* The ECO Public Works Showcase will provide answers to questions based on the same key theme: protecting the environment. Likely discussion topics include the following: How can an environmental approach in the field of public works be demonstrated? How can we highlight the initiatives taken by equipment manufacturers and industrial companies in the construction industry as part of their policy of sustainable development? The showcase will function as an open forum where visitors and exhibitors can discuss concrete projects such as designing specific materials suited to very demanding “green” specifications.

Life on the work site

The welfare of construction site staff is an industry priority, so Intermat is inaugurating “Life on the Work Site.” This new feature will take a comprehensive look at the equipment necessary for worker safety and welfare on a day-to-day basis. The focus will be on the human aspect – the workers, their environment, and the equipment they use.

* Workers: will focus on accident prevention, training, clothing, accommodations, catering, hygiene, medical centers, changing rooms, human resources, etc.

* Construction and site organization: will focus on modular units, office furniture, fire safety, anti-theft systems, supplies for staff instructions, schedules, and task organization software.

* Equipment: will focus on railings, billboards, maintenance equipment, and small tools.

* Other equipment and accessories: will include utility vehicles, topographical instrumentation, fuel pumps, communications systems (GPS, radios, telecommunications devices, etc.), on-site after-sales service software, remote security monitoring, and systems for stopping and intercepting stolen vehicles.

Sustainable roads symposium

Building roads and maintaining them without contributing to the destruction of natural resources or causing ecological damage have become great challenges for equipment manufacturers who must address sustainable development issues. Therefore, Intermat is organizing a symposium on sustainable roads that will consist of two half-day sessions focusing on the latest in sustainable development:

* Machines’ carbon footprint from design to end of life;

* European certification of materials and traceability; and

* Safety, standards, and European regulations.

European manufacturers of road-building machinery and numerous experts will speak about the latest technologies that are shaping tomorrow’s roads. The symposium will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, and from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. Presentations will be translated simultaneously into English. Admission to the symposium is free.

More information

For more information about the show, or to register for the event, go to the Intermat Web site at www.intermat.fr. Register online or print the registration form, which can be faxed or mailed.