sain t-gobain annu al report 2008 annual report

Sustainable
development
34
Sustainable development,
at the heart of the Group’s strategy
Sustainable development is central to our strategy
at Saint-Gobain and is a crucial issue for the Group.
Leader in the habitat and construction markets, the Group
offers innovative and efficient solutions to the challenges
of saving energy and protecting the environment.
Such solutions include low emissivity glass, which helps
to reduce heat loss while allowing rooms to be warmed
by direct sunshine, combined glass wool and plasterboard
insulation products, and solar panels offering an alternative
energy source.
Our Research and Development teams are working on further
energy-saving solutions for the future, such as more energy
efficient lighting systems, and fuel cells for generating
electricity and heating water in the home.
Considering our strategic positioning in these markets,
it is essential that our sustainable development performance
is beyond reproach. Rather than simply complying
with regulations, we take a highly committed stance
on minimizing the environmental impact of our processes,
protecting the health and safety of our employees, and making
proper allowance for labor and social issues in all our business
activities.
A cross-functional approach
Sustainable development initiatives are organized on a
cross-functional basis and coordinated by Compagnie
de Saint-Gobain. One of the main topics discussed at last
September’s annual senior management seminar attended
by the 150 top executives in the Group was our response
to the challenges of environmental protection and corporate
social responsibility. This highlights the pride of place given
to sustainable development at Saint-Gobain. The approach
is based first and foremost on close cooperation between
several departments:
The Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Department,
which oversees and monitors employee health and safety
in the workplace and environmental compliance at all Group
facilities worldwide. The department also works
with the Research Department, the Corporate Marketing
Department and the Sectors to ensure that sustainable
development considerations are taken into account
in the Group’s products and solutions.
The Employee Relations, Training and Executive Career
Management units support the Group’s development
by providing the skill-sets that best match its needs,
while responding to the aspirations of employees.
The Responsible Development Department issues
the Principles of Conduct and Action, and educates employees
on their application. It also works with the divisions,
businesses or regions on rolling down the Principles
to reflect local situations.
These departments are supported by robust networks within
the various businesses and regions, helping to guarantee
a consistent approach to responsible and sustainable
development, both at global level and within each entity,
where it is tailored to local circumstances.
Saint-Gobain - 2008 Annual Report