Our priorities
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Protecting biodiversity

For Lafarge, protecting the biodiversity of its quarries is a high priority. Lafarge continues its strong commitment to biodiversity and rehabilitation of its quarries. The objective is to preserve the animal and plant populations of these natural environments.

 

 

A biodiversity management system

Lafarge Group has established a comprehensive biodiversity management system in partnership with the WWF which include:

  • a specific methodology,
  • tools to evaluate the challenges of the site,
  • programs to maintain and improve biodiversity.

The objective is to work with local experts and environmental associations to establish biodiversity programs for all sites located in a sensitive area or presenting real potential for wildlife.

 

In partnership with the WWF Lafarge has also developed a biodiversity index to monitor and track ecological changes at the Group's quarries and sites.

 

Criteria include:

  • the rarity of identified species,
  • the surface area of the natural environment.

The ratings underpin action programs.

 

In 2010:

  • 94% of quarries are screened according to these WWF criteria.
  • 84,5% of quarries have a rehabilitation plan.
  • 47% of quarries located in sensitive areas have a biodiversity program.

 

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the diversity of living organisms and species in land, marine and aquatic ecosystems.

 

Sustainable development

The World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

 

Sustainable development aims to reconcile 3 major stakes:

  • economic performance,

  • the social consequences of a company's actions (with respect to employees, suppliers, customers and the local community),

  • environmental aspects (achieving a balance between a company's activities and the preservation of ecosystems).

 

Quarry rehabilitation

In India Lafarge has undertaken quarry rehabilitation at its Sonadih Limestone Mine (Chattisgarh) and has taken several measures towards reclamation and rehabilitation of its site. The single quarry  which is active in all direction  has constructed a 4.1 Km long pond in the shape of a bund. The reject material for making the bund is capped simultaneously with top soil and planted with local varieties of saplings with a survival rate of 78%. Further around 10000-11000 saplings are planted per annum on the non mineralised zone.

 

The quarry has been conceptualized to be converted into a water reservoir and afforested, since the area faces water scarcity problems. This project will prove beneficial for the local villagers as it will recharge the ground water level of the surrounding area as well as provide a perennial source of clean water for their day to day chores. Proper terracing and approaches for villagers to the water body and peripheral fencing for safety reasons has also been proposed in the conceptual stage.

 

 

 

 

Rehabilitated pond at Sonadih
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Sustainable construction

The Group’s partnerships

The challenges of sustainable construction concern all players in the building sector. Lafarge works closely with industrial associations, energy suppliers and architects to identify building methods which are cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

Lafarge & Sustainable Construction