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In its ongoing efforts to reduce its ecological footprint, Lafarge Group has taken a significant step forward by achieving its first carbon dioxide reduction target two years ahead of schedule. From 1990 to 2008, Lafarge’s absolute carbon dioxide emissions in industrialized countries decreased by 12.5%, while the company’s initial goal was to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10% from 1990 to 2010. Another of our goals is to reduce the group’s net carbon dioxide emissions per ton of cement produced worldwide by 20%. By the end of 2008, an emission reduction of 18.4% had been achieved (compared to 16% in 2007). In response, Bruno Lafont, Chairman and CEO of LafargeHolcim, said, “In a world undergoing significant changes today, we are very eager to get actively involved in the field of sustainable development.” Today, we are proud to announce that the group has significantly reduced its carbon dioxide emissions – a testament to our commitment to sustainable development in our business operations, and the result of Lafarge’s active cooperation with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) over the past 10 years. These achievements affirm our commitment to being a leader in the industry when it comes to social and environmental protection, and they will also further enhance our competitiveness. ” All of these achievements will be in line with Lafarge Group’s “2012 Sustainability Vision” plan. “The \"2012 Sustainability Vision\" established 16 sustainability operational goals, ranging from safety to occupational health, and from persistent pollutants to biodiversity. Pioneering partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Lafarge Group maintains a close partnership with the World Wildlife Fund and other environmental organizations, striving to fulfill the group’s commitments to sustainable development. Lafa, which became the World Wildlife Fund’s first partner in natural resources conservation in 2000, is currently working with the organization to outline a partnership framework for the next four years. Jim Leape, Global Director of the World Wildlife Fund, expressed his appreciation for the achievements made to date, stating: “The World Wildlife Fund is pleased to see Lafarge’s commitment to reducing its ecological footprint, as well as its outstanding results in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in 2008.” As a leader in the building materials industry, we hope that Lafarge will continue to pursue these challenging changes and set an example for the sector. ” Reducing the carbon footprint of the cement production process: 98% of Lafarge Group’s carbon dioxide emissions come from its cement business; some of these emissions are generated as a result of chemical reactions that occur during the heating of lime, while another portion is released by fossil fuels used in kiln firing. Over the years, Lafarge has been committed to reducing its ecological footprint by employing various strategies, such as: continuously improving energy efficiency in its factories ； -Utilize alternative energy sources, such as industrial waste or biomass fuels, to replace some fossil fuels ； -The use of cement additives in cement production can replace part of the clinker. These additives are mainly slag and fly ash, which are by-products of steel mills and coal-fired power plants respectively. Some of these solutions have been incorporated by the United Nations into the \"Clean Development Mechanism\". For example, in Monaco, a wind farm supplies power to Lafarge Group’s Tetouan cement plant ； In Malaysia, one of our cement plants uses oil palm shells as fuel ； In India, fly ash is used to replace part of the cement clinker. Although some other cement producers have also committed to reducing their carbon dioxide emissions per ton of cement produced, Lafarge’s target for reducing its absolute emissions remains unique in the industry. Although this goal has been achieved as soon as possible, Lafarge will continue to assume its responsibility for reducing pollutants, carrying out its business activities in a transparent and sustainable manner, while respecting local communities and the environment in the areas where it operates.