French construction giant Bouygues and German chemicals conglomerate BASF have teamed up to break new ground in sustainable building products and services.
The framework cooperation agreement signed this week, on 7 October, sees the two working together on designing "the buildings and neighbourhoods of tomorrow" and testing "the materials of the future", a statement said.
The partnership will tap into BASF’s annual R&D budget of over $700m devoted to energy efficiency and controlling climate change.
"The building sector has to face a complex challenge which, thanks to innovation, will conciliate energy efficiency, optimal cost and high quality architecture," said Olivier Homolle, president of BASF France. "This is the challenge we have to face with Bouygues Construction. By signing this agreement, BASF reaffirms its support to develop this strategic sector in France and Europe."
Yves Gabriel (pictured), president and CEO of Bouygues Construction, added: "In a world which is increasingly interconnected and changing more quickly than ever before, Bouygues Construction is putting open innovation at the heart of its strategy and is developing partnerships with businesses, universities and organizations whose expertise complements our own."Â
Bouygues’ director of innovation and sustainable construction, Philippe Van de Maele, said the partnership would "help create structures which respect the environment more and which are more comfortable for their daily users."
