ENVIRONMENT

There has also been a decrease in water consumption as a result of recycling treated water and cutting waste. The Caudebec plant, which requires large volumes of cooling water, has installed an acoustic leak-detection system, reducing consumption by 20%.

Group standards for chemicals and chemical management

The Group is committed to cutting by 20% annually the use of products or materials containing chemical substances of very high concern to human health or the environment. In Europe, substances and materials subject to the REACH regulation are tracked and removed.
The Group's standard on selection criteria for chemical substances and materials uses a standard data sheet to define the process for approving a new material or chemical substance. It then prioritizes those that must be replaced based on their proven or suspected danger In addition, Safety and Environment managers may prohibit a new material or chemical substance if they feel it presents a danger to human health and the environment. A Group standard has also been created for managing chemicals, from their on-site delivery to their disposal. All plants must be in compliance with this standard for chemical storage and accidental pollution management by the end of 2014.

REDUCING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF AIR TRANSPORTATION

Zodiac Aerospace supports a number of initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of air transportation, which is responsible for 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Its experts are heavily involved with the European Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative and are working to improve the energy efficiency of non-propulsion systems, specifically electric wing deicing and electrical power distribution and management. They are also working with the Future Alternative Fuel Coordination Committee, headed by the DGCA²⁵, on physical-chemical changes in new biofuels and their potential impact on aircraft systems.

ACROSS-THE-BOARD SUCCESS AT THE ZODIAC SEATS PLANT

The Gainesville plant in the United States has reduced its water and electricity consumption by 29% and 10% (per hour of work) respectively. It recycles 55% of its waste, particularly pallets, and has reduced its landfill volume by 7%. Nitric acid, used to treat metal surfaces, has been almost entirely replaced by citric acid, while the use of new primer paint has led to the elimination of hexavalent chromium. The prevention of accidental pollution has been further strengthened by the use of holding tanks. In addition, all employees are trained in chemical labeling.

²⁵ The French Civil Aviation Authority

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