This article is a summary of episode 23 of the Les Bâtisseurs podcast, where Richard Mitha dialogue with Alexandra Mathiolon, President and CEO of Serfim. In the Les Bâtisseurs podcast, Richard Mitha, serial-entrepreneur and CEO of Synaxe, interviews industry visionaries to inspire your own environmental, digital and managerial transformation.
In a world where companies are increasingly evaluated on their environmental impact, the group Serfim, led by Alexandra Mathiolon, stands out for its structured commitment to sustainability. During a recent podcast, Alexandra shared Serfim's vision and concrete actions to build a more sustainable future, anticipating not only current expectations, but also future needs.
Discover the key elements of this episode in this blog post.
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Serfim, an independent ETI with 2,800 employees, has been able to develop a diversity of jobs ranging from public works to the environment, through the renewables and recycling. Each activity is designed to minimize its ecological impact and maximize its societal utility. This commitment is reflected in their raison d'être: “To contribute to improving the quality of life of inhabitants by developing territories that are sustainable and respectful of living things.” This mission guides all their strategic actions and decisions.
One of the pillars of this strategy is the reduction of the carbon footprint. Serfim has initiated low-carbon construction sites, integrating innovative materials and processes that reduce CO2 emissions. For example, the use of clear and draining asphalt makes it possible to mitigate urban heat islands and to manage the water cycle more effectively. These technological choices show a desire to change the practices of the sector to better respond to climate challenges.
The retraining is another strong focus of Serfim's commitment. The company values nearly 90% of the 400,000 tons of waste it processes each year, with an ambitious goal of further reducing this figure. The partnership with Saint-Gobain for plaster recycling illustrates this approach. Thanks to a patented process, Serfim transforms plaster waste into high-quality raw material that can be reused in industrial production.
La soil and water pollution control is also at the heart of the concerns of Serfim. The company uses innovative techniques, such as reverse osmosis, to treat and reuse wastewater, reducing pressure on natural resources. Partnerships with companies like Vica to valorize polluted land show a collaborative and integrated approach to environmental management.
Internally, the culture of prevention and employee safety is essential. Serfim sets up continuing training and initiatives to improve working conditions and guarantee safety on construction sites. Emphasis is also placed on training and work-study programs to attract new talent and prepare future generations to meet environmental challenges.
In conclusion, Serfim, under the direction of Alexandra Mathiolon, embodies a modern and responsible vision of the construction industry. By integrating sustainability at all levels of its organization, Serfim does not just follow trends, but positions itself as a leader in the ecological transition. This holistic and proactive approach is an inspiring model for companies wishing to combine economic performance and respect for the environment.
For more information, feel free to listen to our episode: #23 - Alexandra Mathiolon - CEO of SERFIM: Depollution, Recycling, Public Works... 150 years of expertise at the service of a sustainable future | Les BâTISSEURS (ausha.co)