The Environment. Yes, we know but what are we doing about it?

We are living through a major period of transformation. Two phenomena, initially linked, will have a lasting impact on us. I am referring to the demographic shock and the climate challenge. By 2050, there will be almost 10 billion people living on Earth compared with 7.5 billion today. The demographic boom currently underway is making climate change issues even more crucial. We have the figures; but no one can really say what the impacts will be.

This exponential rise in the world’s population will only increase global warming. In the best-case scenario, estimates show a 1.4-degree Celsius rise in the temperature worldwide by the end of this century. In the worst-case scenarios, the figure is 6 degrees Celsius. And yet, it seems we are not on the right track. In 2017, CO2 emissions rose 1.8 percent in the 28 European Union countries. This is an average: in France, emissions increased by 3.2 percent.

We know but what are we doing about it?

Our future is at risk. While I would like to think that human ingenuity will find a way to ensure the future of our species, no one can guarantee that this will happen. And if humanity does manage to solve the greatest challenge it has ever faced: what will be the cost?

It is not enough just to be optimistic: each one of us – companies, citizens and States – must take responsibility. Many companies are already stepping up to the plate, and I am encouraged by that.

At Saint-Gobain, we have a particular role to play. The construction segment is responsible for 35 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. So, we are definitely in the front line.

There is only one option: we must engage fully in this fight for our future by placing it at the heart of our business. These are not just empty words. It is an act motivated by our beliefs as a business and as citizens. It is a position I defend wherever my responsibilities allow me to.

The companies that ignore these collective challenges are risking their economic future. First, because of pressure from their customers. Digital technology today means there is no longer a black screen between companies and their end customers. Fully informed, they state their preferences, decide and influence their circle of acquaintances, and beyond. The figures are already showing their growing preference for products that reflect their values. This trend can only quicken, ultimately creating a clear rupture between non-virtuous companies and consumers.

Failing to take collective challenges into account, also means risking seeing your value slide on financial markets: in this current era of the short term, that may seem contradictory. And yet, there are many signals pointing to the increasing importance placed on extra-financial criteria by financial stakeholders. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Socially Responsible Investment (SRI), Green Finance, etc.: in a variety of ways, these stakeholders place a significant premium on those players that have managed to switch their business model.

The duty to engage in a mission beyond our immediate concerns...

The duty to engage in a mission beyond our immediate concerns is ultimately a question of leadership. It is because we have the ability to mobilize our energy, industrial strength and experience with major transformational projects that we find ourselves with the responsibility of being at the forefront of change involving the stakeholders in our ecosystem.

Saint-Gobain has set itself tangible targets: reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent, lower its CO2 emissions by 20 percent, and decrease the quantity of non-recovered waste.

Virtuous innovation is needed to meet these targets. When we design new glazing, we of course seek to improve thermal and visual comfort with a 10 percent increase in light gain. But our main focus is to reduce the energy consumed by the buildings where our products are installed. When we invent a new glass wool product, we seek to achieve two goals: improve the quality of indoor air and reduce CO2 emissions from heating by up to 40 percent.

Far from being an obstacle, the new ecological context is an extraordinary opportunity to break away from conventional models, learn how to do more with less, and constantly challenge our practices. With this in mind, disruptive digital and data technology are an immense source of innovation to develop responses to the dual shocks of demographic growth and climate change that lie ahead.

For humanity’s sake, there can be no losing battle. 

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