From Altaroad to environmental issues: an unusual encounter with Cécile VILLETTE
In the final episode of The Builders, Richard MITHA Invited Cécile VILLETTE, president and co-founder ofAltaroad. This podcast looks back on his atypical career, the motivations behind the creation of Altaroad and his commitment to more sustainable construction.
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From Altaroad to environmental issues: an unusual encounter with Cécile VILLETTE
In the final episode of The Builders, Richard MITHA Invited Cécile VILLETTE, president and co-founder ofAltaroad. This podcast looks back on his atypical career, the motivations behind the creation of Altaroad and his commitment to more sustainable construction.
From a traditional career to sustainable innovation
Cécile Villette, with an engineering background at Télécom Paris, began her career in consulting at Accenture and PwC. During these years, she has led numerous projects related to connected objects and digital transformation, working in various international contexts. However, this well-planned career did not meet his deep desire to have a significant environmental impact.
Inspired by clear observations on climate change and documentaries like Home by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, she chose to reorient her career towards a more committed mission. Her time through the HEC entrepreneurship program, where she met Berangère Lebental, a researcher developing innovative sensor technology for infrastructures, was decisive. Together, they laid the foundations forAltaroad.
From a traditional career to sustainable innovation
The construction sector, which generates around 23% of national greenhouse gas emissions according to ADEME, faces growing expectations in terms of sustainability.
Founded in 2017, Altaroad's mission is to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector, which is often cited as one of the most polluting. The startup offers connected sensor solutions integrated into roads and digital platforms to optimize waste management, monitor truck flows and help actors better measure their impact. This approach makes it possible to make infrastructures smarter and construction sites more responsible.
Collaboration with key players
In its early years, Altaroad knew how to surround itself with strategic partners. For example, the company worked with Eiffage to test its mobile weighing systems. These devices, installed on emblematic sites such as those in Grand Paris, make it possible to verify that trucks are neither underloaded or overloaded, thus optimizing the number of rotations and reducing the carbon footprint. These technologies also offer increased traceability of waste, avoiding its dispersion in illegal landfills.
An impact amplified by regulations:
The 2020 AJEC law, which focuses on the circular economy, and the European CSRD directive played a crucial role in the development of Altaroad. These regulations require contractors and businesses to report on their waste management and environmental impact.
Cécile explains: “These well-designed laws empower actors at all levels, from businesses to communities. They create a stimulating environment for innovation and progress towards a tangible reduction in the carbon footprint.” Altaroad is positioned as an essential ally in this transformation, offering solutions that combine technology and regulatory compliance.
From a traditional career to sustainable innovation
The construction sector, which generates around 23% of national greenhouse gas emissions according to ADEME, faces growing expectations in terms of sustainability.
Today, Altaroad employs more than 40 people and has been recognized among the strategic companies in French Tech 2030. Based on the data collected via its sensors and digital systems, the startup aims to expand its solutions with ever more precise parameters. The objective is to provide recommendations adapted to each site to optimize both efficiency and environmental impact.
In addition, Altaroad plans to integrate more artificial intelligence and collaborate with other platforms to create a 360° vision of construction sites. “We want to go beyond current systems and offer decision support tools that allow us to build better while respecting the planet,” says Cécile.
Conclusion: An inspiration for the industry
The career of Cécile VILLETTE and the success of Altaroad are a powerful illustration of how innovation can transform an entire sector. By putting technology at the service of the environment, Altaroad proves that it is possible to reconcile economic performance and positive impact. With concrete achievements and an ambitious vision, this startup continues to chart the course for a more sustainable future, one project at a time.
👉 An inspiring exchange for anyone who wants to transform the construction sector through innovation and sustainable commitment.
Listen to it here: https://podcast.ausha.co/les-batisseurs/27-cecile-villette-ceo-fondatrice-d-altaroad-quand-innovation-rime-avec-durabilite-dans-le-btp
Like Altaroad, Synaxe firmly believes that technological innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to transform the construction sector. Together, we can build a better future. Contact us to discover how our solutions can support your transition to a more innovative and sustainable construction industry.