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Lafarge intends to become the safest company in its sector. Safety audits are regularly conducted on the Group's different sites. Specific safety measures have been taken to target the objective of zero fatal accidents and reduce lost-time accidents to the greatest extent possible.

The Group also participates in a number of public health programs aimed at its employees and local communities. For example, the global partnership concluded with CARE, an NGO (non-governmental organization), has resulted in practical, community-based programs to fight Aids in sub-Saharan Africa. A Group which has global reach also has responsibilities at a local level.

Encouraging young people from all backgrounds

The Group encourages the promotion of young graduates from ethnic minorities within its French operational units. Between 2005 and 2006, more than 80% of human resources personnel were informed of this policy. Diversity objectives were met in half of young graduate recruitments over this period.

Recruiting more women

We have not achieved our Sustainability Ambition target of having 15.2% women in senior management by the end of 2008.

Nonetheless, 2008 saw further progress towards this goal. The percentage of women in senior management increased in 2008 from 12.2% to 12.9%. So over 5 years numbers have increased by 70% rather than doubling as we had hoped.

And the Group Executive maintains the objective to reach 20% of women senior and executive managers (Lafarge Hay grades 18+) by 2012.

Lafarge's operations require the use of large quantities of nonrenewable raw materials. Lafarge strives to limit its CO2 emissions by:

• improving industrial processes,
• using alternative fuels and materials as part of an industrial ecology strategy.

In partnership with the WWF, the Group is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 20% over the period 1990-2000. This reduction is 4 times greater than that set out by the Kyoto Protocol. In 2010, Lafarge exceeded its emissions goal 1 year in advance.

The Group also promotes sustainable construction methods.

Training courses, construction of affordable housing, emergency aid following natural disasters, participation in public health programs... Lafarge has established a number of partnerships around the world to support the economic and social development of local communities near its sites.