2.26.2004 ET

(CSRwire) GENEVA - Bertrand Collomb, Chairman of Lafarge, the worldwide leader in building materials, has started his two-year elected chairmanship of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), taking over from Shells Sir Philip Watts, who had been chairing the organization since 2002.

"I am honored to become the chairman of the WBCSD. The council is playing a critical role in widening the horizon of business on sustainability issues and in widening the mindset of other stakeholders on the positive role companies play," Collomb said.

Collomb is a well-known French business leader with extensive experience in international business and a track record in sustainable development achievements. He started his career with the French government before joining Lafarge in 1975. He was appointed chairman and CEO of Lafarge in 1989.

As Chairman of Lafarge Collomb has initiated several global partnerships with NGOs on sustainable development, and specially with WWF, the conservation organization, on environmental preservation with a special focus on CO2 emissions reduction.

Collomb has long been involved in the work of the WBCSD, with most notable contributions made as co-chair of the Energy and Climate project, and the Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI). His personal involvement has helped to bring about the release of the CSI's Agenda for Action, an agreement on tangible action steps backed by the ten biggest cement companies.

As WBCSD Chairman, Collomb will promote the dialog between civil society, government authorities and companies to create a global framework which will demonstrate the business commitments and ensure the global competitiveness of companies.

"More than ever, walking the talk and showing that the business commitment is real and can be properly documented and reported will be essential," said Bertrand Collomb. "The movement we initiated 12 years ago in Rio has been internalized by the pro-active part of business. The ability of governments to work together and tackle global concerns appears to have faded at a time when a clear lead is needed most. This means that more will be expected from business as a solution-provider for sustainable development."


Note to editors

WBCSD Vice-Chairmen 2004-05

1995: Rodney Chase, Former Managing Director, BP


Further information

View the joint WBCSD/WRI GHG Protocol:
www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?type=DocDet&DocId=274

View the CSI Agenda for Action:
www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?type=DocDet&DocId=173

More on the WBCSD's partnership with WWFI
www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?type=DocDet&DocId=208


The World Business Council for Sustainable Development(WBCSD) is a coalition of 170 international companies united by a shared commitment to sustainable development via the three pillars of economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. Our activities reflect our belief that the pursuit of sustainable development is good for business and business is good for sustainable development. We also benefit from a Regional Network of 48 business councils and partner organizations, of which 32 are located in developing countries and 16 in OECD countries, representing a large and diversified group of business leaders worldwide.


With 77,000 employees and operations in 75 countries, Lafarge, world leader in building materials, holds top-ranking positions in each of its four divisions: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete, Roofing, Gypsum, thus offering all construction industry sectors a comprehensive range of products and solutions. The growth of the world leader in building materials is founded on a sustainable development policy: Group know-how that encompasses industrial efficiency, value creation while respecting people and cultures, protection of the environment, preservation of natural resources and energy.

For more information please contact:

Stéphanie Tessier , Lafarge
+33 1 53 96 83 79

Geneviève Tremblay , WBCSD
+41 22 839 31 08

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