Construction World June 2015

CONSTRUCTION WORLD

JUNE

2015

MARKETPLACE

Saint-Gobain South Africa plans to

embrace the anniversary theme

of 350 reasons to believe in the

future, with a specific focus on

education. The celebratory 350 campaign

initiatives to be rolled out in South Africa

are in line with the objectives of the interna-

tional Saint-Gobain Initiatives Foundation,

to use the company’s expertise to assist

disadvantaged communities.

Adopt-a-School project

Saint-Gobain has partnered with the The

Adopt-a-School Foundation, a project of

the Shanduka Foundation, a non-profit

organisation that supports the creation

and enhancement of a conducive learning

and teaching environment in disad-

vantaged schools.

After an in depth needs analysis was

conducted at a number of schools across

South Africa, three schools have been iden-

tified for assistance by Saint-Gobain. The

company will provide a kitchen, a classroom

and ablution facilities in schools situated in

the Western Cape, KZN and Gauteng. These

projects are due to commence inMay andwill

be completed to coincide with the group’s

global anniversary month in October.

Saint-Gobain employees will be actively

involved in the projects, and will assist

learners at each school with supplies and

immediate schooling needs. This initia-

tive will encourage employee engagement

across the group in South Africa.

Architecture for Social Gain

Awards

This campaign has been conceptual-

ised by Saint-Gobain in close association

with the South African Institute of

Architects, to recognise and reward talent

in the design of spaces that allow learning

and development. This is not just another

design competition.

The three categories for entry include

FUTURE (concepts and proposals), BUILT

(existing projects) and the ADOPT-a-School

proposal for structures to be built to brief.

Certificates will be awarded to professional

and student winners in each category with

the top adjudicated entry in each category

winning the prize of a trip to Paris in October

to take part in the global Saint-Gobain 350

anniversary celebrations.

A 350 year history

Since its creation in 1665 in Paris, Saint-

Gobain has adapted to the changes of the

world and overcome many challenges it

faced. Backed by its experience and its

corporate culture, the company has its sights

set on tomorrow, and knows that there are

many “reasons to believe”.

The 350 anniversary celebration themes

are based on six central pillars including:

1. The world has no boundaries

2. Sustainable habitat is within our reach

3. Innovation is transforming the world

4. Talent is infinite

5. Habitat for everyone is achievable

6. Saint-Gobain builds on the past and

plans for the future

“This anniversary is an opportunity and an

occasion to remind everyone of the strength

that is acquired through 350 years of history

and 350 years of ongoing innovations. Our

experience means we understand and

focus on the long term. It also gives us the

composure and agility to adapt to the ever-

changing world. Our history is proof that we

are a company that has consistently pushed

back boundaries and taken up technological

challenges. As we look back over our past

and examine today’s world and what we

do, we are convinced that there are many

reasons to believe in the future. So, it is with

our sights set on the future and innovation

that we are celebrating this anniversary. It is

our optimism that we want to share with you

in 2015,” says Pierre-Andre de Chalendar,

chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain.

350

ANNIVERSARY

Saint-Gobain, the world

leader in the habitat and

construction market, this

year celebrates 350 years of

providing innovative solutions

in 64 countries across the

globe, including South Africa.

Celebratory activities, that will

make a difference to people

and their habitats, will take

place throughout the year.

The 350 years celebratory signage on the exterior of the Saint-Gobain South African headquarters

in Samrand, Gauteng.

ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN

In 2015, Saint-Gobain is celebrating its

350

anniversary. Backed by its expe-

rience and its capacity to continuously

innovate, Saint-Gobain, the world leader

in the habitat and construction market,

designs, manufactures and distributes

high-performance and building mate-

rials providing innovative solutions to the

challenges of growth, energy efficiency

and environmental protection. With

2013 sales of €42-billion, Saint-Gobain

operates in 64 countries and has nearly

190 000 employees.