Lafarge, the world leader in building materials, has launched the Lafarge Invention Awards 2010 to reward inventive European R&D projects related to building materials (aggregates, cement, concrete and gypsum) and that contribute to sustainable construction.



Projects submitted should involve a new product, industrial process, construction method or service, and be based on an invention less than five years old.

Researchers, entrepreneurs, inventors, academics or members of a research team have until October 15, 2010 to submit their entries, via a secure website www.lafarge-inventionawards.com.



A panel made up of Lafarge executives and renowned economic and scientific experts will select 3 winners from 10 finalists. Each winner will receive a prize of EUR20,000 and will benefit from Lafarge support to set up an action plan to develop his/her project.



Lafarge is strongly committed to promoting sustainable construction and devotes more than 50% of its annual research budget to issues such as carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency, more efficient use of natural resources and building systems. The Group has a long history of working in partnership with outside experts on these subjects and this is
why it is launching the Lafarge Invention Awards: to reward and accompany the most inventive projects in to sustainable construction.