Wienerberger has announced a new partnership with international aid organisation, Habitat for Humanity, which will see the leading provider of wall, roof and landscaping solutions provide the bricks for 155 homes for underprivileged families in Romania and Bulgaria.
Wienerberger UK will also contribute to residential construction projects in the UK within the three-year programme.
Launched with the “Big Build 2012“ event in Craiova, Romania, volunteers from all over the world, alongside the families involved, built five brick homes in five days. It is the first time that brick was used as the building material for the “Big Build” initiative.
Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide aid organisation that is dedicated to providing safe and affordable housing to poor and disadvantaged people throughout the world.
In connection with its new CSR guideline, Wienerberger has decided to support the worthy cause.
Wienerberger CEO, Heimo Scheuch said, on the advantages of this solid building material, The Big Build event demonstrated that brick construction is not only fast and cost-effective, but also high-quality and sustainable.
“As the world’s leading supplier of building material solutions, we have set a goal to support the creation of housing for the socially disadvantaged, above all in areas where Wienerberger is present,” he added.
“Together with Habitat for Humanity we are helping families in need to build safe and stable homes made of bricks that will meet today’s high demands for thermal insulation and energy efficiency and last for generations.
Don Haszczyn, area vice president at Habitat for Humanity in Europe and Central Asia, said: “Habitat is excited to enter into a partnership with Wienerberger to help families in need of simple and decent shelter.
“Today, more than ever, we need resources and expertise to make housing affordable. With this help, we can lower construction costs and build more homes, communities and hope. We are very much looking forward to starting our cooperation in the fight against poverty housing.
Annette Forster, Director of Marketing at Wienerberger UK, said it supplied the necessary technical know-how and the product, as well as the premium brand Porotherm clay blocks for the construction.
“In the UK we’re delighted to be involved in the partnership and, most importantly, help to provide new homes for these disadvantaged families, to strengthen their quality of life and help them live free from poverty, fear and neglect.”
