Air Liquide Foundation

The actions of the Air Liquide corporate Foundation

Breathing better

Breathing is essential for life. Environmental pollution or respiratory diseases can negatively impact this function. Nearly 9 million people die prematurely each year worldwide as a result of air pollution1. In cities, air pollution increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and reduces life expectancy by two years2.

The Air Liquide Foundation supports fundamental research in two areas:

• Medical research on chronic or rare respiratory diseases
• Environmental research on air composition, especially atmospheric chemistry, because it is also important to better understand the environments we inhabit

To assess the quality and relevance of research projects, the Foundation systematically requests experts, doctors and researchers from the Air Liquide Group. Exchanges and lab visits often take place before the project is sent to the Board of directors for decision.

Acting within local communities

We believe in local initiatives and efforts to promote professional integration in technical fields.Not everyone has the same opportunities when it comes to education and employment. More than 260 million children and young adults around the world don’t have access to school or are unable to finish their studies³. In France, nearly one million young people between the ages of 16 and 25 have no education, no employment or training⁴. Only 35% of working-age people with disabilities are employed⁵. In developing economies, 59 million school-aged children are prevented from receiving an education⁶.

The Air Liquide Foundation acts within local communities.We help meet the specific needs of communities in a variety of fields (education, training, healthcare, disability and social issues). Our network of employees helps to identify these needs and to monitor the projects sponsored by local organizations.

In addition, the Foundation has begun promoting professional integration in technical fields.

We are helping unemployed individuals to develop the skills that are in demand in technical fields. The Foundation gives each beneficiary - young adults without diplomas, jobs or training, especially from disadvantaged areas, individuals with disabilities or long-term unemployed - the opportunity to take charge of their own professional destiny.