Wienerberger AG: Sustainability as Wienerberger Corporate Strategy

Dynamic and lasting commitment, not just a trend

Vienna (pta006/29.06.2012/09:00 UTC+2) Stronger group-wide anchoring of sustainability management within the organization
- Significant improvement in occupational safety with Health & Safety Initiative
- Environmental Action Plan: energy efficiency as central focus of production and products
- Wienerberger e4 BRICKHOUSE concept shows the future of energy-efficient living

Wienerberger AG released today an Update 2011 to its sustainability report 2010. The close relationship between sustainable, entrepreneurial actions and the core business of building materials production was stressed by Chief Executive Officer Heimo Scheuch: "Wienerberger is focused on long-term success - and anyone who also wants to be successful tomorrow must be committed to sustainable actions". The responsible use of resources as well as energy efficiency and an ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders therefore represent an integral part of Wienerberger's corporate culture and a focal point during the entire value creation process. Energy efficiency is, and will remain, the central issue for Wienerberger in both production and the development of building material solutions.

Update of Sustainability Report presents the latest facts and figures
The title of the Sustainability Update - "Sustainability still is what it used to be" - reflects the fact that the general principles of sustainability remain valid for a longer period of time. Wienerberger has therefore decided to publish a full sustainability report every two years and, in the interim periods, issue a review that presents the latest key facts and figures as well as progress in specific areas. According to Scheuch, the focus will be placed less on sustainability rankings, but rather on the transparent documentation of concrete improvements and increased efficiency in the company and its immediate environment. Scheuch emphasized the hard economic core of sustainable actions by explaining, "Our message is clear: we are working today to make tomorrow's success possible". In order to ensure responsible commitment in all areas of the Wienerberger Group, sustainability management has been professionalized step by step and has become more firmly anchored in the organizational structure. A sustainability officer now acts at the Group level and each country organization and subsidiary has designated a person who is responsible for the regional implementation of corporate programs.

Wienerberger Health & Safety Initiative: increased awareness as a key success factor for occupational safety
Wienerberger's commitment to its employees was reflected in the 2010 launch of a "Health & Safety Initiative", which is designed to implement uniform standards throughout the Group and significantly reduce the number of accidents. The realization of these goals is closely connected with an increased awareness for health and safety among all employees as well as a long-term change in working habits to strengthen accident prevention. Numerous steps have already been taken, including the breakdown of group-wide safety targets to the individual plant level and the definition of specific safety targets for each plant, the creation of occupational safety committees, the definition of responsibilities and the introduction of comprehensive training programs. A best practice toolbox of previously implemented measures helps the plant managers to reach their goals. These actions were reflected in a significant year-on-year reduction of 7% in the severity and even 20% in the frequency of accidents during 2011.

Share of renewable electrical energy increased from 25% to 43%
In order to improve environmental protection in production, Wienerberger launched an Environmental Action Plan with group-wide goals to reduce specific energy consumption (based on kilowatt hours of energy per ton) and specific CO2 emissions (based on kilograms of CO2 emissions per ton). The first steps involved the implementation of measures at nine plants, which led to an average reduction of 4.8% in both specific energy consumption and specific CO2 emissions in these facilities during 2011. On a Group level the share of renewable electrical energy used was increased from 25% to 43% through the targeted selection of suppliers.

e4 BRICKHOUSE in Zwettl shows the future of energy-efficient living
The share of Group revenues generated by innovative and sustainable products and building solutions rose from 20% in 2010 to 23%, and the medium-term target calls for a further increase to 40%. "Living" proof of sustainable construction with bricks is the "e4 BRICKHOUSE" in Zwettl (NÖ), which is currently under construction by a family who will move in this autumn. The project is being realized with products from all Wienerberger product groups. The central element is a thermal building envelop made of high thermal insulating bricks filled with mineral wool. This house will produce more energy than it uses and also have a positive CO2 and energy balance. The CO2 savings potential compared with conventional building methods is estimated at up to 33,600 kg of CO2 emissions by 2020. In order to verify the energy efficiency claim for the house, external experts from the Austrian Institute of Technology will measure the energy balance over the next two years. Heimo Scheuch added: "This house is not only very energy efficient. In addition wall systems made of clay bricks can "breathe", which means they also create a pleasant and healthy indoor climate. With this project, we have made the house of the future possible today."

Wienerberger with leading positions in clay bricks, clay roof tiles, concrete pavers and pipe systems
Wienerberger is the world's largest producer of clay bricks (Porotherm, Poroton, Terca) as well as the market leader for clay roof tiles in Europe (Koramic, Tondach) and for concrete pavers in Central-East Europe (Semmelrock). In pipe systems, the company is one of the major players on the European market (Steinzeug-Keramo ceramic pipes and Pipelife plastic pipes). The Wienerberger Group generated revenues of 2.024 million Euro and operating EBITDA of 259 million Euro in 2011 with 230 plants.

A wide range of facts and figures on sustainability developments at Wienerberger can be found in the update to the Sustainability Report on the Wienerberger homepage under www.wienerberger.com.

For additional information contact:
Barbara Braunöck, Head of Corporate Communications
T +43 1 601 92 - 471 | communication@wienerberger.com

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Emitter:	Wienerberger AG Wienerbergstraße 11 1100 Wien Austria
Contact Person:	Barbara Braunöck
Phone:	+43 1 60192-471
E-Mail:	communication@wienerberger.com
Website:	www.wienerberger.com
ISIN(s):	AT0000831706 (Share)
Stock Exchange(s):	Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Trade)