ENERGY, ECOLOGY AND DIGITAL TRANSITION
Our Group is committed to a series of initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and optimizing its energy consumption.
Promoting clean, renewable energy
Among the flagship measures adopted, we have installed photovoltaic panels and launched ambitious campaigns to replace old lighting technologies with more efficient LED solutions at all our sites.
This transition to LEDs has led to a significant reduction in our energy consumption, with a 20% drop in kilowatt-hours, from 24,250 kW to 19,400 kW.
This energy saving is accompanied by an impressive reduction in our carbon footprint, down by 12 tonnes of CO₂ per year, representing a 25% drop in our annual CO₂ emissions – a remarkable performance that is harmonized across all our sites.
We have also invested in the installation of photovoltaic panels, while scrupulously complying with our safety obligations in accordance with the decree of October 4, 2010 on the prevention of accidental risks. At Écouflant, for example, the Galva Métal unit already draws around 750 kWh from this clean energy source, which should lead to a reduction of around 15% in our electricity consumption.
We have also completely eliminated natural gas consumption at the ANGERS plant, moving from a 100% fossil fuel system in 1972 to a 100% electric system by 2022. With Galva Métal as a pilot site, we aim to extend these improvements to all our sites by 2028, reinforcing our commitment to greener, more sustainable production.
Rainwater recovery to supply certain processes
We are proud to announce that, thanks to innovative rainwater harvesting initiatives, we have significantly reduced our water consumption. This effort is part of our commitment to promoting sustainable management of natural resources. By capturing and reusing rainwater in our industrial processes, we have not only reduced our dependence on drinking water, but also contributed to a more responsible management of the water cycle.
Rainwater collected year-round supplies our scrubber (an installation that sucks up and washes the hydrochloric acid vapors emitted by pickling baths, a major water consumer) and the washing of handling equipment at the Galva Métal site in Angers.
Actions undertaken to continuously improve our environmental practices
We contribute to a greener supply chain for the surface treatment industry in a variety of ways.
Converting material handling equipment
Switch to the use of electric forklifts, powered by electricity generated by our own solar panels installed on site.
Furnace heat recovery
Recovering 100% of residual heat from furnaces to heat treatment baths, workspaces and offices.
