LAFARGE promotes access to sustainable housing for the underprivileged classes in India
6. Clients and consumers
Access to basic services
Context
Objectives
- To reconfirm its commitment to corporatecitizenship in conserving resources and reducingwaste production
- To engage with other stakeholder to developnew methods of construction
- To create low-cost housing for the poorestpopulations in the regions where Lafargeoperates
APPROACH
Sustainable constructionconsists in minimizing the impact of buildings on the environment and people,while ensuring superior quality in terms of aesthetics, durability andresistance. Thistakes into account the entire life cycle of work, from the choice of productsto the demolition and recycling of them.
For the environmentalimpact:
- Afocus on recyclable materials
- Useof low footprint products and packaging
- Reducethe use of natural resources
- Promoteindustrial waste as fuel and raw materials
- Integraterenewable energy sources in the construction of buildings
For Economic and Socialimpact:
- Job creations
- Reducing pollution linkedto sites for the benefit of workers and residents
In order to makesustainable building accessible to the poorest populations, Lafarge India launchedthe program "Affordable Housing for the masses": sustainable housingat lower costs.
Together with the WWF,Lafarge also initiates Exo-city in South Africa by donating 300 tonsof cement and 70m2 of concrete to thirty "green" low energy consuminghouses (which resort to solar energy).
CONTRIBUTION TO COMPANY PERFORMANCE
- Increase in the value ofproducts
- Significant cost reduction
- Opening towards newmarkets
Benefits
- Resource savings andcutting down on pollution
- Transferable experience
- Country
- India