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REDUCING GREENHOUSE GASES: OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS

In 2006, as part of Renault Commitment 2009, the Group set ambitious objectives on reducing CO2 emissions. Greenhouse gases, including CO2, contribute to climate change. Aware of the impact of its activities, Renault is working on a number of practical initiatives. 

Ambitious objectives 

Renault has a three-pronged environmental objective:

 

  • rank among the top three carmakers emitting the least CO2,
  • market a growing choice of biofuel models,
  • develop a broad range of affordable alternative technologies, such as electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.

 

To meet these objectives, Renault is working on all phases of the vehicle life cycle, from manufacture to use.

Manufacture: cleaner production 

Renault has set three new objectives on reducing the GGS emitted by its industrial activity:

 

  • reduce by 10% the CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels from fixed sources;
  • increase the share of renewable energies (direct and indirect) in industrial-scope sites to 20% by 2020;
  • build a zero carbon automotive assembly plant by 2012.

 

To meet these objectives, Renault’s strategy to reduce GGS emissions from industrial activity will be focused on four areas:

 

  • increasing energy efficiency,
  • reducing energy consumption,
  • changing fuels,
  • developing renewable energies.

 

The Group has implemented technological solutions such as cogeneration at the Flins site in France and solar thermal energy at the Palencia, Valladolid and Sevilla sites in Spain and Cacia in Portugal. It is also looking at more advanced projects, ranging from biomass heating systems to wind-powered electricity (in Tangier notably).  

 

Technological advances made in the design phase – lighter cars, less friction, more efficient engines – also reduce, gram by gram, the CO2 emitted by vehicles.

Vehicle use: equip and inform drivers 

Prototype Scenic ZEV H2

 

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has implemented major resources to foster the use of non-polluting energies. The Alliance’s “zero emission” target hinges primarily on the launch of electric vehicles in countries such as Israel and Denmark as part of the Better Place project. Renault and Nissan are also studying the development of an electric vehicle equipped with fuel cells, with a prototype, the Scenic ZEV H2, currently being tested. But the way a vehicle is used also plays a part in reducing emissions.

 

Renault works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by informing and involving the drivers.

 

  • Renault informs its customers at sales outlets on the average CO2 emissions for each vehicle.
  • A major criterion of the ecological and economical Renault eco² range is a CO2 emissions cap of 140 g/km.
  • Renault proposes eco-driving programs to raise the awareness of the greatest number of European drivers on environmentally respectful driving.