Source: Lafarge Group, Paris
Lafarge has entered a new phase in its sustainability commitment with the recent launch of Sustainability Ambitions 2020. The 34 new sustainability ambitions are organized around the three main pillars of sustainable development—social, economic, and environmental—and are coupled with demanding quantitative targets.
“Sustainability Ambitions 2020 is the continuation of our 2007-12 program, at the end of which we had achieved our key commitment of reducing net CO2 emissions per ton of cement produced by 20 percent,” explained Lafarge Chairman and CEO Bruno Lafont. “I firmly believe that a green economy cannot happen without a green industry, and there is no sustainability without a responsible industry, aware of its social contribution and steering its own change. With this program…we are looking to create value for all of our stakeholders—shareholders, customers, employees, and local communities in the vicinity of our production plants.”
The company’s 34 ambitions include nine major ambitions to be achieved by 2020:
- Use 50 percent of non-fossil fuels in cement plants by 2020 (including 30 percent biomass);
- Have 20 percent of concrete containing reused and recycled materials;
- Generate sales of €3 billion/year (US$3.8 billion) in new sustainable solutions, products and services;
- Reduce by 33 percent CO2 emissions/ton of cement compared to 1990 levels;
- Reach zero fatalities and virtually eliminate lost-time incidents for employees and contractors;
- Having 35 percent of senior management positions held by women;
- Contribute 1 million volunteer hours/year to locally selected projects;
- Having 75 percent of operations implementing a plan for local job creation; and
- Enable access to affordable and sustainable housing for 2 million people
These ambitions are the result of an extensive collaborative approach. Over 18 months, Lafarge has involved employees and managers of operating units, the panel of stakeholders, major partners such as WWF and CARE, and the company’s International Advisory Board, in determining what they expect of their company and what contribution Lafarge could make to society.
