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Celebration Underscores the Company’s Commitment to Safeguarding Employees and the Environment
Saint-Gobain employees in North America are joining 190,000 of the Company's employees worldwide in recognition of the importance of the protection of the environment, as well as health and safety in the workplace. As part of the celebration of Saint-Gobain's International Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Day, employees in 64 countries, including approximately 19,000 in North America, are taking part in a range of activities and training at sites worldwide.
"Health, safety and the protection of the environment are an integral part of our core values," said Gilles Colas, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain in North America. "This day is a great opportunity for us to come together to reaffirm our collective commitment to safeguarding our environment, our colleagues and ourselves."
According to Colas, one element to the celebration is a focus on environmental protection, a value which the Company encourages employees to embrace whether at work or at home. "As a member of the U.S. Department of Energy's Save Energy Now® Leader Program, Saint-Gobain is committed to reducing our energy use by 25 percent over the next decade," says Colas. "Thanks to the contributions of our employees at our facilities nationwide, we are proud to have reduced our carbon dioxide emissions by more than 70,000 tons last year. The Company, and all employees, will continue to work towards further reducing our carbon footprint for years to come."
As part of the celebration, all employees are once again being asked to take the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Pledge, promising to reduce the impact that their households have on the environment.
"We're pleased that more than 14 percent of our eligible employees have signed on to the Energy Star Pledge and are committed to encouraging even more to participate," said Colas. "We believe every employee can contribute to reducing energy use whether by implementing a major energy-saving project in a plant or simply turning lights out when leaving the office."
At more than 330 manufacturing and distribution locations in the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain, employees are taking part in activities that highlight environmental awareness (with a special focus on water conservation), emergency preparedness, driving safety, fall prevention and living well.
Locations across the country are emphasizing these themes with activities including: watching an EHS-specific video message from Company executives; participating in online quizzes and activities; attending presentations highlighting their facility's specific EHS results and action plans; and, more.
About Saint-Gobain
Saint-Gobain is a global manufacturer and distributor of flat glass, building products, glass containers and high-performance materials. Based in Paris, France, Saint-Gobain has operations in 64 countries and employs over 190,000 people.
Founded in 1665 to manufacture glass for the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles in Paris, Saint-Gobain remains headquartered in France and had worldwide sales of $53 billion in 2009.
Saint-Gobain is a world leader in the construction markets, developing a new generation of building products to help meet the global challenges of energy efficiency and environmental protection. Our vision is to offer a wide range of solutions and services to make buildings more energy efficient, while enhancing comfort and quality of life. For more information: www.saint-gobain.com.
About Saint-Gobain in North America
Saint-Gobain Corporation, based in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, is the holding company for Saint-Gobain's U.S. and Canadian operations. The company has over 330 locations in North America, and approximately 19,000 employees. Saint-Gobain businesses in North America include CertainTeed (Valley Forge, Pennsylvania), Norandex Building Materials Distribution (Hudson, Ohio); Saint-Gobain Crystals (Hiram, Ohio); Verallia North America (Muncie, Indiana); Saint-Gobain NorPro (Stow, Ohio); Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics (Aurora, Ohio); Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics (Grand Island, New York); and Saint-Gobain Abrasives (Worcester, Massachusetts). In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain reported sales of approximately $6.8 billion in 2009. http://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dina Silver Pokedoff, APR
External Communications Manager, Saint-Gobain North America
610-341-7031
610-341-7777
dina.pokedoff@saint-gobain.com
http://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com