Production phase

Water consumption

Renault is taking action in three areas, to:

• recycle water: by applying a closed-flow configuration to cooling systems, through the recovery of stormwater (Maubeuge and Guyancourt in France)

• improve efficiency: by systematically tracking down leaks and using industrial processes that are water-efficient

• training personnel to change their behavior

 
Read about the stormwater recycling system set up by the Maubeuge site in France.

Emissions to water

Liquid discharges at industrial sites are treated in appropriate treatment plants. This treatment is carried out in-house in most cases. Eighty percent of sites have their own treatment facilities, and make use of the latest technologies.

The objective is to:

• take action on the consumption of products used in industrial processes: by phasing them out in some cases (e.g. through lead-free electrocaoting baths, and chlorine-free cutting fluids), by reducing their consumption or by taking steps to promote their recycling;

• eliminate the discharges produced by industrial processes: Renault is putting in place a zero industrial effluents policy at its powertrain plants;

• improve the efficiency of treatment plants: (see the membrane bioreactor at Palencia, Spain). The experience at Palencia has enabled the implementation of this technology at treatment plants in Douai and Batilly, France

• prevent accidental pollution by installing confinement tanks. This solution is being used with equipment installed at Douai, Palencia, and Flins.

Vehicule-use phase

Environmental management is gradually being integrated into dealerships in each country, through the introduction of standards. The areas covered by these standards include water consumption and wastewater discharges.