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6
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.
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350
TH
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
th
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.