The future of natural habitats hinges on a delicate balance between fauna, flora and human civilization. Today, this balance is threatened by demographic growth and human and industrial activity.

The environmental impact of the automotive industry has to be reduced through ambitious policies. The sector has a huge role to play.

• The carbon emitted by gasoline engines contributes to global warming.
• Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions acidify rain and soil.
• Cars increase noise pollution in cities.
• Vehicle production and use devour natural resources.

Renault prefers to see the drastic changes that have to be made by the automotive industry as an opportunity rather than a constraint.

Renault is asserting its leadership in vehicle life cycle management and the design of more ecological and economical vehicles.

• Renault weighs up all the variables in the design phase – including materials, vehicle size and engine – to develop more environmental vehicles. For example, replacing a steel wing with a plastic one makes cars lighter and more economical but also increases waste. So trade-offs are made to select the most environmental solution, as illustrated in the Renault eco² range.

• All of Renault’s plants have ISO 14001 certification. Each one works on competitively reducing the impact of its activity on the environment during vehicle and engine manufacture by respecting the 4 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover energy.

• Renault develops alternative energies to reduce pollution during the vehicle use phase. It also organizes awareness-raising campaigns for drivers.

• At end of life, Renault does all it can to recycle cars and process waste. the long-term objective is to design 95%-recyclable vehicles.