|
Corporate Social Responsibility
News
9.05.2006 - 04:30am ET
|
CSR News from:
|
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
|
|
News Category:
|
|
Zero Net Energy Building Project Recruits Nine More International Companies
(CSRwire) Geneva, 5 - The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
announced today that nine more multinationals have joined the Energy
Efficiency in Buildings (EEB) project. The EEB will map out the necessary
changes to achieve a world in which buildings consume zero net energy. The
three year project will identify how to demolish barriers, transform
attitudes and change the business climate. It will conclude in 2009 with a
call to action to all those involved in buildings and energy use.
"Buildings today represent one third of the world's energy demand, and
energy consumption is expected to grow by an additional 45 percent by
2025," said Project Director Christian Kornevall, underlining the urgency
for action. "By joining the EEB, these global companies have demonstrated
their commitment to sustainable growth for our planet and leadership in
transforming the industry," he continued.
The project, announced in March, is led by Lafarge Group and United
Technologies Corp. under the umbrella of the WBCSD, a Geneva-based
organization that represents 180 international companies dedicated to
sustainable development. Lafarge (NYSE:LR, Euronext:LG) is the world
leader in building materials including cement, aggregates, gypsum and
roofing. United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) is the world's largest supplier of
capital goods including elevators, cooling/heating systems and on-site
power systems to the commercial building industry, as well as a leader in
aerospace.
The scope of the EEB covers the entire lifecycle of buildings from
construction to demolition. The project includes both residential and
commercial buildings. It will focus on Brazil, China, Europe, Japan,
India, and the US.
Joining the Core Group are:
Cemex (NYSE:CX), headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, and
provider of cement, aggregates, paving stones and concrete products to
customers in more than 50 countries.
DuPont (NYSE:DD), based in Wilmington, DE, services many
industries, including innovations for commercial and residential
construction with products such as energy-saving weatherization systems,
glass laminating interlayer, energy efficient, more sustainable
refrigerants and advanced materials for solar cells and photovoltaic
panels.
EDF Group (EURONEXT PARIS:EDF) The EDF Group is an integrated
energy supplier, and operates in all sectors of the electricity industry :
generation, transmission, distribution, sales and trading. It is one of the
leading electricity suppliers in Europe. With an installed capacity of
130,8 GW, its business entails the provision of energy and services to
more than 40 million customers worldwide. EDF Group business incorporates
the choice of an economic model balanced between deregulated and regulated
operations in France and across the world.
Gaz de France (EURONEXT:GAS), headquartered in Paris, is a
leading European natural gas supplier. As an integrated company, Gaz de
France enjoys strong positions in all sectors of the natural gas industry:
namely: exploration-production, purchase and sale of energy, transmission
and storage, distribution and services.
ITT (NYSE: ITT) based in White Plains, NY supplies advanced
technology products and services in key markets including: fluid and water
management including water treatment; defense communication,
opto-electronics, information technology and services; electronic
interconnects and switches; and other specialty products.
Kansai Electric Power Company, Inc. (TYO:9503) is a leading
electricity utility in western Japan (including Osaka, Kyoto, etc.)
providing energy services from nuclear, thermal, and hydropower plants.
The company's total energy solution through electricity, gas, and IT
service enriches every customer while pursuing sustainable growth of
society.
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE:PHG;
AEX:PHI), headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, is one of the
world's biggest electronics companies, with activities in the three
interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology. It has
market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient
monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon
system solutions.
Sonae Sierra, based in Lisbon, Portugal, is an international
specialist in the investment, development and management of shopping and
leisure centers, operating in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece and
Brazil. Sonae Sierra has had a significant role in the modernization of
the shopping centre concept, having introduced new formats integrating
retail and leisure and several innovative concepts in the shopping centers
industry, like the "Green" Shopping centers."
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TKECF.PK), based in Tokyo,
supplies electricity to approximately 28 million customers, accounts for
approximately one-third of Japan's consumption. It also provides
internet/telephony, gas supply, property & facility services, energy
conservation consulting services and others, contributing to better
lifestyles and environments.
Other companies are also expected to join the project. The project
comprises three phases. The first will identify existing green building
practices and obstacles; the second will map out the range of current and
future opportunities; the third will produce a call to action for
realizing those opportunities.
Notes to the Editor
About the World Business Council for Sustainable Development
The WBCSD brings together 180 international companies in a shared
commitment to sustainable development through economic growth, ecological
balance and social progress. Its mission is to provide business leadership
as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development, and to support the
business license to operate, innovate and grow in a world increasingly
shaped by sustainable development issues. The members are drawn from more
than 30 countries and 20 major industrial sectors. It also benefits from a
global network of 50+ national and regional business councils and partner
organizations.
About Lafarge
Lafarge (NYSE:LR, Euronext:LG), headquartered in Paris, France, is the
world leader in building materials including cement, aggregates, gypsum
and roofing. The company employs 80,000 people in 76 countries and posted
sales of 16 billion in 2005. It is the only construction materials
company to be listed on the 2006 "100 Global Most Sustainable Corporations
in the World."
About United Technologies Corp.
United Technologies (NYSE:UTX), based in Hartford, Conn., USA, is a
diversified company that provides high technology products and services to
the aerospace and commercial building industries worldwide. The company is
a Dow Jones Industrial company that reported $ 43 billion in 2005 revenues.
UTC employs approximately 220,000 people worldwide.
More information is available at http://www.wbcsd.org/web/eeb.
|
|
