"The aim is to clearly and intelligibly declare commitments in the implementation of projects in which Saint-Gobain participates as a contractor. We are the largest producer of building materials both in the Czech Republic and around the world, so we feel responsible for the future state of the world. Today, the construction industry is one of the largest producers of CO2 and we must respond quickly, with particular steps, and meet our commitments, including Saint-Gobain's goal of carbon neutrality until 2050. Through a joint approach and the agreement with Skanska, we want to continue to show the whole industry the right direction and pave the way. Who else should do so than leaders in their fields," said Tomáš Rosák, CEO of Saint-Gobain Czech Republic and Eastern Europe, after signing the agreement.
"Sustainable construction is not only a declared priority for us but a daily practice. From purchasing energy from renewable sources, through water and heat savings to recycled concrete – in construction, Skanska is a leader in applying new approaches and technologies, and we consider our goal of carbon neutrality until 2045 to be completely realistic. We are therefore very pleased to be able to share our core value with such an important partner in the construction chain as Saint-Gobain is. We are building a world in which we want to live ourselves, this principle is true for this partnership as well," added Michal Jurka, President of Skanska Central Europe.
Both companies aim to use sustainable materials and apply principles of the circular economy, to manage water efficiently, to ensure a quality and healthy indoor environment, and to build buildings with energy consumption close to zero. In the long run, they set the direction that will lead to a future based on carbon neutrality in environmentally friendly construction.
In the Czech Republic, both exclusive members of the CZGBC want to jointly introduce the recycling of plasterboard and other building materials and packaging for upcoming projects. Furthermore, they will cooperate on the development of an efficient modular building that is environmentally friendly, using materials and systems that meet the parameters of LEED, BREAM, and WELL. However, the aim of the cooperation is also an effort to find a solution for the fast, economic and ecological construction of residential buildings in the form of prefabrication of facade systems. The application of the design, construction, and operation of buildings in the BIM system and the progress that both companies want to make in measuring and reducing the carbon footprint based on the GHG Protocol, especially in the area of the Scope 3 value chain, are to help with green construction.
It is a matter of course for both companies today to support higher use of vegetation / green roofs and thus improve biodiversity in cities, reduce temperatures and improve water management. However, the companies also undertook to assess the evaluation parameters of the building with regard to long-term operating costs, not only the lowest initial purchase price, and to introduce requirements (criteria, parameters) for the use of secondary raw materials and products. In accordance with the principles of CZGBC membership, they also want to motivate the market to share information on the origin, recyclability, and carbon footprint of products in the form of EPD, support efficient and economical use of water in and around buildings, support projects to ensure a quality indoor environment and promote new technologies, which contribute both to the quality of the indoor environment and the maximum level of efficiency.
Both companies thus launched the New Green Deal declaration, which the Council presented to the government in the autumn as a way to help start the post-covid economy in the right direction for a green future. The aim of the declaration, signed by more than 80 companies in the field with overall sales of over 100 billion crowns and almost 30,000 employees, is to use funds to rebuild the economy and at the same time to move closer to the climate goals set by Europe.