Sustainable development: a structured, officially-recognised approach
Its acquisition in 2005 by a consortium comprising Eiffage and Macquarie heralded a new phase in the history of the Autoroutes Paris-Rhin-Rhône group.
The 10 sustainable-development commitments and the resultant multi-year action plan form an integral part of the Eiffage group’s strategic vision, encompassing the need for our practices to be compliant with our social and environmental obligations, the implementation of pertinent performance indicators and management tools, and the need to plan for the future through an active innovation policy.
The Group contract and the two Company contracts
These contracts entered into with the State for the period 2004-2008 cover a wide range of objectives relating to service quality, the environment, the optimisation of human resources and the role of motorways in economic and regional development. The Group must report annually to the State – which is the concession grantor – concerning the results of its actions and the progress made in meeting its objectives. This requires, notably, the definition, monitoring and transmission of indicators relating to resources and results.
The 10 commitments
In parallel, the Group made 10 commitments in early 2005, constituting long-term strategic aims. These commitments, which are compatible with the examination of the sector initiated by the professional motorway and road structure association or ASFA (Association professionnelle des autoroutes et ouvrages routiers), further highlight both the importance that our Group attaches to sustainable development and the actions that it undertakes in that area.
Our commitments to
| ... our customers |
| Regularly increase safety on the motorway network and encourage customers to adopt safer, more civic-minded behaviour. |
| . Improve the quality and range of services offered to customers, and strengthen customer relations on themes such as the environment, safety and the countryside. |
| ... our employees |
| Favour the collective and individual development of employees, foster diversity and reinforce social cohesion. |
| Further develop professionalism and a preventative approach to work situations, in order to foster a strong safety culture. |
| ... our environment |
| In consultation with stakeholders, act to preserve biodiversity and the living environment from the design and construction phases and throughout the service lives of the structures. |
| Control the carbon footprint resulting from the construction and operation of motorways, and improve the energy efficiency of installations. |
| ... our environment and regions |
| Work with partners to assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts of motorways and the impact of their operation on public health. |
| ... our regions |
| Encourage actions aimed at contributing to the development of tourism and the local economy in areas served by the network and enhance the attractiveness of motorway rest and service areas. |
| Participate in the development of projects favouring multimodal transport. |
| ... our suppliers |
| Affirm the Group’s social and environmental responsibility in dealings with suppliers and subcontractors, and with those managing commercial concerns on service areas. |