Sustainability and wellbeing: two sides of the same coin

The green transition is often viewed as a set of limitations, forcing us to make compromises on comfort and quality of life. Yet while humans are the cause of climate change, we are also part of the very ecosystems we seek to protect. This makes sustainability essential not just to the planet but also to our health and wellbeing.

• It is no secret climate change can deeply affect physical and mental health. By 2050, it could lead to 250,000 additional deaths per year, with heat-related fatalities already up by 70% over the past 20 years. Add to this drought-related food insecurity and rising levels of ecoanxiety, and one thing becomes clear: integrating sustainability and wellbeing is essential if we want to achieve both.
• This is especially crucial in cities, which are due to concentrate 70% of mankind by 2050. Most of the world’s urban population suffers from “inadequate housing and transport, poor sanitation, waste management, and air quality”, warns the World Health Organization . Conversely, urban design is key to both decarbonization and wellbeing, with greener, denser cities that  can foster better health.
• Many cities are actively pursuing those goals, such as Amsterdam, whose Active City Program, launched in 2016, dictated healthy city principles for all new public space developments, with a view to get residents to exercise at least 30 minutes per day. This type of approach not only supports sustainability by reducing car use and GHG emissions but also improves air quality and health.
• Housing quality, too, affects our health more than we know: while humidity, mould, or overcrowding can lead to illness, quality housing can boost wellbeing by reinforcing social identity and status. Here, too, sustainability and wellness go hand in hand: while thermal retrofits improve both comfort and CO2 footprint, denser neighborhoods not only reduce transport and its related emissions but also fight social isolation.
• At Saint-Gobain, our commitment to sustainability is holistic and aims to create a more livable world for all. This philosophy, dictated by what our CEO Benoit BAZIN calls “access to a dignified life environment and wellbeing for all,” drives our efforts to address environmental, social, and societal challenges and foster community wellbeing at large. That is precisely the goal of La Plateforme du Bâtiment - SGDB France ’s recent skill sponsorship program, which saw employees paint the walls of a local nursing home, putting their skills to use to benefit the community.
• Speaking of employees – “health does not begin when we come home from work,” says Régis Blugeon , Vice-President Human Resources France at Saint-Gobain. That is what led Saint-Gobain France to develop its #JePrendsSoinDeMoi prevention program, implementing prevention initiatives at all levels, from musculoskeletal disorders, psycho-social risks, and addiction prevention to cancer screening. This program also gives employees access to an online vision service, which offers personalized ophthalmology support.

Innovation station

Dust is a constant plague on dirt roads. What if there was a sustainable fix for it?

• Enter the CHRYSO®Eco Dust range, a dust suppressant designed by CHRYSO Southern Africa to improve road visibility and grip, cutting the need for frequent upkeep and watering.
• Both biodegradable and VOC-free, the CHRYSO®Eco Dust range is eco-friendly too, safeguarding the environment while helping clients save time and money.
• There’s more: less dust means less fuel consumption, less vehicle maintenance, and less CO2 emissions from the water tankers used to spray roads. A game changer!

Window to the future

For 95% of construction stakeholders, #SustainableConstruction is an important or priority issue.

• This figure, taken from the brand new second edition of our Sustainable Construction Barometer, is wonderful news: it means that sustainable construction, our gateway to carbon neutrality, is here to stay.

• Among other reasons for hope? An overwhelming majority of the persons that Saint-Gobain’s Sustainable Construction Observatory with CSA (Institut d'Etudes) surveyed share a sense of urgency and a desire to do more when it comes to sustainable construction – and stakeholders are increasingly well-informed and well-trained in the subject.
• Another key takeaway? Only 14% associate sustainable construction with buildings that promote health and wellbeing. (If you’re among them, make sure to read our cover story! ⬆️)
• Curious to know more? Dive into the complete findings here.

Can you guess?

The doctor’s office is the last place you’d expect to cross paths with our products, right?

• Think again! Saint-Gobain Medical designs custom components and systems for medical devices in areas as varied as cardiovascular, diabetic care, gynecology, ophthalmology, or surgical robotics. Its motto: to provide innovative solutions to health professionals while optimizing patient comfort.

Pioneers

In India, Saint-Gobain teams are rallying to empower women and young girls.

• Saint-Gobain India Private Limited - Glass Business brought together more than 150 design and architecture firms across India for a month-long celebration of International Women's Day.
• During this month Saint Gobain India organized the first edition of IGNITE (Impacting Growth, Nurturing Inclusion, Talent and Equity) Awards, awarding 38 employees for their significant contributions in driving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture.
• Workshops around personal development and network building were held in Chakan, while at the World Glass Complex, sessions were held on wealth strategies and breaking the glass ceiling.
• Community involvement included a food festival to support women with disabilities along with games and quizzes to empower girls in their education journey. Watch to learn more!

Building bridges

After many years of fruitful collaboration, Saint-Gobain has acquired long-time partner Bailey Metal Products Limited !

• If you are a frequent reader of this newsletter, you already know that, by using less resources and more sustainable materials than traditional brick and mortar, lightweight construction is a game-changer when it comes to cutting the sector’s carbon footprint.
• By acquiring Bailey, a renowned player in lightweight construction with 75 years of expertise in metal framing and building systems, Saint-Gobain broadens its product range for interior and exterior solutions and makes new strides in its sustainable construction leadership.
• We extend a warm welcome to the 690 Bailey employees across the country!

Expanding our horizon

In Venice, the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture TM heralds the future of architecture.

• Since 2006, the Award, created by architect Jana Revedin , has recognized the work of architects committed to pursuing an ecologically responsible contemporary architecture in tune with today's concerns.
• How can architecture bring an innovative educational approach, capable of thinking and practicing architecture differently, while promoting among the new generations an ethical and responsible understanding of the profession? This question was at the heart of this year’s edition of the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture, presented on April 19 in Venice, on the theme “Architecture is Education”, along with a book dedicated to the winners. Head here to dive into the future of architecture!