faceboo Sustainability Principles, Values and Goals at Saint-Gobain Glass

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability refers to the concept of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a broad and multifaceted idea that encompasses various aspects of human life, including environmental, social, and economic considerations. It includes reducing carbon footprint, saving resources, reducing waste, protecting the environment, and caring for people.
Key Sustainability Principles and Values at Saint-Gobain
  • Environmental Conservation: Using resources wisely to preserve the environment and biodiversity.
  • Inter-Generational Responsibility: Making choices mindful of future generations and needs.
  • Global Perspective: Collaborating to address worldwide challenges – global warming due to emission of greenhouse gases leading to climate changes, depletion of natural resources, urbanisation.
  • Social Equity: Ensuring social justice and equal opportunities for all.
  • Economic Viability: Building economies that sustain well-being over time.

Our Sustainability Goals

  • Reduce our footprint and maximise our impact, both on our operations and by helping our customers build more sustainably.
  • Be net-zero carbon by 2050 and achieve this through a clear roadmap.
  • Provide solutions to assist stakeholders at all stages.
  • Achieve the sustainability goals of Saint-Gobain by 2030 in alignment with 2050 net zero commitment: Reduce CO2 emissions by 33% for scope 1 (direct carbon dioxide emission at the site) and scope 2 (indirect carbon dioxide emission mainly linked to electricity), and 16% for scope 3 (CO2 emissions along its value chain both upstream and downstream) compared to 2017 levels.
  • Phase out fossil fuels on our production sites completely by 2025.
  • Water: Obtain Zero water discharge in extremely high water risk areas, 50% decrease in industrial water withdrawal.
  • Circular Economy: Accomplish an 80% reduction in non-valorised production residue. Ensure a 30% decrease in virgin raw material use. Gain 100% recyclable packaging with 30% recycled/bio-sourced content.

Why Sustainable Construction is important?

  • 70% Urban population growth by 2050
  • The Construction industry accounts for 36% of worldwide energy usage and 40% of CO2 emissions
  • Buildings contribute 39% of global CO2 emissions, highlighting the urgency of sustainable construction. Plus, buildings consume 25-40% energy, 20% water, and contribute to 30-40% of solid waste streams
  • 6% is the share of operations and maintenance in total building costs over 30 years
  • Certifications demonstrate buildings and eco-friendly design and positive impact on people
  • Adopting sustainable technologies in construction could save €410bn annually in global energy spending
  • 91% of consumers may switch to a company linked to a good cause when prices are comparable
  • 2,412 GWh of renewable energy consumption in 2020 (purchased electricity, electricity produced on-site and biomass)
  • Sustainable water cycle - 31.5% reduction in water discharges in 2020, in line with the objective of an 80% reduction between 2010 and 2025 (Source: Saint-Gobain Sustainability Group Report 2021)
  • Green buildings can reduce energy use by 24% - 50%, CO2 emissions by 33% to 39%, water use by 40% and solids waste by 70%.

OUR BUILDINGS ARE EVOLVING

BEFORE
  • Low Energy Efficiency
  • Water Consumption was very high both for construction and operation
  • Usage of Low Performance Materials like Clear Glass and SGUs
  • A lot of building materials were imported
NOW
  • High Energy Efficiency with the use of performance glass and better HVAC
  • Low Water Consumption
  • Usage of High Performance Materials - DGUs (Double Glazed Units)
  • Locally available sustainable materials- Renewable Energy Source

How do we contribute?

Better solutions, better home

Saint-Gobain solutions are available to make buildings better for the planet, and ensure the well-being of humans:
Contribute to increased energy efficiency by
  • providing glazing with high-performance solutions
  • achieving insulation to reduce heat loss and summer heat gain; also, insulation for water pipes and ventilation ducts, smart membranes to improve air tightness and moisture management
  • rendering to insulate and provide weather defence
  • attaining ‘Green building labelling schemes – LEED or BREEAM ’ certifications
  • getting IGBC, Griha, and Greenpro certifications

KEY AREAS CONSIDERED FOR GREEN RATING

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Site Selection and Planning
Water Conservation
Energy Efficiency
Building Materials and Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality

Reduce embodied carbon in our products by

  • using renewable energy to power industrial processes
  • increasing the recycled content
  • developing solutions using alternative materials
  • designing unique products, such as low-carbon glass to reduce embodied carbon emissions and Greenpro certified products
  • receiving Well Certification
  • providing ‘Better Thermal Comfort’
  • local sourcing, and thus offering local job opportunities

Reduce resource use

  • Bespoke or cut-to-length services
  • Recycling services
  • Products with recycled content
  • Float Glass products from Saint-Gobain incorporate up to 1/3 cullet (scraps of glass or recycled glass), aiming to use 40% recycled content by 2030. Using recycled glass reduces CO2 emissions (involving scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions), conserves raw materials
  • Offsite manufacturing

Increase building flexibility

  • Modular or offsite solutions
  • Lightweight construction

Our solutions act at all lifecycle stages

  • Design stage: Tools and documents to support designers, BIM objects
  • Construction stage: Lightweight construction systems, off-site manufacturing, logistics services
  • Operating stage: Safe solutions, easy to maintain, long-lasting solutions
  • End-of-life: Solutions easy to deconstruct, dismount or recycle; recycling services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is insulation? How do you make your home insulation-proof?

Insulation involves materials that reduce heat loss or gain in buildings. Saint-Gobain offers various insulation solutions for homes, including insulation for walls, roofs, water pipes, and ventilation ducts. These solutions enhance energy efficiency and contribute to a safer working and more comfortable living environment.

What is glazing?

Glazing refers to the use of glass in buildings. Saint-Gobain provides glazing solutions that allow controlled entry of sunlight, heat, and ventilation, promoting energy efficiency and comfort.

What is the net zero carbon program of Saint-Gobain?

Saint-Gobain aims to be net-zero carbon by 2050. This commitment includes a clear roadmap to reduce carbon emissions across its operations and throughout its value chain. The goal is to significantly decrease CO2 emissions in its various scopes (1, 2, and 3) by 2030. By 2025, the company also plans to eliminate fossil fuels from its production sites.

How can you make your buildings better for living?

Saint-Gobain's solutions contribute to a better living environment by: 1. enhancing energy efficiency with glazing, insulation, and smart membranes 2. reducing embodied carbon with sustainable materials and designs 3. increasing thermal comfort and offering green building certifications 4. promoting flexible and lightweight construction methods

Where can I find a reliable dealer in sustainable construction and developing green buildings?

Saint-Gobain offers sustainable solutions through its various products and services to help you reach your certification goals (LEED, BREEAM, WELL certifications ). You can explore Saint-Gobain Assured network of distributors who provide these products for sustainable construction and green building projects.

Could you help me design my building to be sustainable?

Yes, Saint-Gobain offers tools, documents, BIM objects, and a range of solutions to support sustainable building design. These solutions cater to various stages of a building's lifecycle, promoting energy efficiency, reducing usage of non-renewable resources, carbon footprint, and overall sustainability (or sustainable construction).



 

 

 

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