Lafarge Plasterboard jointly presented with WWF at the 5th Annual Climate Change and Business Conference, held in Melbourne on August 24 – 26 to an audience of over 500 delegates from 21 countries.
Part of the Lafarge Group, Lafarge Plasterboard is a world leader in building products, ranked no. 1 in cement, no. 2 in concrete and aggregates and no. 3 in gypsum. For the fifth consecutive year, Lafarge is again included in the international list of top 100 sustainable corporations.
Lafarge is one of 21 large companies participate in the WWF Climate Savers Partner Program. The Lafarge Group’ began working with WWF in 2000, and the partnership has recently been extended for another four years. Five key criteria are at the centre of the Lafarge Group's work with WWF:
- Climate change
- Persistent pollutants
- Water footprint
- Biodiversity
- Sustainable construction
At the Climate Change Conference, Stuart Jacquet, CEO of Lafarge Plasterboard Australia, presented the Lafarge Group’s approach to sustainable development and results to date. Stuart introduced both international and local case studies relating to CO2 emissions reduction and water conservation.
The Lafarge Group has made considerable progress in reducing its carbon footprint, particularly throughout the cement division. Total emissions have been reduced by 18.4% in 2008 compared with 1990 level and Lafarge is on track to reach the 20% cut in worldwide net emissions per tonne of cement – a year ahead of schedule.
Locally, Lafarge Plasterboard’s own achievements in water conservation have been recognised by Sydney Water last year when Sydney Water presented their 2008 Innovation Award to Lafarge Plasterboard for its efficient stormwater reuse system.