VINCI and ParisTech establish first chair in the eco-design of building complexes and infrastructure

4 November 2008 - Sustainability - France

VINCI and ParisTech, a cluster of research and higher education institutes, have signed a long-term partnership agreement for the eco-design of building complexes and infrastructure.

The partnership has established a chair supported by three ParisTech Graduate Schools of Engineering, namely MINES ParisTech, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech and AgroParisTech. Its aim is to drive science forward, in particular by creating benchmark measuring systems such as labels and eco-assessment tools, and by making these available to people involved in urban life and development (designers, constructors and users). The chair combines, for the first time, the know-how of VINCI, the world’s leading concession and construction group, with the complementary expertise of three prestigious engineering schools. The priority areas for the chair are eco-communities, the rehabilitation of building complexes, life cycle analysis of materials, biodiversity and sustainable mobility.

VINCI will finance the chair in the amount of €3 million over five years. In addition, its subsidiaries will serve as field trials, propose pilot sites, and accommodate researchers and trainees. Group employees will also participate in the design of modules for students.

With the chair in eco-design, VINCI is creating a new model of cooperation between the corporate world and academic research. It is also sending out a strong signal in terms of eco-urban development.

For the three ParisTech Graduate Schools of Engineering, the chair is an opportunity to work together to develop research and teaching in this field, as well as to increase ParisTech’s visibility, especially outside France, through visiting professors, student exchanges, the organisation of international seminars and so on.

 

About VINCI
VINCI is a global player in concessions, energy and construction, employing 280,000 people in more than 120 countries. We design, finance, build and operate infrastructure and facilities that help improve daily life and mobility for all. Because we believe in all-round performance, we are committed to operating in an environmentally, socially responsible and ethical manner. And because our projects are in the public interest, we consider that reaching out to all our stakeholders and engaging in dialogue with them is essential in the conduct of our business activities. Based on that approach, VINCI’s ambition is to create long-term value for its customers, shareholders, employees, partners and society in general.