Ozone, a twofold challenge for Renault

• Renault is committed to protecting the ozone layer. Working in close cooperation with suppliers, the Group is pursuing a programme to replace the substances that damage the ozone layer.  

• Renault is also seeking to limit the ozone emissions linked to its activities, by reducing emissions of:

                      - nitrogen oxide (NOx);
                      - Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).

Production phase

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are the main source of atmospheric emissions generated by Renault's industrial activities. They are produced by the solvents used in the paint shops.  

Over a number of years, Renault has sought to reduce these emissions by implementing the best technologies and the best recognized managerial practices across all Group plants, through the modernization of paint shop installations.

Renault is taking action to:

• Cut these emissions at source by:

          - upgrading paint application processes, in particular by introducing water-based paints;
          - cutting the use of solvents through a new-generation electrostatic process.  This solution, implemented at the Pitesti, Bursa and Valladolid plants, has reduced consumption of basecoats. 

• Renault is also improving emission treatment procedures by putting in place more efficient incinerators and by modernizing installations, as in Maubeuge (France) for the new Kangoo project.

Combustion emissions of SO2 and NOx Renault is replacing fuel-oil boilers by natural gas boilers that significantly reduce atmospheric emissions of SO2 and NOx.

The percentage of fuel-oil in the heat energy consumed by Renault fell from 26% to 2.5% between 1999 and 2007. The main focus of the progress plan is now to install boilers with low-NOx burners. 

Vehicle-use phase

The combustion of fuel inside an engine produces nitrogen oxide (NOx) molecules that are emitted to the atmosphere.

Sunlight reacts with the nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to produce ozone pollution, which is highly irritant to the lungs and respiratory system.

Through its proactive research policy, Renault is looking for innovative solutions that will further reduce these emissions and guarantee the long-term international development of the automotive sector while respecting air quality.

- Go to \"Preserve air quality\"