Reduce our environmental footprint by concentrating efforts on major contributors
   Examine the soil management component in more detail
   Continue efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Some carried out actions 

 Controlled environmental impacts
In 2006, the great majority of AREVA sites had received ISO 14001 certification or were in the process of doing so. In coming years, environmental certification initiatives will be expanded to contracting operations, the nuclear engineering business and major construction sites.

In addition, the Green Way guidelines were deployed group-wide. They are designed to harmonize assessment systems and environmental management practices. In 2007, a review process identified divergences from these management criteria and corrective measures were taken. Priority will be given to SEA (significant environmental aspect) sites.

 Improved environmental performance
In terms of the environmental footprint, the 3-year goals set in 2004 were exceeded in 2006 in every area except energy consumption, which dropped only 13% against the initial target of 15%.

Substantial reductions were recorded, notably:
 20% in water consumption: Jeumont achieved a 42% decrease thanks to a leak reduction campaign while Aix-les-Bains achieved 67% after the technology was changed on the cooling units
 10% in paper consumption: the average group employee used 27.3 kg of paper, a drop of 5.2 kg compared to 2004 for group-wide savings of 340 metric tons
 20% in greenhouse gas emissions.

The group also strives to recycle conventional waste:
 40% of all hazardous waste was recycled in 2006 (compared with 32% in 2004)
 59% of all non-hazardous waste was recycled in 2006 (compared with 44% in 2004).

 Keeping radiological impacts low
A strategy to harmonize measurements and conduct continuous research on ways to reduce radiological impacts was carried out.

The radiological impact around the La Hague plant was brought down to 0.01 mSv, far below the regulatory limit of 1 mSv.

These measures were extended to AREVA's main nuclear sites, taking local specificities into account. The results of these measures are shared with the local information commissions.

 Comprehensive radioactive waste management
For more comprehensive and reliable management of waste products, a reporting system was set up that factors in the status of the facilities in operation or being dismantled and the different waste management methods.

In addition, investments have been made to improve radioactive waste storage and packaging at several sites.

A figure

  77% of SEA industrial sites have received ISO 14001 certification.

Focus 

 COMHUREX Malvési: 29 million euros invested in environmental protection
The Malvési site handles the first step of the uranium ore conversion process. In early 2006, unusually heavy rainfall forced the plant to suspend operations for 2 months and to review its water cycle management practices. Solutions implemented included the creation of new ponds and a water treatment station.