In the heart of Singapore, a global giant in sustainable construction is marking a monumental milestone: Saint-Gobain is celebrating 360 years of innovation. This isn’t just a birthday; it’s a testament to a legacy that has shaped the way we build and live. The company’s ‘360 Years Young’ campaign is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action, a commitment to driving the green building revolution forward.
Saint-Gobain’s journey in Singapore began in the 1980s, and since then, the company has been instrumental in advancing the city-state’s green building initiatives. With a strong focus on cutting-edge materials and nurturing startups through its venture capital arm, NOVA, Saint-Gobain has been a driving force behind Singapore’s sustainable construction landscape. The company’s innovative products and solutions have been integral to iconic projects like Bird Paradise, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the recently launched Rainforest Wild Asia. These projects are not just architectural marvels; they are living examples of Saint-Gobain’s commitment to sustainability and performance.
The number 360 is more than just a number for Saint-Gobain; it represents a 360-degree approach to developing high-performance, environmentally friendly solutions. This holistic view encompasses everything from material innovation to industrial process optimization. Lynette Siow, CEO of Saint-Gobain Singapore & Malaysia, emphasizes this comprehensive approach: “At 360 years young, Saint-Gobain continues to be driven by a pioneering and innovative mindset. We are singularly focused on building better for people and the planet with circularity, decarbonisation and reducing environmental impact at the core of everything we do.”
The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its recent gala night, held at the JW Marriott Singapore. The event, attended by 260 partners, team members, and customers, reinforced Saint-Gobain’s dedication to building a healthier, fairer, and more inclusive world. The gala also marked the company’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050—a bold target that aligns with global sustainability efforts.
Saint-Gobain’s presence in Singapore is bolstered by its recent acquisition of FOSROC, a leading construction chemicals company in Asia and emerging markets. This acquisition expands Saint-Gobain’s portfolio to include cement additives and grinding aids, further solidifying its position as a global leader in light and sustainable construction. The company’s 12 business units in Singapore deliver comprehensive solutions for energy-efficient buildings, healthier living spaces, and industrial decarbonisation, aligning with Singapore’s Green Mark Certification and 2030 Green Plan.
The company’s investment in research and development has been significant, with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint of its products. By utilising renewable energy and low-carbon raw materials, Saint-Gobain has lowered its overall footprint by 20-25%. This commitment to sustainability extends to incorporating 30% recycled content in its packaging and implementing circularity projects to reduce reliance on virgin raw materials. Additionally, Saint-Gobain offers low-volatile organic compound (VOC) paint and coatings, further enhancing its sustainability credentials.
Looking ahead, Saint-Gobain plans to expand its collaborations with Singaporean universities and government institutions. The company aims to support the nation’s ambitious sustainability targets through its net-zero carbon roadmap. This includes partnerships with the Singapore Green Building Council and the Building and Construction Authority, as well as continued support for local startups and researchers.
Through its venture capital and open innovation arm, NOVA, Saint-Gobain is actively shaping Singapore’s construction technology landscape. NOVA invests in and partners with promising early-stage startups focused on sustainable building materials, circular economy solutions, and construction productivity tools. Successful startups in NOVA’s portfolio include Livspace, a tech-driven interior design platform, and C-Cube, which specialises in modular construction solutions. NOVA’s collaborations extend to initiatives like the Sustainability Open Innovation Program with Enterprise Singapore and strategic partnerships with smart construction solutions providers like DaFang AI.
Saint-Gobain’s commitment to innovation is further evidenced by its participation in the 2024 CapitaLand Sustainability X Challenge, where it served as a platinum partner and domain expert judge. The company evaluated breakthrough solutions for construction decarbonisation and building wellness, underscoring its role as a leader in sustainable construction.
Lynette Siow highlights the opportunities presented by Singapore’s dynamic innovation ecosystem: “Singapore’s dynamic innovation ecosystem and commitment to green infrastructures present tremendous opportunities to be at the forefront of sustainable construction. As we celebrate 360 years of global expertise, we’re doubling down on our commitment to partner with local startups, researchers and developers to build Singapore’s greener future.”
As Saint-Gobain celebrates its 360th anniversary