Zero Net Energy Building Project Recruits Nine More International Companies

Published 09-05-06

Submitted by World Business Council for Sustainable Development

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 Â€ 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.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) brings together some 200 international companies in a shared commitment to sustainable development through economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. Our members are drawn from more than 30 countries and 20 major industrial sectors. We also benefit from a global network of 50+ national and regional business councils and partner organizations. Our 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.

Zero Net Energy Building Project Recruits Nine More International Companies

Zero Net Energy Building Project Recruits Nine More International Companies

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

Join today and get the latest delivered to your inbox