December 2024 / Issue #5
First Carbon Smart Design Project in Downtown Toronto
Built For ALL
Thought
REDUCING
Thought
Maestria Condo Twin Towers
ECAN Head of Sustainability participates in Decarb Connect Summit Panel
The Digital Transformation of the Concrete Industry: Trend or Necessity?
Get to know Siham Mdarhri-Alaoui, H&S Coordinator,
ECAN
Reducing CO2 IN AGGREGATE TRUCKING: A Natural Outcome of an efficient Supply Chain
Pioneering Sustainability: 30 Years of Tire Recycling at St. Constant Cement Plant
Redefining Barrie’s Skyline
Meet Valerio Naso, RMX Sales Rep, ECAN
FROM THE DESK OF DAVID REDFERN
President & CEO, Lafarge Eastern Canada
As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I am thrilled to introduce the final issue of Built For All for 2024 - a celebration of our collective achievements and a reflection of the extraordinary work we’ve accomplished together as a team.
At the heart of our efforts lies our commitment to Digital Transformation leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and create value for our customers and communities.
In addition, our focus on Sustainability has never been stronger. Through
strategic initiatives and the dedication of our teams, we’ve made significant strides in decarbonizing our business. However, there are still many opportunities ahead, such as in Aggregate Logistics, to reinforce our commitment to advancing in our journey to NetZero. These efforts are not just about meeting targets— they are about redefining what’s possible in sustainable construction and ensuring a better future for generations to come.
Across ECAN, from Operations to Functions, it’s our colleagues’ passion
Together, we are not only meeting the challenges of today but also laying the groundwork for an even brighter tomorrow.
and expertise that fuel our purpose of building progress for people and the planet.
As we close this chapter of 2024, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you. Your hard work, creativity, and dedication have made the difference once again. Let’s continue to innovate, collaborate, and inspire as we step into 2025 and move towards the spinoff. I hope you take pride in the progress we’ve achieved together.
Wishing you and your families a safe and joyful holiday season.
ECAN PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: MAESTRIA CONDO TWIN TOWERS
Location: 1245 Rue de Bleury, Montréal
We are proud to share a bit about The Maestria Condo Twin Towers Project in ECAN. The Towers are a landmark residential development redefining the downtown Montréal skyline. Situated next to the vibrant Place des Spectacles, this project places residents at the heart of the city’s cultural pulse, with direct access to major events and festivals. Beyond its strategic location, the twin towers offer breathtaking
panoramic views of Montréal, making it an architectural and lifestyle gem.
Developed by Devimco Immobilier, the Maestria Condo Twin Towers is celebrated for its innovative and sustainable design. The project exemplifies elegance and functionality, ensuring it becomes a standout in Montréal’s urban landscape.
Concrete Solutions for
Modern Construction
The project incorporates Chronolia Ready-Mix Concrete, a high-earlystrength material designed for rapid construction without compromising quality.
ECAN Head of Sustainability participates in Decarb Connect Summit Panel
In ECAN, we believe that open dialogue and strategic partnerships are the keys to building a sustainable future. Our commitment to tackling climate challenges was on full display at the Decarb Connect Summit, where two of our leaders took the stage to share valuable perspectives and solutions.
Rob Cumming, Head of Sustainability and Public Affairs for Eastern Canada, delivered an insightful presentation on the importance of creating business certainty around Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). His discussion highlighted the vital role of policy frameworks, stakeholder alignment, and long-term investment strategies in scaling CCS technologies effectively.
Fathesha Sheikh, Director of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), Holcim Group, added another dimension to the conversation by emphasizing the pivotal role investors play in advancing energy transition projects. He shared actionable strategies to secure investment and ensure the commercial viability of groundbreaking CCUS projects.
By actively participating in these crucial discussions, Lafarge and Holcim are not just observing the industry transition—we are shaping it. Together, through innovation, investment, and collaboration, we are driving progress toward a more sustainable future for people and the planet.
We are proud to contribute to the solutions that will lead us all toward a net-zero future!
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
The Digital Transformation of the Concrete Industry
By Nicolas Paradis, General Manager, GMA & EO, ECAN
The ready-mix concrete (RMX) industry is currently undergoing a significant transformation in the face of evolving market demands, competitive pressures, and growing environmental concerns.
At Lafarge Canada, digital transformation is more than just a trend—it is in fact becoming essential to our business. It enables us to stay competitive, enhance operational efficiency, and meet our
sustainability goals. But why is this transformation so crucial to the industry as a whole?
Why the RMX Concrete Industry Needs Digital Transformation
1. Competitiveness Against Alternative
Building Materials: The RMX concrete industry faces growing competition from alternative building materials, such as steel and timber, amongst others.
To remain competitive, the RMX concrete industry must leverage digital technology to improve its efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of its products.
In this edition of Built For All, we’re excited to spotlight Siham MdarhriAlaoui, H&S Coordinator, ECAN. In our conversation, Siham shares insights into her journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and the strategies that have fueled their contributions to ECAN.
[Anna Salomao] Hi Siham, thanks for agreeing to chat
with us. Let’s jump right in. Can you share a bit about your background and your experience working at Lafarge Morocco? What were your main responsibilities there?
[Siham Mdarhri-Alaoui] I have a master degree in engineering from ARTS et METIERS ParisTech, and a Master degree in Occupa-
tional Health and Safety from Mines ParisTech, both from France.
I worked at Lafarge Morocco for more than 5 years as Corporate H&S coordinator in charge of deploying the Group’s Health & Safety Standards, H&S training matrix, among other responsibilities.
GET TO KNOW SIHAM MDARHRI-ALAOUI, H&S COORDINATOR, ECAN
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Reducing CO2 in Aggregate Trucking: A Natural Outcome of an effi cient Supply Chain
By Mark Lambie, Director, Supply Chain and Logistics, Aggregates, ECAN
For the past 16 years, I’ve been in the construction materials industry, witnessing a significant shift towards more sustainable solutions, such as recycled content usage, and exploration of alternative energy sources. A lot of those “greener solutions” have viable long-term prospects to reduce CO2 emissions or increased re-use of waste products (eg. Carbon Capture, Lowcarbon Fuels) but those solutions often require massive capital investment, with low-returns.
The challenge is that most of the current technological advancements in sustainability often come with steep upfront costs, making them capital intensive for producers while exceeding what consumers are typically willing to pay. Yet, despite these short-term market inefficiencies, it’s crucial to continue pushing forward on this transformative path. But there’s one aspect of our supply chain, where lowering CO2 impact, can be just a coincidental byproduct of good business. That is Aggregate Logistics.
In the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area (GTHA),
over 99% of “last-mile delivery” of stone, sand, and gravel relies on road transportation by trucks. Annually, the region consumes more than 2 million truckloads of aggregate (+75 million tonnes) and with close-tomarket aggregate reserves dwindling, aggregate is being trucked from greater distances.
READ FULL ARTICLE AND THE FRENCH VERSION
Pioneering Sustainability: 30 Years of Tire Recycling at St. Constant Cement Plant
At the St. Constant Cement Plant in Quebec, Lafarge and Geocycle have been leading the way in sustainable practices since 1994 through their involvement in the RecycQuébec initiative.
For three decades, the plant has played a crucial role in tire recycling, repurposing over 36 million scrap tires as an alternative to fossil fuels. This innovative approach has not only addressed the growing challenge of waste tire disposal but has also significantly reduced the plant’s carbon footprint.
Redefining Barrie’s Skyline: The Debut Condos Experience
Barrie has witnessed a transformative skyline enhancement with the completion of the Début Condos’ inaugural 33-story tower. We are proud to be at the heart of this venture by providing our HighPerformance concrete that forms the backbone of this iconic new landmark.
A Testament to Innovation and Partnership
The project,
spearheaded by Barrie Waterfront Developments, showcases what is possible when innovative design meets state-of-the-art materials. As the tallest building in Barrie, Début Condos offer residents an unmatched living experience, with future phases already in the pipeline. Lafarge Canada’s ongoing partnership ensures that the structural integrity and visionary design of this project continue
to push architectural boundaries.
“At Lafarge Canada, we see our involvement in the Début Condo project as a reflection of our commitment to building sustainable and resilient communities,” said Grayham Thomson, Southwest Ontario General Manager, Ready Mix, Lafarge Canada (East).
We had the opportunity to talk to Valerio Naso, RMX Sales Rep, ECAN, and learn more about his career in the construction industry and at Lafarge in Montreal. Check out his interview below:
[Anna Salomao] Hi Valerio, thanks for making the time to speak to us. Could you tell us a bit about your background and how you started in sales?
[Valerio Naso] Sure, I have a Civil Tech degree and a Construction Management certificate that I did in
ETS University. Initially, I worked on different projects, mainly highways and civil structures. About 25 years ago - wow it’s been a while - a sales manager called me and since we had been interacting often, he asked me if I ever wanted to be in sales - I said yes. My main advantage is that I speak three languages fluently and I’ve always liked to sell and negotiate. Since then, my professional path has been as a sales rep in raw materials. Through time, I represented concrete,
aggregates, asphalt and soils disposal sales.
[AS] Quite a career. How long have you been with us, and what changes have you noticed in the sales landscape during that time?
[VN] I joined Lafarge in 2022 and since then, I’d say younger generations have come on board, the concrete mixes are a bit more complex than before - there’s a lot of admixtures that are available and that you have to be aware of.
PRESS PULSE
First Carbon Smart Design collaboration using advanced concrete mixed design technology in Downtown Toronto
O n November 27, Lafarge ECAN and Innocon announced a pioneering collaboration with The Daniels Corporation driving sustainable construction by leveraging carbon smart design principles and optimizing concrete mix designs at the Daniels on Parliament development located in downtown Toronto.
This landmark project involves the use of approximately 31,000 cubic meters of ECOPact® concrete, covering an industry-leading 75% of the project’s concrete requirement.
As a result, the collaboration is projected to reduce the building’s embodied carbon footprint by up to 25% compared to standard concrete .
Read the full article on our website
Show your support
On October 31, ABB issued a press release about the fact that they were selected to update the process control system at our Bath Cement Plant. This modernization marks another key step in our commitment to decarbonizing our operations.
• ABB will supply, commission, and support its distributed control
system, providing operators with enhanced visibility and control over processes. ABB to supply, commission and support new and advanced plant process controls for Lafarge Bath Cement Plant in Kingston, Ontario.
• System to aid in company-wide digitalization efforts to reduce emissions.
• Plant operators to gain enhanced visibility and control over the low-carbon cement production with the help of ABB’s technology.
LAFARGE selects
ABB to modernize cement plant operations for more sustainable production
BUILDING COMMUNITIES: Lafarge supports Tiny Hope housing Project
Lafarge Canada is proud to announce its commitment to donate up to $55,000 worth of ECOPact® low-carbon concrete to the Tiny Hope housing project in St. Thomas, Ontario, spearheaded by the local YMCA. This meaningful collaboration underscores Lafarge’s dedication to creating sustainable
communities and supporting initiatives that provide safe, inclusive, and affordable housing.
The Tiny Hope project is a transformative housing initiative that brings together multiple partners to address the growing need for affordable rental options in the community. Once completed, the
development will feature 40 rental units, designed to accommodate a diverse group of residents, including adults, youth, and families from various backgrounds. Beyond providing shelter, the project is envisioned to foster a strong sense of belonging, offering residents the stability and support needed to thrive.
ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY: Relocating Blanding Turtles
Our Coldwater Quarry teams have successfully been working on a project to relocate Blanding Turtles in partnership with the Ontarian MECP. The Operations and Land Teams educate employees on what to do if a turtle is sighted and on measures to mitigate harm to the threatened species. The turtles are safely transported to a nearby wetland area, chosen for its high-quality habitat properties.
“The Lafarge staff at the Coldwater Quarry has been very diligent, ever since the Endangered Species Act came into effect in 2007, to keep an eye out for any turtles on site, to educate local staff yearly on how to identify and what to do if one is sighted, to put signage up to advise any visitors of their presence and to put in place measures to mitigate any harm to the species,” explains Mal Wensierski, senior land manager with Lafarge Canada (East) – West GTA.
Through careful planning and collaboration, ECAN protects endangered Blanding’s Turtles while meeting operational needs. This commitment to sustainability highlights the role businesses can play in preserving biodiversity for future generations.
CLEANING UP THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER: Every
tire counts!
Over the past few weeks, the Aqua Sub Terra team, led by explorer and filmmaker Nathalie Lasselin, explored the bottom of the St. Lawrence River at the Beauharnois marina in the Montérégie region of Québec.
Volunteer divers were tasked with removing hundreds of scrap tires from the river that had been polluting it for over
30 years.
Lafarge Canada and Geocycle Canada collaborated with Aqua Sub Terra, donating $10,000 and mobilizing volunteer employees from the Saint-Constant cement plant to help remove and dispose of scrap tires for reuse. The team even built a tool to remove several attached tires at once from the bottom of the water, once
near the marina. This tool will come in very handy for Nathalie and her team in the future.
We’re proud to have supported this impactful initiative to protect water and underground resources and to raise public awareness. Thank you to everyone involved for your participation!
CEO AWAR D S2024 Q3 RECIPIENTS
Dear colleagues,
Join us in celebrating the exceptional achievements of our CEO Awards recipients in Eastern Canada! Their dedication and hard work have made a difference, driving progress and innovation within our organization.
Congratulations to each recipient – your contributions are valued and appreciated.
2024 Q3 CEO Awards
Recipients are: Stéphane Simard - Senior Human Resources Manager, Laval, Shawn Fujioka - Employee and Labour Relations Manager, Airport Road, Rodney Beairsto - Maintenance Inspector, Dundas, and Daniel CoxProduction Supervisor, Bath
David Redfern President & CEO, Eastern Canada
The Effect A: Empowering women’s ambition
and leadership
As part of Women’s History Month’s celebrations, we were proud to highlight our partnership with The A Effect in October, an initiative aimed at supporting women’s ambition and leadership, as well as companies committed to having a positive impact on their career trajectory.
In 2021, Lafarge and The A Effect began a learning partnership to advance women’s career through their development journey. To date, close to 40 women have completed The
Ambition Challenge or Défi A. We currently have colleagues participating in their newest program - the Leadership Challenge.
Read the full article and the French version on Connect.
CELEBRATING DIWALI
The IDEAL Committee organized a memorable celebration gathering over 80 colleagues to embrace the spirit of Diwali!
The festivities included a dance performance, a diya (clay lamps) painting competition, and education materials that explored the significance of the festival and its various traditions.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian
communities around the world. It is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” and signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The name “Deepavali” comes from the Sanskrit words deepa (lamp) and avali (row), meaning “row of lights.”
Traditions:
• Lighting oil lamps (diyas) and candles to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
• Decorating homes with rangoli (colorful designs made with powders, flowers, or rice).
• Bursting fireworks and crackers.
• Exchanging gifts and sweets with family and friends.
• Preparing festive meals and snacks.
Cultural and Economic Impact:
• Diwali marks the start of a new financial year for many Indian businesses.
• It is a time for giving, charity, and strengthening community bonds. The exact date of Diwali is based on the Hindu lunar calendar and typically falls between October and November. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on November 1st (main day).
Harnessing Cognitive Diversity
Our colleague Danny Luong, Performance Manager, Aggregates, and member of the IDEAL Committee, dived into this concept which refers to the different ways individuals think, problem-solve, and process information.
By harnessing diverse cognitive styles, Danny Luong, Performance Manager, Aggregates, ECAN organizations can approach complex problems from multiple angles, leading to innovative solutions. Check out his article below:
In today’s fast-paced, innovation-driven world, cognitive diversity has become an essential asset for thriving organizations. Beyond ethnic and cultural
Image caption here
diversity, cognitive diversity refers to differences in the way individuals think, problem-solve, and process information. This could include analytical versus intuitive thinking or methodical versus creative approaches. By harnessing these diverse cognitive styles, organizations can approach complex problems from multiple angles, leading to more innovative solutions.
Cognitive diversity offers several benefits. When teams are composed of people with different thinking styles, they are more likely to challenge conventional wisdom, question assumptions, and develop novel solutions.
READ FULL ARTICLE AND THE FRENCH VERSION
MOVEMBER
Global movement held annually during the month of November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues.
Movember is a global movement held annually during the month of November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues. The name combines “mo” (slang for mustache) and “November.” Participants, known join the campaign to support causes such as mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
Awareness Focus Areas:
• Prostate Cancer: Early detection, research, and support for men living with the disease.
• Testicular Cancer:
Raising awareness about this common
cancer in young men.
• Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: Encouraging open discussions and providing resources to prevent suicide among men.
In recognition of men’s Mental Health Awareness, we sat down with Marc St-Laurent, Site Supervisor at our Montreal-East Plant, who shared an honest,
funny, and vulnerable perspective on mental health. Marc talks about the pressures many face in this industry, his journey to recognizing mental strain, and how he prioritizes his wellbeing.
Watch his video and join the conversation on LinkedIn.
Join us for a special Meet & Greet session with Jaime Hill , North America Region Head, on December 16th at the Airport Road offi ce. It will be a great opportunity to connect with Jaime and learn about his vision, and gain valuable insights into his priorities for our region.
For more information, reach out to anna.salomao@lafarge.com
We look forward to seeing you on the 16th.
ALLYSHIP EXCELLENCE
AWARD: David Kelly
Congrats to David Kelly, winner of the Allyship Excellence Award!
David Kelly, President, Innocon, was awarded the Allyship Excellence Award from the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada, recognizing male allies committed to the inclusion of women in trucking. David works actively to make the industry more welcoming for women. Let’s remember we all have a role to play in advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging!
Celebrating the success of our 2023/2024 LLDP Cohort
For over 12 years, the Lafarge Leadership Development Program (LLDP) has served as an impactful platform, empowering young talent from diverse Product Lines and Functions across ECAN to create their own career paths at Lafarge.
We are excited to announce that the 2023/2024 LLDP Cohort Graduation will be held in December at our Airport Rd Office. We invite all colleagues to join us in celebrating their achievements. The graduates
will be showcasing their Capstone Projects rooted in sustainable practices. This is a great opportunity to meet them, learn from their insights, and engage in meaningful discussions.
Date: December 4th
Time: 10-11:30am ET
Location: Airport Road Office
RISE TO NEW HEIGHTS
Discover the spotlight on Mark-André Grenier, GM, WCAN, and check out the impactful community initiatives led by our colleagues across North America.
Don’t miss the chance to engage in our quiz and answer questions for a chance to win a prize!
Visit the website.
