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Code of Ethics

and Business Conduct


Guidelines

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Hotline


1.800.548.2088 USA Only
1.508.795.2736 Worldwide
Under Saint-Gobain Corporation's Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Guidelines, every
employee has the responsibility to report known or suspected violations of the Code or any
applicable law of which he or she becomes aware.
The Company's Hotline was established over a decade ago as one method for employees to
report known or suspected Code violations or illegal or unethical activities. The Hotline is
designed to receive reports from employees who might otherwise feel uncomfortable reporting
the information to a supervisor, general manager or corporate, group or division officer.
Employees who make such reports in good faith regarding another employee's violation should
not fear any retaliation. The Company will ensure that any allegations are investigated and
reviewed in the strictest possible confidence consistent with the particular situation.
Questions regarding the Code of Ethics can be directed to Robert Wilk, Director, Business
Practices and Compliance Programs, at bob.wilk@saint-gobain.com or at 941-373-6680.

1833.10 (Revised 7/2003)

July 2003

Dear Fellow Employee:


The most highly regarded companies are praised for the conduct of their employees and their
business practices, as well as for their financial results.
Throughout the world and in all of our businesses, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain is committed to
a high standard of ethical conduct. Compagnie de Saint-Gobain has recently underscored this
commitment with a set of General Principles of Conduct and Action, a copy of which is set
forth in its entirety in this booklet. These broad Principles support and complement Saint-Gobain
Corporation's more detailed Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Guidelines which have been
in place for more than 20 years.
The Saint-Gobain Corporation "Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Guidelines" outlines the
high ethical standards that we support and details how the Company's employees should
conduct themselves when dealing with fellow employees, customers, suppliers, competitors and
the public at large. I ask that you read the Code carefully and refer to it often for guidance. It is
your personal responsibility to comply with it in all respects. While laws and business customs
may vary in the different countries and cultures in which we operate, our common goal is to
follow a strong ethical code in every place we do business.
Honesty, integrity and a commitment to high standards of ethical and moral conduct are core
values of Saint-Gobain Corporation. I know I can count on you to adhere to these standards and
to continue to build the fine reputations of our businesses.
Sincerely,

Jean-Franois Phelizon
President and Chief Executive Officer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

COMPAGNIE DE SAINT-GOBAIN GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT AND ACTION

SAINT-GOBAIN CORPORATION CODE OF ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT GUIDELINES

I.

II.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST GUIDELINES

1.1

General

1.2

Specific Guidelines

1.3

Discussion of Conflict of Interest Guidelines


and Hypothetical Cases

OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS


2.1

11
11

Restraint of Trade, Unfair Competition


and Discriminatory Practices

11

Environmental Protection and Employee Occupational


Health and Safety

12

2.3

Product Quality and Safety

12

2.4

Protecting Confidential Business


Information

13

2.5

Government Contracts

13

2.6

Export Control

13

2.7

Political Contributions

14

2.8

Foreign Economic Boycott

14

2.9

Competitive Information

14

2.10

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

15

2.11

Sexual Harassment

15

2.12

Equal Opportunity

15

2.2

III.

THE BUSINESS ETHICS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

16

IV.

CONFIRMATION OF COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING

16

V.

DISCIPLINE

17

Appendix A Specific Guidelines for Purchasing Managers

18

Appendix B Conflict of Interest Discussion of Certain Guidelines

21

INTRODUCTION
Saint-Gobain Corporation is committed to maintaining the highest business ethics and standards. In order to
preserve the integrity of Saint-Gobain Corporation's business and the manner in which we are perceived by
co-workers, customers, suppliers, competitors and the communities in which we live and work, it is imperative
that each employee conduct his or her business and personal affairs in compliance with Saint-Gobain
Corporation's Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Guidelines.
This booklet contains Saint-Gobain Corporation's Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Guidelines and is a
complement to Compagnie de Saint-Gobain's General Principles of Conduct and Action, a copy of
which is set forth in its entirety beginning on page 3 of this booklet (collectively, referred to as the "Code").
The Code discusses ethical and legal principles that must guide all of Saint-Gobain Corporation's employees
in their work. In order to be useful, this booklet should be kept handy and reviewed from time to time. The
Code does not, however, cover every possible situation that may arise, and is not intended to provide final
answers in all matters. General questions or issues regarding the Code may be discussed with the
employee's location manager, the Compliance Program Coordinator for the employee's operating group, the
Director, Business Practices and Compliance Programs, or the Vice President, Internal Control Services.
Questions of interpretation of the Code, however, should be directed to the Director, Business Practices and
Compliance Programs.
Applicability of the Code; Conflict with Foreign Laws
The Code is applicable to all directors, officers, employees and agents of Saint-Gobain Corporation, its
subsidiaries and controlled affiliates regardless of location (collectively, referred to as the "Company"). As an
international business, the Company is affected by the laws and business customs of the countries in which it
operates. Each employee, wherever located, is responsible for conducting his or her business activities in
compliance with the Code and the laws of the foreign country in which he or she works. When an employee
believes a conflict exists between the Code and the laws of a particular foreign country, he or she should
bring the conflict to the attention of the employee's location manager and the Compliance Program
Coordinator for the employee's operating group. If necessary, either the location manager or the Compliance
Program Coordinator will then bring the matter to the attention of the Director, Business Practices and
Compliance Programs.
In some countries, business practices are based on less stringent or different codes of conduct than the
Company's. For business dealings in such countries, employees should follow the Code, unless variances
that are permitted by applicable law and are based on sound business judgment have been approved in
advance by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. All requests for variances should be directed to the
Director, Business Practices and Compliance Programs.

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Employee Responsibilities
Ethics and behavior are individual responsibilities. High standards of behavior are expected of all employees,
regardless of position or location. No supervisor has the authority to require or permit conduct that is in
violation of the Code or any law.
In some cases, the Company's agents represent the interests of the Company with respect to third parties.
Accordingly, employees who supervise the activities of Company agents are responsible for making sure that
agents under their control receive a copy of, and abide by, the Code.

Management Responsibilities
All managers are responsible for seeing that Company policies are followed. Every manager is responsible
for communicating Company policies to his or her employees, including those dealing with legal and ethical
behavior. Managers and supervisors also are responsible for maintaining a work environment where
constructive, frank and open discussion is encouraged and expected, without fear of retaliation.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Company and management at all levels throughout the Company are
responsible for ensuring adherence to the Code and for ensuring that there is appropriate ongoing employee
communication, guidance and training. Management is supported by the Company's Internal Control
Services, Communications, Human Resources, Compliance Programs and Law Departments, which normally
are responsible for handling many issues outlined in the Code. Significant violations of the Code will also be
reported to the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.

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COMPAGNIE DE SAINT-GOBAIN GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT AND ACTION

The Saint-Gobain Group has developed a number of shared principles applied by both management and
employees, which have guided the activities of the Group over the years.
The Group wishes to give written expression to these principles in order to facilitate their communication and
consolidate their implementation throughout the Group worldwide. The purpose of this document is also to
make a public statement of Saint-Gobains adherence to these basic principles of conduct and action, which
apply to all companies forming the Group without regard to the country of activity.
The principles set out are not intended to be exhaustive, but to cover the most essential areas. They are
complemented, and may in the future be further complemented, by sometimes more specific rules having
regard to local conditions or particular positions of responsibility, but in any case without detracting from the
basic principles.
The application of these principles is a requirement for belonging to the Saint-Gobain Group.

PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT
The Saint-Gobain Group considers that the basic values shared by management and employees alike are:
professional commitment, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and solidarity. These are principles of conduct
which apply to each one of us.
PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT
Professional commitment for us means mobilizing to the best of ones ability the knowledge and know-how of
the individual and also calls for training to keep both up to date. It requires personal commitment and a
willingness to take on these tasks assigned and to acquire needed knowledge. It implies the effective
contribution of each person in caring particularly for the environment and for worker health and safety.
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
Respect for others is an absolute prerequisite for the professional and personal development of each person.
It must be applied throughout the Group worldwide and implies an acceptance of pluralism and other cultures
and of people of all origins. It is expressed in a readiness to listen to others, to inform, to explain and to
engage in dialogue.
INTEGRITY
Integrity requires a rigorous adherence to probity in ones professional activities. It admits of no
compromising of the interests of the Group entrusted to a given individual in favor of that persons own

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private interests whether in dealings within the Group or in dealings on behalf of the Group with third
parties, whatever local practices might be. Detailed rules of conduct may be adopted for certain categories of
Group personnel where the nature of their responsibilities so requires.
LOYALTY
Loyalty requires honesty and fairness in dealing with superiors, colleagues, subordinates and third parties
dealing with the Group. In particular, it is incompatible with the pursuit of self-interest where the latter
conflicts with the goals of the individual Group company or the Group as a whole. It implies the adherence to
the guidelines and internal rules of individual Group companies and of the Group as a whole.
SOLIDARITY
Solidarity is based on a sense of individual responsibility at work, which prevails over self-centered thinking
and encourages teamwork and bringing out the best in each person. It means rejecting management or
operational methods geared more to the self-satisfaction of given individuals rather than the interests of the
particular company or the Group as a whole.

PRINCIPLES OF ACTION
The Saint-Gobain Group wishes to set out the principles of action which govern the activities of all
management teams and employees in the exercise of their professional responsibilities, regardless of the
country involved. These principles of action(1) contribute to the achievement of sustainable development and
responsible patterns of growth, in accordance with the long-term strategy pursued by the Group.
____________
(1) They are intended to embody the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, adopted in June 2000.
RESPECT FOR THE LAW
All Group companies are to apply in all areas all laws and regulations in force in those countries where they
carry on business. Particular attention is drawn to the areas described below. All Group companies shall
prohibit all actions which might breach applicable norms of competition law. They shall refrain from any form
of financing political parties or activities, even if allowed under local law. They also are to reject all forms of
active or passive corruption whether in domestic or international transactions.(2) Furthermore, Group
companies are to renounce exploiting loopholes or inadequacies in any such laws or regulations where this
would mean non-compliance with the norms of the Saint-Gobain Group in the areas described below.
____________
(2) Covered by the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International
Business Transactions of 17th December 1997.

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CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT


Group companies are to actively promote the protection of the environment. At company sites management
methods shall be followed, wherever the site may be located, which allow measurable environmental
performance standards to be set, and actual performance to be regularly evaluated and checked against the
applicable standards. They shall strive to raise the main relevant environmental performance standards of
their own sites to the level of particularly effective performance standards found in the Group for comparable
sites even if that means going beyond the requirements of local legislation.
WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETY
Group companies are to take particular care to adopt all measures necessary to ensure the best possible
protection against health and safety risks in the workplace. They shall adopt risk reduction policies and
follow-up on the due application of the same, checking actual results against the applicable standards. Such
policies shall apply both to their own employees and to employees of sub-contractors, where the latter are
working on a Group site. They shall strive to raise the main relevant health and safety performance
standards of their own sites to the levels of particularly effective performance standards found in the Group
for comparable sites even if that means going beyond the requirements of local legislation.
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
Group companies are to scrupulously ensure that employees rights are respected. They are to promote an
active dialogue with their employees. In addition, and without limitation, they shall respect the following rules,
even if not provided for by applicable local law. They shall refrain from any form of recourse to forced labor,
compulsory labor or child labor(3) whether directly or indirectly or through sub-contractors where the latter
are working on a Group site; and they shall refrain from any form of discrimination of whatever kind with
respect to their employees whether in the recruitment process, at hiring, or during or at the end of the
employment relationship.
_____________
(3) As defined by the applicable Conventions of the International Labor Organization.

********************

Each member of management and employee of the Saint-Gobain Group is personally responsible for
applying these principles of conduct and action.
Each management level company, business unit, Delegation or Branch, carries its own responsibility for
ensuring the application of these principles of the Group.

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The Branches and Delegations are to report regularly to the general management of the Group on how the
principles are being applied.
The general management of the Group is to implement awareness and training programs in order to promote
these principles across the Group. It will stipulate the measures required to enable effective testing, and
checking of actual results against the applicable standards, to be carried out.

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SAINT-GOBAIN CORPORATION CODE OF ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT GUIDELINES

I. CONFLICT OF INTEREST GUIDELINES


1.1 General
The Company is committed to conducting its business in accordance with the highest ethical standards and
has adopted the ethical principles set forth below as corporate policy. It is the Company's policy that no
director, officer or employee should place himself or herself in a position where his or her actions, personal
interests or the activities or interests of those for whom he or she acts are, or are likely to be, in conflict with
the interests of the Company. The purpose of the Conflict of Interest Guidelines is to assist the Company and
its directors, officers and employees in avoiding situations in which personal activities and financial affairs
may conflict with their responsibility to act in the best interests of the Company. There is no intent to invade
individual privacy, but rather to identify possible problems or areas of concern that could be resolved if known.
There may well be cases in which an apparent conflict of interest is more theoretical than real, but it is
important to resolve such cases promptly. In cases of doubt, for the protection of both the Company and the
individual, the director, officer or employee should fully disclose the nature of the proposed conduct or
transaction before it is undertaken. See Section IV: "Confirmation of Compliance and Reporting" below.
Some actions under the Conflict of Interest Guidelines require the prior approval of the Company.
This approval means the written consent of (a) the president of the operating division within which
the employee works or, if an employee works in a corporate department, the corporate vice president
who is responsible for the employee's department, and (b) either the Director, Business Practices and
Compliance Programs or the General Counsel of the Company.
1.2 Specific Guidelines (Additional Guidelines for Purchasing Managers can be found in Appendix A)
1. Gifts and Contributions
Directors, officers or employees or any member of their immediate families:
a. are not to give or accept, directly or indirectly, gifts, contributions, or prizes of more than
token value which are in any way connected with the business of, or matters involving, the
Company;
b. are prohibited from soliciting gifts, contributions, gratuities, services or kickbacks from
suppliers or customers of the Company regardless of their value;

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c. may not accept the use of customer or supplier property, airplane transportation or trips
(including trips sponsored by customers or suppliers) without the prior approval of the president
in charge of their operating division, or the Chief Executive Officer in the case of corporate vice
presidents and members of the Board of Directors; and
d. are not to give or accept, directly or indirectly, entertainment in excess of usual and
reasonable limits that are a normal and acceptable part of regular business activity. For
example, tickets to sporting or other events, lunches, dinners, golfing dates and entertainment
may be accepted if modest and appropriate and consistent with normal business customs.
2. Loans
Directors, officers or employees, or members of their immediate families, may not loan money to, or
borrow money from, individuals or concerns that do business with or compete with the Company, except
transactions with banks and other financial institutions in accordance with normal business practices.
3. Purchase or Sale of Goods and Services
Directors, officers or employees, or members of their immediate families, may not benefit personally
from any purchase by or sale to the Company of goods or services or derive personal gain from
transactions involving the Company, including the sale or lease of real or personal property, except
when that transaction and the personal interest involved have been fully disclosed to and approved by
the Company.
4. Direct or Indirect Business Interests
Directors, officers or employees or members of their immediate families may not have any direct or
indirect interest in any enterprise which competes with the Company or which has current or prospective
business with the Company when that individual may be able to influence such business with the
Company, except when the interest has been fully disclosed to and approved by the Company.
Ownership of or interest in publicly traded securities that is not in excess of one percent (1%) of the
securities of that corporation is not subject to this paragraph.
5. Association with Competitors, Suppliers or Customers
Directors, officers or employees or members of their immediate families, without the prior disclosure to
and approval of the Company, may not (i) work for, serve as a director or officer of, or provide services
to, a customer, supplier or competitor of the Company, or a customer of the Company's customer, or (ii)
be a partner of, or investor with, any individual or organization, or an employee of an organization,

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that is the Company's customer, supplier or competitor, or that is a customer of the Company's
customer.
6. Non-Company Service and Income
A director or officer of the Company, a group or division president or vice president, or a general
manager of a business unit shall not serve as an officer, director, employee, partner, trustee or
consultant of or receive salary, fees, dividends or other income (except dividends and interest from
publicly traded securities or other similar investments) from any enterprise other than the Company,
unless that relationship has been fully disclosed to the Director, Business Practices and Compliance
Programs. It is not necessary to disclose service as an officer or a director of a not-for-profit enterprise.
7. Outside Employment
Employees should recognize that their position with the Company must be their primary employment.
Any outside employment, investment or other source of income must be secondary and subordinate to
their position with the Company, and must not interfere in any way with the performance of their duties
as a Company employee. Any such relationships that could be construed as a conflict with these
guidelines must be disclosed to the Company. The Company shall, in its sole discretion, determine
whether any employment relationship is prejudicial to its interests and is contrary to these guidelines.
8. Use of Company Personnel or Property
Directors, officers and employees shall not use or permit others to use the Company's employees or its
property for personal purposes.
9. Insider Trading
No person affiliated with the Company may directly or indirectly effect securities transactions on the
basis of "insider information" until that information has been fully disseminated to the public. Insider
information is any information regarding a company or its business about which an employee may learn
in connection with his or her employment, which is not generally known to the public, and which could
affect a decision to buy, sell or hold the stock of a company. For example, this policy would preclude
the purchase of stock in an unaffiliated company in which the Company is considering an investment or
some other business arrangement. In addition, the disclosure of such inside information to persons
outside the Company is strictly forbidden.

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10. Misappropriation of Business or Investment Opportunities


Directors, officers and employees are prohibited from taking direct or indirect advantage of any
business opportunity which is received by reason of their relationship with the Company and in which
the Company may be interested, unless such opportunity has been presented for consideration by the
Company, has been rejected, and such activity is not prohibited under Paragraphs 4 through 7 above.
11. Illegal or Unethical Payments, Gifts, Bribes or Gratuities; Accuracy of Company Records
a.

The Company's policy is to comply strictly with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices

Act of 1977, as amended. The Act prohibits payments or offers of payments of anything of
value to foreign officials, political parties or candidates for foreign political office in order to
secure, retain or direct business. Payments made indirectly through an intermediary, under
circumstances indicating that such payments would be passed along for prohibited purposes,
are also illegal.
The Act also contains significant internal accounting control and recordkeeping requirements
that apply to the Company's domestic operations. The Act's intent, in requiring these records, is
to ensure that a business enterprise maintains reasonable control over its assets and all
transactions involving those assets. All employees are responsible for following Company
procedures for carrying out and reporting business transactions.
b.

Employees must record and report information accurately and honestly. This includes

accurate reporting of time worked, business expenses incurred, research test results, revenue
and costs, and other business related activities. All Company records are subject to audit, and
financial records should be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Dishonest reporting, either inside or outside the Company, will not be tolerated. This includes
reporting or organizing information in an attempt to mislead or misinform. No entry shall be
made on the Company's books and records that intentionally hides or disguises the true nature
of any transaction.
A director, officer or employee may not establish for any purpose an unauthorized, undisclosed
or unrecorded fund or asset involving the Company's money or other assets.
A director, officer or employee may not allow transactions with a supplier, agent, customer or
other third party to be structured or recorded in a way that is not consistent with generally
accepted business practices.

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1.3 Discussion of Conflict of Interest Guidelines and Hypothetical Cases


For further discussion of the Conflict of Interest Guidelines and hypothetical cases, please refer to
Appendix B of this booklet.

II. OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS


2.1 Restraint of Trade, Unfair Competition and Discriminatory Practices
The Company is committed to free and open competition in the marketplace. Strict adherence by all
employees to the letter and spirit of the antitrust laws of the United States and with the competition laws of
any other country or group of countries which are applicable to its business is absolutely required. No
employee should assume that the Company's interest ever requires any other course of conduct.
The antitrust laws are complex and difficult to interpret. They also have application to a very broad range of
corporate activities. The list of prohibited activities set forth below is not intended to be exhaustive and, taken
together with the Company's Antitrust Compliance Policy Booklet, are only a general guide to antitrust
compliance. Employees should consult with the Law Department prior to taking action concerning a matter
about which there is any question.
It is the Company's policy that no employee shall:
1.

Agree, or attempt to agree with a competitor of the Company (whether orally or in writing) with
respect to any of the following: prices; terms of sale (including discounts, credit terms, or freight
allowances); amount of production; division of markets, sales territories or customers; or the
boycotting of transactions with third parties. Further, no discussion or exchanges of information
regarding such matters, including exchanges through trade associations, should take place with
competitors or their representatives.

2.

Agree, or attempt to agree with a customer on a products resale price, imply that such resale
price is a condition of the sale or the receipt of a discount or advertising allowance, or discuss
with or imply to a customer that the Company will attempt to influence the resale pricing of
another customer. Any customer or territorial restrictions to be imposed on a customer must be
discussed with the Law Department prior to implementation.

3.

Sell any product on the condition, understanding or agreement that the customer must purchase
another product from the Company.

4.

Sell products of like grade and quality to competing customers at different prices during the
same time period, unless a statutory exception applies.
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5.

Provide promotional payments, services or allowances to competing customers on other than


proportionally equal terms, except where a statutory exception applies.

6.

Induce a vendor to sell a product or service to the Company at what the employee knows or has
reason to know is an illegal price.

7.

Make false or misleading remarks about other companies, their services or products, including
the Company's competitors.

2.2 Environmental Protection and Employee Occupational Health and Safety


The Company is committed to protecting the environment and complying with all applicable public health and
environmental laws and regulations.
To meet the Company's environmental standards, every facility is required to be in compliance with all public
health and environmental laws pertaining to its operations. Every facility is expected to maintain an open
dialogue with local communities on the nature and hazards, if any, of the materials that it manufactures or
handles as required by applicable environmental laws or regulations. The Company's policy is to participate
actively with government authorities, industry groups and the public in promoting community awareness and
emergency response programs to deal with any potential hazards associated with Company products,
materials or facilities.
The Company has a vital interest in providing each employee with a safe and healthy work environment. The
prevention of occupational accidents and illnesses is a line management responsibility. Every manager,
supervisor and foreperson bears direct responsibility for the safety and health of every employee under his or
her direction and for the safe utilization of all physical assets entrusted to his or her care.
The Company also expects and insists that every employee shall always show concern for his or her own
safety and that of all fellow employees. This requires each employee to perform his or her duties in a safe
manner and in compliance with all relevant safety policies and procedures.
For further information and guidance, employees should refer to the Company's Health, Safety and
Environment Policy and to the various pertinent Company policies and procedures.
2.3 Product Quality and Safety
The Company's policy is to conduct business with a high regard for the health and safety of those using its
products and, in doing so, strengthen the bond between the Company and its customers. Each employee
plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and safety of Company products, from initial design through
manufacture, sale and ongoing improvements. In addition, it is the Company's policy to cooperate with

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government agencies, industry associations and recognized authorities involved with the quality and safety of
the Company's products.
2.4 Protecting Confidential Business Information
The Company has developed confidential business and technical information over many years at
considerable expense. Because of this effort, the Company now owns or otherwise possesses valuable
confidential business and technical information. Employees must protect the Company's confidential
business and technical information as carefully as they protect the Company's tangible property.
Unauthorized disclosure of this information could destroy its value to the Company and give unfair advantage
to others.
To ensure confidentiality of the Company's confidential information, employees must adhere to the following
principles:
1.

Employees must not disclose confidential information, either during or after employment, except
when authorized by the Company to disclose it to suppliers, customers or others who have
entered into confidentiality agreements with the Company.

2.

Similar restrictions, usually provided for in contracts, apply to information obtained from the
Company's customers, partners, suppliers and others who furnish information to the Company
on a confidential basis. Employees must not disclose this confidential information, either during
or after employment by the Company, except as provided in such contracts.

2.5 Government Contracts


While contracting with the U.S. federal government offers business opportunities and funding arrangements
not normally available elsewhere, the rules and regulations of this unique customer must be observed.
Failure to observe them can result not only in loss of contract work and revenue but in civil and/or criminal
penalties as well. It is the contractor's responsibility to learn the applicable regulations in the area of
government contracts; in government contracting, ignorance is no defense.
All employees and Company consultants involved in U.S. federal government contracting activities must
adhere both to the Company-wide ethical standards set forth in this Code and to the specific requirements set
forth in the Company's Government Compliance and Procedures Manual.
2.6 Export Control
All exports of commodities and technical data from the United States are controlled by U.S. federal laws and
regulations, as are foreign transactions involving the sale of commodities made abroad using technical data
or components with U.S. origins. It is the Company's policy to comply with all applicable U.S. federal export
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control laws and regulations. For additional guidance, employees involved in exporting or processing orders
for export should refer to the Company's Export Compliance Policy and Procedures Manual.
2.7 Political Contributions
The Company encourages the participation of all employees as private citizens in the electoral process. The
Company follows U.S. federal law and many state statutes by prohibiting the Company from making direct or
indirect political contributions of any kind. Included in this prohibition would be transportation or other
services provided at the Companys expense.
2.8 Foreign Economic Boycott
It is the Company's policy to comply fully with the U.S. federal government's laws and regulations relating to
foreign economic boycotts. U.S. law prohibits cooperation with certain foreign economic boycotts. In
addition, U.S. law prohibits compliance with requests for information or other actions that further prohibited
boycotts as a condition to the sale of goods or services. U.S. law requires prompt reporting by the Company
of boycott-related requests for information or action from boycotting countries, firms or persons, including
requests directed to the Company's non-U.S. operations. Because boycott-related requests are often difficult
to recognize, it is important that employees involved in international transactions become familiar with the
Company's Export Compliance Policy and Procedures Manual.
2.9 Competitive Information
It is good business practice for the Company to gather information about the markets in which the Company
does business, including information about the Company's competitors and their products and services,
through business surveys, market studies, competitive analyses and benchmarking. To avoid the
appearance of improper agreements and understandings with the Company's competitors, however,
employees should not seek or receive such information directly from the Company's competitors. Employees
may, however, gather information about the Company's competitors from other sources, such as published
articles, advertisements, publicly distributed brochures, surveys by consultants, and conversations with
customers.
Employees may accept competitive information only when there is a reasonable belief that both the receipt
and use of the information are lawful. Employees must never attempt to acquire a competitor's trade secrets
or other proprietary or confidential information through unlawful or unethical means, such as theft, spying,
disclosures by the competitor's present or former employees, or breach of a competitor's non-disclosure
agreement by a customer or other party. Further, employees or any consultants or agents of the Company
should not misrepresent their identity in attempting to collect such information.

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2.10 Alcohol and Drug Abuse


The Company has adopted an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy. In summary, the Policy provides that
reporting to work or for Company business, or otherwise being on Company property, including on parking
lots and while operating Company vehicles, under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. The use,
possession, sale, distribution or purchase of drugs while at work or on Company business or while on
Company premises, including on parking lots and while operating Company leased vehicles, is prohibited.
Except for lawful consumption of alcohol as permitted at Company-sponsored functions and temporary
possession of unopened alcoholic beverages in a vehicle on Company property, the use, possession, sale,
distribution or purchase of alcohol while on Company premises, including on parking lots and while operating
Company vehicles, is prohibited. Illegal use of drugs off premises and off duty is prohibited. To the extent
that the presence of such drugs or their metabolites is detected in the blood or urine of any employee, or by
any other means, that employee will be in violation of the Company's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy and
subject to the procedures set forth therein.
2.11 Sexual Harassment
The Company strives to provide a productive work environment in which all of its employees can contribute at
their highest levels. Accordingly, the Company prohibits sexual harassment of any kind, whether the
harasser or the victim is a supervisor, co-worker, supplier, customer, agent or guest of the Company.
Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of law, this Code and the Company's Sexual Harassment
Policy.
Employees should refer to the Company's Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure Summary for additional
guidance, and for information regarding the procedure which should be followed in the event an employee
believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment.
2.12 Equal Opportunity
The Company recognizes the personal value of every employee. The Company pledges that every employee
will be treated with dignity and respect, and will be judged on the basis of his or her qualifications to perform
jobs, without regard to race, creed, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.
Employees should report violations of Company policy in this area to their supervisor, human resources
representative, or the Director, Business Practices and Compliance Programs.

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III. THE BUSINESS ETHICS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE


To ensure that the Code is properly implemented and administered, the Company has established a Business
Ethics Oversight Committee, composed of members of the Company's Management Committee. This
committee, subject to review by the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors, is responsible for
ensuring that the Code is properly implemented and administered.

IV. CONFIRMATION OF COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING


At the commencement of employment, each employee is required to confirm that he or she has read the
Code and that he or she understands that compliance with the specific guidelines which are part of the Code
is required during the term of employment. Thereafter, certain employees will be periodically asked to
reconfirm the statements regarding the Code which they made at the commencement of employment.
At the commencement of employment, employees are also required to disclose to the Company any conflicts
of interest they may have with the Company under the Conflict of Interest Guidelines described in the Code.
In the event of conflicts which arise after the commencement of employment, employees are required to
disclose such conflicts by completing and signing an appropriate form which can be obtained from their local
Human Resources Manager or the Company's Director, Business Practices and Compliance Programs.
Every employee is expected to report any violation of the Code or any applicable law of which he or she
becomes aware. Employees who make reports in good faith regarding another employee's violation need
have no fear of retaliation and the Company will ensure that any allegations are investigated and reviewed in
the strictest possible confidence consistent with the particular situation.
Except as otherwise specifically set forth herein, employees who know of, or reasonably suspect, violations of
the Code must report them to one of the following individuals: his or her supervisor, a group or division officer
within the group or division in which the employee works, the general manager of the business unit for which
the employee works, the Director, Business Practices and Compliance Programs, or the Vice President,
Internal Control Services.
The employee may also report known or suspected violations by calling the Saint-Gobain Hotline at
1-800-548-2088 (USA only) or 1-508-795-2736 (worldwide).

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V. DISCIPLINE
The Code is very important to the Company. Failure to comply with the standards outlined herein and all
policies referred to herein will result in disciplinary action, ranging from a reprimand to dismissal. Disciplinary
action will be taken against:
1.

Any employee who violates the Code or pertinent law.

2.

Any employee who deliberately withholds relevant information concerning a violation of the
Code or pertinent law.

3.

The violator's manager or supervisor to the extent that the circumstances of the violation reflect
participation in the violation, or lack of diligence.

4.

Any supervisor or employee who retaliates, directly or indirectly, or encourages others to do so,
against an employee who reports a Code, policy or law violation.

5.

Any employee who knowingly falsely accuses another employee of a Code, policy or law
violation.

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APPENDIX A
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR PURCHASING MANAGERS

This document is a supplement to the "General Principles of Conduct and Action for the Saint-Gobain Group,"
and represents an application of these principles to the purchasing function in the Group.
This document applies to all purchasing managers at the level of subsidiaries, divisions, delegations, Saint-Gobain
purchasers, as well as to all employees (buyers, technical staff and managers) who in the course of their work engage
in dealings with one or more outside suppliers to the Group.
The goal of this document is to provide guidelines for day-to-day work and concrete situations without, however,
attempting to be exhaustive.
General Principles of Behavior

Each negotiation must be carried out in the best interests of the Group, which in case of conflict must take
priority over the interests of the individual group company taken in isolation.

Buyers must adhere to Saint-Gobain Group master agreements, or make a special request for an exemption,
giving precise reasons backing up the request. Exemptions will only be granted because of special
circumstances (e.g., joint-venture situation, significant business opportunity); the grounds for the exemption
must be stated and all exemptions are subject to the approval of the category manager involved.

Buyers are encouraged to systematically request proposals from potential suppliers from within the Group.

Integrity

Saint-Gobain employees (buyers or others) shall refrain from communicating to actual or potential suppliers
their private contact details.

Purchasing goods or services on behalf of any Group entity must not entail discounts or refunds to the buyer
or a family member.

Invitations to special events (trips, meals etc.) organized by suppliers should only be accepted if there is
some justification going beyond the already existing relationship with the supplier. Prior approval from the
superior of the person involved is required.

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Presents from suppliers may only be accepted if of modest value, if they are delivered to a business address,
and if they come from existing suppliers (never from potential suppliers). As far as possible, they should be
shared among colleagues in the same team, in order to encourage team spirit and recognition. In any case,
complete transparency is required: the superior of the person involved is to be informed without delay.

Employees must have no personal interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, in any supplier.

Beyond the process of negotiation itself, the buyer should always take into account the longer term: coming
up with new ideas and being ready to challenge established ways of doing things, but the buyer also is to
make sure that what is being negotiated is feasible, and is to follow-up afterwards to verify implementation.

In particular, by working closely with the product "users," the buyer reduces substantially the risks associated
with supplier switches or product switches.

Communication is part of the buyers job: which means explaining internally choices made after a negotiation,
especially to the people whose needs it is being sought to address.

By keeping in touch on an on-going basis with the supplier, the buyer takes care that the quality of service is
good and that improvements are achieved.

General Rules for Buyers


Professionalism

In order not to allow too close a relationship to develop, local management should take care to regularly
change the key contacts with suppliers, unless to do so would be contrary to the interests of the Group.

To avoid blind adherence to the status quo, the purchasing function shall in general review contracts
approaching the end of their term, and shall avoid as much as possible automatic renewals.

Contacts with suppliers that have generated or involved important information shall be formally recorded in
some way (report, e-mail, telephone call) in order to facilitate the passing on of this information efficiently to
the appropriate level within the Group.

An on-going follow-up, especially of strategic suppliers, is to be established.

Buyers are to avoid allowing a relationship of dependence to build up vis--vis any supplier, and therefore
should always be working on having credible alternatives available.

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Confidentiality

A buyer or any expert called upon to deal with a request for proposals and the ensuing selection of a supplier,
shall take great care not to disclose information of strategic importance, whether of a commercial or a
technical nature, relating to the goods or services to be purchased, or information concerning the use to
which they may be put.

Whenever confidential information must be exchanged with a supplier, a confidentiality agreement must be
signed.

Plant visits by suppliers (actual or potential) are subject to strict surveillance: sub-contractor employees may
not organize such visits, and each visit is subject to the prior approval of the site manager (of the plant,
research center, etc).

Environment Health Safety (EHS)

Environment, Health and Safety issues are systematically taken into account when preparing purchasing
specifications.

The supplier must satisfactorily address EHS requirements in its proposal not least with regard to relevant
legal requirements. This should not give rise to any price supplement, unless some very specific
requirements have been included in the purchase specifications.

A regular "EHS check" is to be organized by purchasing managers, in particular for hazardous goods.

Competition

Buyers must not exchange trade or technical information with competitors of Group companies.

Buyers must not resort to dubious practices in order to obtain business secrets from a supplier or a subcontractor.

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APPENDIX B
CONFLICT OF INTEREST - DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN GUIDELINES

Discussion Number 1
Purchase of goods or services by the Company from an employee or a close relative of an employee.
Specific Policy
Employees, or their close relatives, sometimes operate businesses which can provide goods or
services which the Company uses. Occasionally, the question is raised whether the Company will
do business with the employee, his or her relative, or a business they own.
It is the Company's policy that, without the prior disclosure to, and approval of, the Company, an
employee (or his or her close relative) shall not be a customer of, or a supplier to, the Company.
Discussion
In order to protect the integrity of its purchasing system and to avoid potential employee relations
issues, the Company does not, without the prior disclosure to, and approval of, the Company,
purchase goods or services from employees or their close relatives.
If the Company were to do business with employees or their close relatives, a number of sensitive
issues could arise, including the following:
1. Being fair with all suppliers. It is important that the Company have an adequate number of
suppliers willing to offer goods and services on a timely basis at a competitive price. If the Company
were to make purchases from employees, other suppliers might not compete because of concern
that they would not receive fair consideration or that the employee had inside information and an
unfair advantage.
2. Poor performance. If the goods or services purchased from the employee were delivered late
or were defective, the employee's otherwise good relationship could be adversely affected.
Discussion Number 2
Working for, or providing services to, or doing business with, a customer, supplier or competitor; outside employment.

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Specific Policy
Company employees are sometimes asked by customers if they would be interested in doing work
for the customer after hours. Such requests have been made of draftspersons, engineers, computer
programmers and the like. On other occasions, an employee or a close relative may have a
business which sells goods or services. A question is sometimes raised whether the employee or
relative can solicit business from the Company's customer or supplier.
It is the Company's policy that, without the prior disclosure to, and approval of, the Company, an
employee may not work for, provide services to, or do business with, a customer, supplier or
competitor.
While the Company's policy does not prohibit off-duty work for persons or firms other than
customers, suppliers or competitors, off-duty work performed by a Company employee must comply
with the following guidelines:

All off-duty work must be wholly performed on the employee's personal time through the use of
his or her own facilities. More specifically, the employee may not make use of the Company's
property or resources in performing the work.

Performance of the off-duty work must not interfere with or prevent the employee from devoting
the time and effort necessary to fulfill the employee's duties and obligations as a full-time
employee of the Company.

Discussion
If a Company employee were to work for, provide services for, or do business with, a distributor,
dealer, agent, customer or supplier, it could cause the employee to exert an improper influence with
the Company on behalf of such distributor, dealer, agent, customer or supplier.

In the case of a distributor, dealer or agent, such influence could be directed toward the
appointment of such distributor, dealer or agent to new market areas, the decision to terminate
such entity, the pricing of products, the extension of credit, the filing of liens against the entities'
projects, the processing of orders, the expedition of shipments and the approval of such entities'
claims.

In the case of customers of the Company or of the distributor, dealer or agent, such influence
could be directed toward the pricing of products, the collection of accounts receivable, the filing
of liens and the processing of orders, shipments or claims.

-22-

In the case of suppliers, such influence could be directed toward the selection of suppliers and
prices paid for goods or services. Even if no improper influence were exerted, others, both
within and outside the Company, might perceive that such influence was occurring.

Discussion Number 3
Being a partner of, or investor with, a customer, supplier or competitor.
Specific Policy
Company employees sometimes have the opportunity to invest in a business venture with a
Company distributor, dealer, agent or other customer or a supplier or competitor. Because such
relationships may create actual conflicts of interest or the appearance of a conflict, it is the
Company's policy that, without the prior disclosure to, and approval of, the Company, no Company
employee or immediate family member may be a partner of, or investor with, the owner or an
employee of:

a Company distributor, dealer or agent;

a customer or prospective customer of the Company;

a customer (or prospective customer) of a distributor, dealer or agent;

a supplier; or

a competitor.

Discussion
If a Company employee were to invest in a business venture with a Company customer or a
supplier, it could cause the employee to exert an improper influence with the Company on behalf of
the customer or supplier. This influence involves the same type of pressures and conflicts described
in Discussion Number 2. With respect to a competitor, it could create an impression among our
customers, suppliers and other parties that an improper and unethical relationship exists.

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HYPOTHETICAL CASES
Case #1
ABC Group has need for machine tool services. It has been purchasing the services from the only two local machine
tool operations in the area, but both of these are operating at capacity. Bill Jones, an employee of ABC Group, owns
some machine shop equipment, and during after-work hours has performed services for other local companies. On
occasion, his partner Steve Smith who is not an ABC Group employee has helped out.
Bill's job with ABC Group includes the purchase of machine shop services. One day he needs to purchase these
services and goes to the two local machine shops. Both are busy and won't be able to give him the results as fast as
he needs. ABC Group has a large order which it will lose if it can't get the proper tooling. Bill gets a couple of quotes
from machine shops in other cities which can meet the time requirements but at a price well above what he has been
paying. The services must be performed.
Bill comes to you, his boss, and says, "Steve Smith will perform these services in my machine shop for less than the
out-of-town shops. Here, sign this purchase order." Do you sign it? What are some of the considerations?
Basic Policy
Without the prior disclosure to, and approval of, the Company, an employee may not be a supplier individually
to the Company. A Company employee who in any way influences decisions with respect to the Company's
business with a supplier may not hold any position with that supplier, whether as a director, officer, employee
or agent, nor have any financial interest in that supplier.
This includes employees who establish specifications for, recommend, evaluate, test or approve a supplier's
product or service, and employees who participate in the selection of or arrangements with a supplier.
Application of Policy
In this case, since the employee and his friend are partners in the machine tool operation, the Company may
not do business with them. The machine tool services must be purchased elsewhere.
Case #2(a)
A Company dealer wishes to put together a real estate development project and asks a Company salesperson to
become a partner in the development. May the salesperson make such an investment?

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Case #2(b)
The prospective customer of a Company dealer wishes to establish a contracting operation using, in part, the
Company materials purchased from the Company dealer. He approaches a Company employee in the Credit
Department and asks if the employee would want to become an investor in the new operation. May the employee
become an investor?
Basic Policy
Without the prior disclosure to, and approval of, the Company, an employee may not (i) work for, serve as a
director or officer of or provide services to, a customer, supplier or competitor of the Company or a customer
of the Company's customer, or (ii) be a partner of, or investor with, any individual or organization, or an
employee of an organization, that is a Company customer, supplier or competitor, or that is a customer of a
Company customer.
Application of Policy
The Company employee may not become a partner of the dealer in the real estate project or an investor in
the contracting firm of the dealer's prospective customer. Employees must avoid any relationship with a
distributor, dealer, customer or prospective customer or supplier that could cause them to exert any improper
influence with the Company on behalf of the distributor, dealer, customer or supplier.
Case #3
Blank Corporation has purchased fifteen large widgets from the Company for $25,000 each. It wants them shipped to
Mexico. Four widgets have been delivered and paid for. Blank's purchasing agent now comes to you and asks you to
furnish new invoices for the four widgets showing the price as $15,000. He merely says he "needs them for customs."
He also says that he'll probably need similar invoices for the other eleven widgets. You know that this may be the
beginning of a substantial business with Blank and that they may purchase another one hundred widgets. What do
you do?
Basic Policy
An employee may not allow transactions with a vendor, agent or customer to be structured or recorded in a
way that is not consistent with normal business practice. Any act by an employee in a transaction in which
the Company is a party and which involves any form of fraud or deception is prohibited.
Other similar acts which are prohibited are kickbacks of money, property or favors; billing a customer at an
inflated price or for merchandise he did not in fact receive; or furnishing false invoices or receipts.

-25-

Application of Policy
Since the requested invoices would be false, they may not be furnished.
Case #4
Able, who operates an import business in Country Y, approaches you and indicates he can obtain an order for building
materials for a large government installation. He indicates that he has "friends in influential positions." He states that
he normally works on a commission basis of 10 percent of the contract price, but in this instance he will need 20
percent. He suggests you merely include the higher commission in your bid. Your experience is that normal
commissions in Country Y are in the 5-10 percent range. Should you enter into the arrangement with Able?
Basic Policy
No employee may give, offer or accept anything that can be construed as a bribe, kickback or an illegal or
unethical payment in connection with the Company and its business.
No employee may aid or abet another party in making or receiving an improper payment.
The Company will pay fees to consultants only at competitive rates and commensurate with services
performed.
Application of Policy
This arrangement should not be entered into without evidence which would demonstrate the legitimacy of the
high commission and assure that no improper payment is being made.
Case #5(a)
Olive, a representative of First National Bank, with whom you do business, invites you to a golf outing along with
several other of the Bank's customers. A week after the outing, a new golf bag is delivered to you. In the package is a
note from Olive which says, "Glad you could join us. Maybe this will help you forget the putt you missed on 16." It's a
great looking golf bag and you need one. In fact, you priced one last week for $125. What do you do?
Case #5(b)
You really like to play golf and learn that Ben Olive, a representative of First National Bank with whom you do
business, is a member of the exclusive Park Place Golf Course where a pro-am tournament is to be held. Is it
appropriate for you to call Olive and ask him to arrange for you to play on the course and to get you free tickets to the
event?

-26-

Basic Policy
No gift or gratuity in any form may be accepted by a Company employee or any immediate family member
from individuals or concerns that do business with the Company unless the gift is a commonly distributed item
of nominal value given for advertising or promotional purposes or is of token value and consistent with local
business customs.
Gifts include any gratuitous service, discount, money or article of value. Tickets to sporting or other events,
lunches, dinners, golf dates and entertainment may be accepted if modest and appropriate and consistent
with normal business customs. Loans are also prohibited, except for transactions with banks and other
financial institutions on customary terms.
A Company employee is not to solicit services or items of value from suppliers or customers.
Application of Policy
In the golf bag example, because the golf bag is of more than modest value and is not a commonly
distributed advertising item, the employee should advise his boss of the gift which should be declined and
sent back with a thank you note.
In the golf outing ticket case, you should not ask for or solicit such gifts since it is contrary to the Company's
policy and might be construed as a condition of doing business with the Company.
Case #6
A Company employee learns from another employee working on a project that the Company is about to announce the
acquisition of ABC Corporation, a large publicly traded company. Before a public announcement is made, the
employee who learned of the acquisition purchases $5,000 of the stock of ABC Corporation.
Basic Policy
The use for personal gain of confidential or "insider" information obtained as a result of employment with the
Company is prohibited and, in some circumstances, may violate the law.
All employees working with confidential non-public information should guard against its intentional or
inadvertent disclosure to other employees and outsiders.

-27-

Application of Policy
In this case both employees, the one who disclosed the confidential information and the employee who
purchased the stock based on the "inside" information, are subject to disciplinary action, including discharge.
Also, both employees may be liable for civil damages to the person from whom the stock was purchased.

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Saint-Gobain Corporation
750 E. Swedesford Road
PO Box 860
Valley Forge, PA 19482

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