The general director of Saint-Gobain, guest of“ Business spirit »on Le Figaro TV, believes that the construction situation remains difficult but that “ the worst is behind us “.
Saint-Gobain is resisting the construction gap. “ The economic situation remains difficult with a contrast between the marked contraction of new construction in Europe, and good growth in areas such as North America and Asia.affirmed Benoît Bazin, the general director of the global giant of materials and products for construction on the set of “Esprit d’entreprise”, the economic program of the channel Le Figaro TV. However, we believe that the worst is behind us, with encouraging signs such as the resumption of real estate loans since the beginning of the year. » As an industrialist, the oldest group of the CAC 40, born four centuries ago, however, still has to juggle with the volatility of energy prices. “ We’ve had a bit of a blast these last few months : energy costs have fallen by around 20 % to 30 % compared to the last two years », specifies Benoît Bazin. Faced with the increase in prices planned by EDF, which could in the future sell its electricity at 70 euros per MWh instead of 42 euros in recent years, the manager hopes “ find a balance so that the industry in France remains competitive ». “ We have just started discussions with EDF, with a need for visibility, particularly through long-term contracts. »
Over the past five years, Saint-Gobain has made 10 billion euros of acquisitions to expand internationally and in construction chemicals, which has become a strong area of development. This specialty covers elements and additives which make it possible, for example, to decarbonize concrete and cement, “ while the construction represents nearly 40 % of CO emissions2 on the planet »recalls Benoît Bazin, at the head of 160,000 employees across seventy-six countries.
“Marshall Housing Plan”
As for the energy renovation of buildings in France, the main public aid scheme for individuals MaPrimeRénov’, whose budget was recently cut by 1 billion euros by Bercy, has experienced some hiccups. “ The decarbonization of buildings is a very vast subject that will occupy us for thirty years. It’s normal that at startup there are a few adjustments, believes Benoit Bazin, who welcomes an ambitious system. These mechanisms must, however, be made more visible and simple for households. » From May 15, MaPrimeRénov’ will also be able to finance a “monogesture” (insulating a window for example) and no longer just a complete renovation of the home. “ The ecological transition must be socially just, so that low-income households are not suffocated »adds Benoît Bazin, who defends the idea of a “ great Marshall housing plan » to eradicate the 5 million thermal strainers in France. And, in the process, alleviate the shortage of rentals in the country.
Faced with the problem of deindustrialization, Benoît Bazin pleads for “ a competitive French framework in terms of labor costs and taxation, infrastructure, energy and education to train the youngest ». He also recommends “ bring mathematics and scientific education back to the forefront ». To his eyes, “ industry is essential to our democracy, because it is a social elevator that makes a country’s middle class ». Is Europe doing enough to defend its companies against world powers? “ We could do much more to protect ourselves against the United States and China, by applying the rules of reciprocitybelieves Benoît Bazin. We need to change a certain number of relatively technocratic decision-making : for example, there is no need for four years of investigation to ensure that, when there is anti-dumping, measures are taken. The Americans do it in three months… » The leader is in favor of the establishment of European mechanisms “ more open and pragmatic to have a sovereign industry ».
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, of which it is an official partner, Saint-Gobain finally intends to put its technologies at the service of the Olympic Village in the construction of facades, glazing and even removable partitions. The group also sponsors seven Olympic and Paralympic athletes, headed by former Olympic handball champion, Luc Abalo.
