In 2018, a violent storm flooded the Saint-Gobain flat glass factory in Egypt, in the middle of the desert! The scenario repeated itself in Germany in the summer of 2021 with a very strong flood of the Rhine. Two completely unexpected and critical episodes, especially since a glass furnace cannot be stopped.
«Twenty years ago, the main disasters were fires. Today, there are floods, hail or very strong storms», notes Emmanuel Normant, the director of sustainable development at Saint-Gobain.
For two years, adaptation has become a priority along three axes. First, the protection of assets with progressive modifications in the factories, such as the movement of electrical cabinets to high points in the glass sites. Then, adaptations to working hours due to heat waves, which no longer only concern sites in already exposed areas, such as in India. Finally, Saint-Gobain works with its suppliers to ensure the continuity of its activities such as securing electricity, which was problematic three years ago in Texas during an episode of intense cold. Furthermore, faced with water stress, the group is aiming for a 50% reduction in its water withdrawals in 2030 compared to 2017.
You are reading an article from L’Usine Nouvelle 3736 – November 2024
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Source: www.usinenouvelle.com
