116 million euros to product innovation and industrial performance improvement. ReorganizationIn 2012 Lafarge is reorganizing from a Global organization based on Divisional Product lines to a Countrycentric approach allowing more reactivity (quicker response to local needs) and innovation. A dedicated innovative function, combining R&D, marketing, and technology partnerships within the same organization, was created to reinforce sustainability in its products and solutions. |
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Roadmap |
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Last update on 05/06/2013
Group initiatives
FAQ 1 : Sustainable Construction in Lafarge 2012 Sustainability Report
FAQ 2 : Developing and providing solutions to sustainable construction
Improving constructions' environmental, social
and cost efficiency throughout their lifecycle is an
essential tool in fighting climate change, providing good quality of life for
its occupiers and contributing to economic development.
Lafarge believes that the performance of a building
begins from its design stage. In order to offer solutions upstream in the value chain, the Group focuses on innovation, devoting 60% of its
research budget in 2011 to sustainable development and construction and continued
to deliver new products and solutions for more sustainable buildings.
Lafarge also developed internal building design expertise and documented a set
of 30 concrete-based Efficient Building™ Systems. Peer-challenged by a
panel of external architects and engineers, these systems are assessed
including thermal, environmental, structural and cost considerations. These
assessments provide specifiers with clues on how the systems can help
them achieve higher levels of performance in buildings.
To
help the public identify its efforts towards more efficient and sustainable
construction, Lafarge has created EFFICIENT BUILDING™, an approach relying on
measurable factual data.
FAQ 3 : A commitment within sectoral bodies
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.
With the World
Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Lafarge is a
member of the WBCSD, an organization of 200 large companies committed to a
sustainability approach. In the context of the WBCSD, Lafarge is particularly
active in 2 programs: CSI and EEB.
- Cement Sustainability
Initiative (CSI)
Along with 23 cement manufacturers operating all around the world and representing more than 40% of global production, Lafarge had the idea of setting up the "Cement Sustainability Initiative". The program offers a framework for dialogue between cement manufacturers which agree to do all they can to protect the climate, preserve resources (natural raw materials and fossil fuels), and guarantee the health and safety of employees.
- Energy Efficiency in
Buildings (EEB)
In 2006, Lafarge launched the EEB in partnership with United Technologies Corp. This project aims to develop construction ways towards more energy efficiency at every stage, from the design to the demolition of buildings. The goal by 2050 is to construct buildings which are self-sufficient in energy and no longer produce any CO2.
To achieve this, a collective effort is needed. In 2011, after signing the EEB Manifesto, Lafarge carried out in depth analysis of energy consumptions in its 11 largest office buildings and produced in 2012 its Low Energy Office Policy to have best in class offices in terms of energy efficiency.
With the Fondation
Bâtiment-Energie
Four major players
in the building and energy sectors (Lafarge, Arcelor-Mittal, 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 by quartering
building-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through:
- a reduction in energy consumption,
- increased use of renewable energies,
- promotion of innovative technologies
in the building sector.
With the United
Nations
As part of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Lafarge
is leading the Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative (SBCI).
The goal is to promote the most environmentally-friendly practices and
establish criteria for assessing construction and building.
