2010 Activity Report - Bureau Veritas

ConstructionAdjusting our service mixto client needsFocus on existing assetsIn the wake of the economic crisis,the construction market has changedsignificantly. A sharp decline instate-financed infrastructure projectshas occurred in Europe, notably inSpain. In residential and commercialproperty construction, demand forcode compliance assessment has yet toreturn to pre-recession levels in Europeand the United States.Bureau Veritas has responded byadjusting its service mix to client needsand long-term trends. In maturecountries, we are focusing on PropertyCondition Assessment and Monitoring(PCAM), a packaged serviceencompassing due diligence, technicalrisk assessment and compliancemonitoring of existing assets andinfrastructures. PCAM, which includesseismic risk analysis, is now beingpromoted as an all-in-one solutionfor multinational companies to ensureconsistent quality and safety in theirasset portfolios.We are developing Green Building servicesto comply with tighter energy efficiencyand carbon emission standards, andtake advantage of incentives for buildingenhancement. In early 2011, the Groupwill launch the Green Rating Alliance inpartnership with leading global propertyinvestment companies, along with keyengineering companies and technicalcontrol bodies, to assess theenvironmental performance of existingcommercial buildings in Europe, aninitiative likely to be rolled out in Asia.Growth marketsThe greatest potential for newinfrastructure and building projectslies in emerging countries and theMiddle East. We are providingConstruction Project ManagementAssistance to meet the need of ownersfor risk management, with servicesin design review, quality control andschedule and cost monitoring. Thanksto synergies with the Industry business,we are also conducting technicalinspection and third party monitoring forclients on new industrial projects in theseregions.Inherent Defect Insurance (IDI) inspectionand verification at the request of insurersand re-insurers is another promisingavenue for growth. IDI services covera whole range of construction projectsinvolving design verification, worksitemonitoring and regular reporting.HIGHLIGHTS• Patent on earthquake resistanceassessment methodology awardedto Bureau Veritas, paving the wayfor worldwide contracts with L’Oréaland Air France for seismic diagnostics.• Building project managementassistance for 11 pavilions at Expo2010 in Shanghai; Jim Gang Awardfor the Italian pavilion.• Key contract wins: projectmanagement for the new Splendoraurban area in Vietnam, major US powerplants and West African stadiums forCAN International; diagnosis campaignin France for existing public buildings.• Technical center opened in Chinafor LEED green building certification.22