A large building in the background
Business,

LafargeHolcim informed of Lafarge SA being placed under investigation in France

Today, the examining magistrates in Paris, France, presiding over the case relating to the operation of the Jalabiya cement plant in Syria by Lafarge Cement Syria between 2011 and 2014 have decided to put the company Lafarge SA under investigation.

The legal charges put forward against individual wrongdoings which occurred in the former Syria operations of Lafarge Cement Syria, a subsidiary of Lafarge SA have been received. Bar the qualification of the charges, the placement of Lafarge SA under judicial investigation was expected given that several of its former managers have previously been placed under judicial investigation.

Whilst admitting that the system of supervision of its Syrian subsidiary did not allow the company to identify wrongdoings at the level of this subsidiary, which were the result of an unprecedented violation of internal regulations and compliance rules by a small group of individuals who have left the group, Lafarge SA will appeal against those charges which do not fairly represent the responsibilities of Lafarge SA.

The Chairman of the Board of LafargeHolcim, parent company of Lafarge SA, Mr. Beat Hess, said: “We truly regret what has happened in the Syria subsidiary and after learning about it took immediate and firm actions. None of the individuals put under investigation is today with the company.

Beat Hess: “LafargeHolcim was formed in 2015 out of two proud champions, each with a tradition reaching back over 100 years. Prior to the merger the Lafarge Group had a comprehensive compliance program which was breached. We have further strengthened the compliance program and culture since the merger, to make sure that similar mistakes will not happen again. I believe our compliance culture is strong through our entire Group and with our dedicated employees we will overcome individual wrongdoings.”

As soon as LafargeHolcim became aware of the irregularities that occurred in Syria, the Board of Directors in 2016 commissioned an investigation which was undertaken by independent external legal advisers experienced in complex international investigations. The main findings of this investigation were made public in April 2017 and revealed that the local company provided funds to third parties to work out arrangements with a number of armed groups, which included sanctioned parties.

This report and more than 260,000 documents collected for the investigation were handed over to the French authorities and are essential to the case. On several occasions, including today before the examining magistrates, the Company confirmed that unacceptable individual errors were made in Syria until the site was evacuated in September 2014, which it firmly regrets. The company will continue to fully cooperate with the legal authorities in this case.

A castle with a clock at the top of a building
Construction,

Special concrete and tailor-made solutions from LafargeHolcim for Switzerland’s highest building

  • Start of delivery for ultra-high performance concrete for second Roche Tower in Basel
  • Construction will be Switzerland’s highest building as of 2022
  • New project win for LafargeHolcim following successful participation in first Roche Tower

LafargeHolcim has started delivering the first materials for the construction of the second Roche Tower (Building 2) in Basel. The company is offering an integrated solution of different materials such as ultra-high performance concrete and services that were specifically designed for the challenging construction. Essential for high-rises, the solutions from LafargeHolcim guarantee high-compressive strength and low hydration heat of the concrete used for the massive foundation and core walls – a key requirement to prevent cracks and save on construction costs to avoid additional cooling. For the project, LafargeHolcim is capitalizing on its successful contract for the first Roche Tower (Building 1) and its extensive track-record in making sophisticated high-rise buildings possible.

Marcel Cobuz, Region Head Europe, said: “We are proud to lend our experience to this landmark building. Our Swiss technical teams have developed special concrete and two tailor-made cements to turn the tapered architectural vision of architects Herzog & de Meuron into reality. Our specially developed cements are not only performance optimized but also reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30 percent compared to traditional Portland cement.”

Construction is taking place in a densely populated urban environment, so state-of-the-art logistics also play an important role for the success of the landmark project. LafargeHolcim is using locally produced building materials as both the cement and the aggregates are delivered from its plants close to the construction site. The tailor-made production planning allows for just-in-time rail delivery of large amounts of material as close to the construction site as possible. Shortening the transport distance also helps minimize CO2 emissions.

In addition, employees and builders on site as well as the residents of the local neighborhood benefit from the strong health and safety focus of LafargeHolcim. The company has introduced a range of measures to reduce noise during transport and application of its products, including a special plastic coating for the trailers of its gravel trucks to ensure a quieter discharging process.

Highest building in Switzerland as of 2022

Upon completion in 2022, the tower will be the highlight of Basel’s skyline and Switzerland’s highest building, at 205 meters and 50 floors. Holcim Switzerland, LafargeHolcim’s local company, together with contractor Marti AG, has developed an integrated concept that fulfils the customer’s strong quality and sustainability requirements.

Extensive experience with high-rise constructions

Solutions from LafargeHolcim have played an important role for the construction of many other high-rise projects. In Switzerland, the company delivered materials for the Prime Tower in Zurich, the country’s highest building until the opening of the first Roche Tower. In London, LafargeHolcim delivered its particularly light concrete for 70 St Mary Axe, the latest high-rise project in the City, due to be completed by the end of the year.

About LafargeHolcim

LafargeHolcim is the leading global building materials and solutions company serving masons, builders, architects and engineers all over the world. Group operations produce cement, aggregates and ready-mix concrete which are used in building projects ranging from affordable housing and small, local projects to the biggest, most technically and architecturally challenging infrastructure projects. As urbanization increasingly impacts people and the planet, the Group provides innovative products and building solutions with a clear commitment to social and environmental sustainability. With leading positions in all regions, LafargeHolcim employs approximately 80,000 employees in around 80 countries and has a portfolio that is equally balanced between developing and mature markets.

Follow us on Twitter @LafargeHolcim

About Holcim (Schweiz) AG

Holcim (Schweiz) AG is one of Switzerland’s key building material suppliers and a company of the global LafargeHolcim Ltd Group. Its core business is the production of cement, gravel and concrete as well as related services. The company has around 1 200 employees at 55 sites and operates 3 cement, 16 gravel and 36 concrete plants. With a strong local foothold, Holcim Schweiz is able to meet customer demands in a fast, flexible and individual way and develop tailor-made solutions for buildings and infrastructure.

Our global network, extensive experience and high quality standards make us a state-of-the-art company and preferred supplier of building materials. We consider ourselves an industry leader in sustainable construction solutions and innovation and a fair employer that is committed to the safety of our employees and welcomes diversity.

Holcim Schweiz is committed to the thoughtful use of natural resources along the entire value chain. Wherever possible the company uses alternative raw materials and fuels and supports the use of products with an improved environmental footprint.

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Outdoor,

What You Need To Survive In The Wild

When you’re out in the wild, it’s important to be prepared for anything with the right equipment such as rescue knives from  https://uppercuttactical.com/collections/rescue-knives. The right gear can make a big difference in your life.

The essentials of survival are food, water, shelter, warmth and safety. This pocket-sized guide will teach you how to survive in the wild.

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Shelter

Shelter is an additional survival priority that can make the difference between life or death. It can protect you from the sun, wind, rain, snow, or hot and cold temperatures.

It doesn’t really matter if your level of experience is advanced or beginner. You need to know how to construct and use a survival shelter. You may not be able to survive for more than a few hours in the wilderness before you are exposed to the elements.

Shelters can be made from a variety natural materials. These can include dead sticks, leaves, grasses, and reeds.

The first step in creating shelter is to find a suitable place. You should choose a location that is dry and away from any potential dangers like falling branches, pooling water, or insect nests.

Once you find a good location, the next step is to begin construction of your shelter. This is a very important part of the process and should be done properly to ensure you get the best result possible.

First, build a rectangular frame using logs. Then fill it with debris such pine branches or dried leaf. This will create insulation that will keep your body heat from being transferred to the ground and will keep you warm in your shelter.

Next, construct the walls of your shelter with wood. Make sure you leave enough space for the roof, and that the ridge pole can stand on a large log or rock. This will make the shelter more spacious and more sturdy.

The roof should be thatched in order to trap warm air and prevent it escaping through small gaps. This will keep you warm and will also keep you well-insulated. And to have the fund in case of emergencies, you might want to consider playing some fun and interactive sports betting games via Betend.

In addition to protecting you from the elements, a shelter can also be used as a place to relax and unwind. A safe and comfortable place to rest can help you to stay calm and energized in the face of disaster.

Water

Water is the most essential thing you need to survive in wilderness. Water is easily found in many locations, so you can depend on it to keep you hydrated.

Whether you are a professional bushcrafter or just a weekend hiker, finding and sustaining a source of water is a must in the outdoors. A lack of water can result in serious health problems, and if you’re in a survival situation, having access to clean, fresh water is key for a quick recovery.

There are many ways to find water. These include following game trails or finding water downhill. You can also observe animal behavior and watch for insect swarms. In the desert, watching bird behavior especially can lead to finding water, as they flock towards sources of moisture.

It is also a good idea to check the weather, especially during hot and dry times. Rainwater, sleet and snow are all good sources of water that will keep you hydrated.

Another surefire way to find water is by looking for green plants and grasses. Usually, when you see green plants in dry areas, there is water nearby and it is easy to collect.

Be careful when scouting the area, though, as animals can stray far from water if they are trying to avoid a drought or if they are hunting prey. You should look for a trail that runs along a slope or two that connects, and then follow it.

You should also be aware of the possibility that even pure water can be contaminated by pathogens. There are many different options available for treating your water, including filters, potable filtration systems, and purifiers.

Food

Food is a basic necessity for survival in the outdoors. It provides energy, nutrients, and protein to maintain a healthy body and allow you to function in emergency situations. It is also important for long-term health and survival.

Beans and other legumes are a good source of protein. They are easy to cook and provide a complete nutritional profile, plus they have a very long shelf life when stored properly. They can be an excellent choice for a survival food pack, especially if you are trying to limit the amount of water you need to carry and can be eaten on their own or mixed with other types of edibles like dried fruits or vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and starchy carbs, which can help you feel fuller. They are also a great source of fibre, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Dairy products provide protein as well as calcium, and other essential vitamins. If possible, choose low-fat, low-sugar dairy products. The NHS recommends a balanced diet with low levels of saturated fat, salt, added sugar, and some fruits and veggies as part of your daily intake.

Wild plants are also a great source of food. They are often plentiful and nutrient rich, making them a good source for calories and protein for outdoor survival. They can also serve as shelter, which is a vital survival skill.

Hunting for food is a very popular and often necessary survival skill, but it should be done sparingly and carefully. Hunting can be very energy-intensive and you might not be able harvest all you need. This can lead to a depleted food supply.

First Aid

First aid is an essential skill for outdoor survival. It doesn’t matter if you are an expert or a beginner, it is crucial to be able to respond to injuries.

It is important that you remember that most first aid emergencies can happen without warning. For example, a simple injury or sprain could become serious and require emergency medical care. Even if your hiking experience is long, there are always chances of getting hurt on your hike.

When a person is injured, they may need to stay in the area and wait for help to arrive. The person will need shelter until help arrives.

Some people find this to mean sleeping in a tent with improvised resources to help them treat their injuries. A t-shirt or shirt can be used as a bandage, and branches can be used for splinting broken bones.

Providing basic care, such as applying pressure to the wound or keeping the patient warm, will ensure that the person recovers in the short term and is more comfortable when they return home. It can also prevent the wound from getting worse, which can be dangerous in remote areas and can lead to hypothermia.

A good wilderness first aid course will also teach you how to prepare a shelter and create an escape plan for your trip. An escape plan is a great way to save your life if you get lost or stranded out in the wilderness.

Real Estate,

All you need to know about buying real estate

It can be stressful to buy a home. Although some details may seem different, the fundamental process of buying a home is the same. Knowing the best steps to take can help you achieve your goals and make your dreams come true. Whether you are in the market for a home or already own one, here are some of the key points you should always keep in mind. These key points will make the process go much smoother and will ultimately lead to happier home purchases.

buyer’s agents

First, be realistic about your expectations regarding your home search. People have a tendency not to negotiate and look for low interest rates and deals. It is important to have a realistic strategy when shopping for a house. Don’t let realtors or lenders trap you. While it may be tempting to try to bargain for lower prices, remember that in most cases, buyers will not be able to afford these inflated rates. This is not the way to go. You could end up paying thousands or even thousands more. If you ignore the advice of professionals and do not negotiate a fair deal, you will be setting yourself up to have problems in the future.

Another key point that many people miss is using the services of a qualified real estate agent. While a realtor will be able to give you information on available homes, they will also be able to provide you with options within a price range that is right for your needs. Having buyer’s agents by your side during your buying process can truly help you achieve the results you are hoping for. They can help you find a home within your budget and make sure you are getting a fair deal.

The issue of financing is often overlooked when purchasing a home. In today’s economy, many people have been affected by the loss of their jobs or have had to accept unemployment benefits because of the recent economic downturn. While you may have never experienced a shortage of funds before in your life, you are suddenly faced with a cash shortage that could potentially prevent you from buying a home. Before you sign a deal, make sure you review your finances and decide how much monthly mortgage payments you can afford.

The process of actually applying for a loan can also be difficult for many buyers. Although there are many lenders and payment plans for mortgages available, getting pre-approved can be difficult and time-consuming. If you are looking at buying a house but know you don’t have enough income to qualify for a conventional mortgage, you may want to consider getting pre-approved for a VA or FHA loan instead. Both these types of loans require less than a 20 percent down payment, so your interest rates are often lower than they would be with a traditional loan.

Agents often encourage clients to get preapproved so that they can quickly complete the paperwork associated with the purchase. This is a good idea for those who aren’t familiar with the buying process but not for first-time buyers. This is because many financial lenders will require that you have equity in your home before they will lend you money. If you don’t have this secured equity built up before purchasing your new home, you may find yourself unable to obtain financing. Real estate agents might be able help buyers get financing. However, they are not experts in the real estate market. They won’t have the same access to information and resources as lenders. This is why you should avoid them unless your have significant funds to invest in your new house.

Business,

How to choose a cleaning service

Finding a good cleaner is not an easy task. Many small businesses don’t have websites, however you should ensure that the company you choose has an online presence. It should be easy to add or subtract services as your needs change. You should also have the ability to customize your package. Some companies have online profiles and can be easily found by doing a simple search.

Deep Cleaning Services NYC

It’s important that you make a list and compare prices to find a reliable cleaning company. Some services charge fixed prices, while others charge by the job. Ask for a personalized quote if you are hiring a company for your first time. This will save you time and money, and help you find cleaners at a lower cost than other local companies. Moreover, most services also offer other services like disinfecting and fumigating to ensure that your office is free from harmful agents.

It is important to consider the pricing structure when choosing a cleaning service. Most companies charge an hourly rate. The rates will vary depending on how many people they are working with. For example, if you hire two people, expect to pay $20 for two hours of work. You should also consider the cost per square foot. If you aren’t sure how much each square foot will cost, you can negotiate a price that works for both you as well as the cleaning company.

Deep Cleaning Services NYC provide you deep cleaning and great customer service. You should ensure that you choose a company that offers quality services at a fair price when you’re looking for a cleaning service. Before you hire a company, be sure to read the reviews and the customer testimonials. You should verify the company’s reputation and reliability. It’s not worth hiring a cleaning company with poor reviews. And if it’s not, you should look elsewhere.

It is important to know the price and what it will cost before you hire a cleaning service. The costs can vary a lot, and you need to decide how much you’re willing to spend on the services they offer. There are many factors you can consider to help you choose the cleaner that suits your needs. While some services are more expensive than others, they will still provide quality service. A cleaning service with a good reputation will have an excellent customer support team.

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Gaming,

Good Reasons To Play Games Online

Online gaming is a type or video game played via the Internet or a computer networking, via platforms such as https://gameboost.com/wr/solo-boost. Online gaming can include games that involve complex graphics or virtual worlds, in which users interact with each other across the globe.

Convenience

Online gaming is a type of video game that is played through the Internet or another computer network. It is a very popular form of entertainment that is accessible to people of all ages. It can be used to relax, socialize, improve various skills, and it can also be used to help you get along with others.

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Online gaming offers many benefits, including its convenience. This is because it allows players to play their favorite games from any location, at any time. It allows players to connect with other gamers around the world. It is especially useful for gamers who travel and do not have access or time to join a gaming club.

Online gaming is convenient and can be used to communicate with other people, which can reduce stress and increase empathy. This can be a great way of improving relationships with family and friends, especially when you play multiplayer games.

It can also be used for memory and cognitive enhancements that can help players do their daily tasks more efficiently. For example, when playing a puzzle game, a person needs to hold a lot of information in their head at once. It can improve the prefrontal cortex, which controls memory and problem solving skills.

Another benefit of online gaming is that it can help improve a player’s concentration. This can help players stay focused and not get distracted by other activities.

Online gaming is a favorite activity for children. These children often spend hours playing online games with their cousins, siblings, and other friends.

Social interaction

For many people, online gaming is a way to spend time with others and communicate. This is particularly useful for those who struggle to build relationships in real life, or for those with autism spectrum disorder and social anxiety disorders.

Many still don’t believe video games have a positive social impact. And in some corners of culture, there is a common stereotype that gamers are antisocial loners. Research shows that most online gamers are social.

Mark Griffiths, a Nottingham Trent University professor, discovered that nearly a quarter of gamers surveyed had made friends with other gamers through a study. This was in direct contradiction to the stereotype that gamers are antisocial and isolated.

The study also found that gaming friendships can be a positive experience and can lead to real-life romance. This has led to a lot of research into the social skills that are developed while playing video games.

Gamers also have the opportunity to form alliances and create teams of players who work cooperatively, which is a good way to learn how to interact with other people in a team setting. This can help develop social skills and leadership skills.

Online gaming is becoming increasingly popular and people are turning to it for social interaction. This is especially true for young people affected by social distancing or mental-health issues.

Stress-relief

Online gaming offers many stress-relieving benefits. These benefits can be anything from increasing self-esteem to helping with ignoring your problems.

Many people experience stress and related conditions at different times in life. This can make it hard to find the time for relaxing activities. But if you know how they are done correctly, they can be a great way of relieving stress and tension from your life.

Many games provide a challenge and an immediate reward for completing them. This can help relieve stress. You can also use them to help you relax and reduce stress.

Having a good time is another key factor that can help you relax and reduce your stress. Dopamine, a happy hormone that can reduce stress, will be released if you are enjoying playing a game.

How much stress you have will depend on the game you play. Some people enjoy fast-paced and violent video games, while others prefer more leisurely and peaceful ones.

In addition, some people may prefer to play multiplayer games, which can make it easier to build relationships with others. This can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from social anxiety or have difficulty forming and maintaining meaningful friendships.

Many video games can be used to relieve stress. This allows you focus on the task at the hand and is completely free from worrying about other things.

Some games even allow you to be creative, which can reduce your stress levels and increase your dopamine secretions. This is why games that allow you to create your world are so popular.

The stress-relieving benefits of online games can be enjoyed by players of all ages and experience levels. There are a wide variety of games to choose from, and they are available for both mobile devices, desktops, and consoles.

Learning opportunity

Online gaming can help you improve your cognitive skills as well as your memory. Online gaming can also improve your focus and concentration. Online gaming is competitive, which can help you feel more confident and motivated to learn new things.

You can also make friends and collaborate through games. This is particularly important for introverts who wish to improve their interpersonal communication skills. Several online games require you to form teams and work together to achieve a common goal. This will allow you to communicate with people in a more social manner, which will make it easier to build relationships in real-life.

Many games are also fun and entertaining, so they will keep you coming back for more. This makes them a great activity to do during free time.

Another benefit of online gaming is that it can help improve a child’s computer skills. This can help them in their future jobs, as well as in their education. They will be able to use both their keyboard and mouse simultaneously, which will improve their hand-eye coordination.

These games can be used to teach children a variety of topics. For example, some children may enjoy learning about marine life through Animal Crossing or insects in Minecraft. These subjects are relevant to their future lives and careers so it’s important to introduce them early.

In addition to this, games are a great way to teach children how to work with other people and to team up with them. This will be crucial when they start school and need other students to communicate.

Online gaming is a great way for young people to learn about diversity and gender equality. It can help them navigate issues like racism and sexism. They can speak to their parents and in-game caregivers about these issues and how they are represented on game screens. This will help them be more respectful of others and increase their chances of success in their lives.

Business,

Find The Right Private Lender For Your Business

Private lenders offer many options, unlike banks that only offer a limited range of loan products. Whether you’re seeking a home mortgage or business financing solution, private lenders will be able to offer you a variety of options. Often, they will also offer different interest rate options. And some even have hard money loans and other financing options for your business ventures. This can be extremely helpful in determining which type of private lender to choose for your next project. However, if you are trying to avoid loans, you could always look into playing some fun sports betting games via www.ufabet168.info.

hard money lenders in Maryland

Another benefit of using a private lender is that there are no rigid company policies. Instead, you can work directly with the private lender to negotiate a reasonable interest rate as well as loan terms. Since private lenders will not see your credit report, you can trust them to handle your financial transaction. In addition, private lenders can help you improve your credit score. Your chances of getting another loan from them will increase if you have a good credit rating. A private lender might be a better option if you aren’t able to get a traditional loan from the bank.

Private lenders are not looking for large returns on their investment, unlike bank loans. They are interested in recovering their investment. Private lenders may be a better option for your business but you should still learn more about them. There are many ways to find the right hard money lenders in Maryland. And once you find a lender that you’re comfortable with, it’s time to start applying for private loans!

It is a big decision to choose a private lender. But you shouldn’t choose the first lender offered to you. Private lenders can provide you with serious benefits, but not all private lenders are created equal. It is important to compare private lenders so that you can make an informed decision. This is the best way to determine the credibility of the lender. You should ensure that past clients have been satisfied and that the lender has a track record of success. If they have satisfied customers, they’re worth considering.

It can be difficult to find a private lender. But if you have the right criteria you will be happy. Consider a private lender as a business partner. Consider their portfolio, product and responsiveness. You’ll feel more at ease with them if you find them responsive to your needs. The process can be as easy or as complicated as you want it to be. It’s entirely up to you.

A lender can be chosen based on the characteristics and risks of the company. The private lender’s policies will vary, so there’s no need to worry about them. Private lenders typically only accept a small portion of the loan amount. However, it is possible to find a private lender with a large portfolio. Once you’ve found a lender to lend, make sure the loan structure is in line with your objectives and your risk tolerance.

Home & Kitchen Ideas,

Fire Safety Tips For Homeowners

The likelihood of fire-related deaths or injuries can be reduced by installing smoke alarms in bedrooms. Every year, more than 3000 people are killed in home fires. Unfortunately, most fires occur between eleven p.m. and seven a.m., which is when most people are asleep. It is important to have smoke alarms installed in bedrooms. Also, learn how to contact emergency services if you need help. In addition to providing smoke alarms, homeowners should practice good housekeeping.

Fire Extinguisher Service

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a fact sheet on fire safety. It’s a great resource of information about how you can protect yourself and your family. The NFPA can provide a fire plan to help you determine if your building is compliant. This plan will give firefighters important information about the building including where hazardous chemicals or flammable substances might be located. It will also help them get out of harm’s way without inadvertently exposing others.

Local authorities may inspect your home or office for fire safety. These inspections will determine if the building has a functioning fire extinguisher, and if emergency procedures have been established. Proper signage must be provided to show exit locations. Your safety and the safety your family depends on it. You should always check your fire extinguisher with a Fire Extinguisher Service if you are concerned about a fire.

If your home or office is a high-risk location, you can create a fire safety plan that addresses the risks in your area. If you need to flee, having an escape plan can save your life. Planning ahead of time and using smoke alarms can help you make the best decisions. To ensure everyone’s safety, it is important to have a fire safety checklist. This checklist will help you create a safer living environment.

Fire safety plans must be readily available to responding fire departments. All of these plans were kept in paper format in the fire service in the past. This makes it difficult to update them and sort through them. Only half of buildings required by law have a current plan. Only 10% of these buildings have current fire plans. These plans can be stored digitally, which will make it much simpler and quicker to do so.

The fire safety plan must also cover the different types of fire-safety equipment found in buildings. It should describe the differences between functional and visual inspections and provide a template of a Weekly Safety Equipment Inspector Form. To avoid an emergency, it is essential to examine the design and contents of a building. Fire prevention measures must be properly implemented in buildings.