Foundations 19 – Infrastructure Space

Eric Olsen

collaboration, projects like the Olympic Park for the 2012 Sum- mer Games in London – a classic infrastructure project – could be designed sustainably from the outset. LafargeHolcim supplied 90 percent of the ready-mix concrete and aggregates for the entire 200-hectare construction site by rail and waterway. Another example of a fruitful look beyond the company’s own backyard is the Green Building Centres partnership in India: “The Green Building Centres provide local masons with access to train- ing and sustainable construction technology that minimizes the use of fuel and precious materials such as topsoil.” In this way, explains Eric Olsen, the skills of local workers can be improved, the housing stock expanded, the local economy stimulated, and CO 2 emissions reduced. Interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange of ideas – that’s pre- cisely what the LafargeHolcim Forum is all about. “Is there a better qualified and better equipped gathering to take on the challenges than the one assembled here in Detroit?” asked Eric Olsen – and answered himself: “I can’t think of one. So, I would urge you to seize the opportunity. Speaking for LafargeHolcim, you’ll find us ready and willing to play our part.” LafargeHolcim is ready and willing to play its part in driving infrastructure on all levels. « »

Eric Olsen is CEO of LafargeHolcim. He is also Member of the Board of the LafargeHolcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction and Chairman of its Steering Committee. He joined the Lafarge Group in 1999 and was a member of its Executive Committee from 2007 until its merger with Holcim. He is a business graduate from the University of Colorado, Certified Public Accountant, and holds a Master of Business Administration from HEC International Business School in Paris. He is a Board Member of Cimpress NV, chairing its compensation committee, and is a member of its audit committee. He is also Chairman of the Board of the American School of Paris.

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