Low carbon and biodiversity strategy

The climate emergency and biodiversity loss are both major environmental and societal challenges. To address these issues, in 2020 Colas undertook a strategic review that culminated in the creation of a low carbon and biodiversity roadmap. The Group announced two ambitious targets for reducing its emissions, in line with the Paris Agreement*:

A 46.5% reduction in direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1 and 2)
A 30% reduction across the entire upstream value chain (Scope 3a), which accounts for 85% of the Group’s total emissions

* Well-below 2°C based on the methodology recognized by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

Incorporating climate change priorities into our Group-wide strategy

Climate change has a direct impact on Colas in its markets, prompting the Group to review the scope of some of its traditional operations and opening up new opportunities to adapt its business model in light of the green transition.
A Group-wide analysis of risks and opportunities arising from the low-carbon transition has been undertaken and the initial findings have been factored into the Group’s strategy.
To accompany this energy transition, the Group is raising employee awareness through trainings, webinars, days dedicated to environmental and climate change issues, Climate and biodiversity Fresco workshops, as well as Low Carbon Way workshops.

Taking action to lower the carbon intensity of our direct emissions

One of Colas’ targets is to cut our direct CO₂ emissions by 46.5% by 2030. To achieve this target, we are working in a number of areas across the entire Group:

Boosting energy efficiency (reducing the energy consumption of our industries through operational excellence)
Transitioning to less carbon-intensive energy sources (low-carbon machinery and light-duty vehicle fleets powered by low-carbon electricity, biodiesel, biogas and green hydrogen)
Developing innovative new manufacturing processes that are less carbon-intensive (alternative energies, development of innovative solutions to replace heavy fuel oil)
Promoting more sustainable behavior, such as by monitoring consumption and rolling out training in environmentally friendly driving across the Group

Developing and promoting low-carbon technologies and solutions

Reducing our carbon footprint first and foremost require us to implement low-carbon products and techniques developed through focused research and development, for example by using low-carbon cements and hydraulic binders as well as bio-sourced binders and fluxing agents, producing concrete with a smaller carbon footprint, increasing the amount of recycled materials used in asphalt and expanding the use of in-place road recycling.
Achieving our reduction targets require promoting these products and techniques through marketing campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness among our customers, focused in particular on offering environmentally friendly alternatives and highlighting the environmental benefits of our products and techniques.

Optimizing carbon accounting for our operations

Colas has introduced a new methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of all its activities. This methodology takes into account the physical flows and expenses involved in carrying out activities.
Two tools based on physical and financial data have also been launched: the Colas Carbon Footprint, to visualize the carbon footprint of Group entities in real time, and the Colas Carbon Counter, to calculate the carbon footprint of worksites in advance.

Helping our customers and users achieve carbon neutrality and reduce emissions

Business opportunities are being considered in the fields of CO₂ capture and storage, preventing Urban Heats Islands, mobility and carbon-free transportation.
Colas has already incorporated global warming-related priorities into its R&D activities. Through our light-colored surfacing solutions, water management systems and work to re-nature damaged areas, we’re helping to boost existing solutions for creating urban cool islands.
To reduce the impact of transporting materials, Colas is also promoting non-road transportation via rail and water. To help customers and users reduce their emissions, Mobility by Colas offers new mobility solutions such as Qievo and Moov’Hub.

Incorporating priorities related to biodiversity loss into our operations

In October 2022, the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) announced that nearly 70% of wild animal populations had disappeared since 1970. As climate change is one of the main causes, the challenge for Colas is to continue to help preserve biodiversity everywhere it works:

Protecting habitats and species through initiatives that promote biodiversity at quarries
Launching an employee awareness and information program
Controlling water, ground and air pollution
Controlling the spread of invasive exotic species
Responding to the challenges posed by land artificialization

Achievements

By the end of 2022, more than 6,000 employees have already participated in Climate Fresco workshops
By 2023, 70% of our truck fleet will use 100% French rapeseed biofuel, thanks to the Oleo100 tanks installed in our facilities
Using electric vans at the Grenoble profit center (France)
Reducing energy consumption at the LEF asphalt mixing plant in Seneffe (Belgium)
Using the Recycol process to recycle surfaces on a regional road in Charente-Maritime (France)
Using a light-colored surfacing solution in the schoolyard of a middle school to limit urban heat island effects in the Paris region (France)
Using Qievo to regulate truck traffic at a construction site in Lyon (France)
Setting up a conservation program for European dark bees, in partnership with the CNRS and Apilab in Provence (France)
Restoring a salmon spawning ground in Hidden Valley, Alaska (United States)
Running environmental webinars and holding an Environment Day on April 8
By the end of 2022, more than 6,000 employees have already participated in Climate Fresco workshops
By 2023, 70% of our truck fleet will use 100% French rapeseed biofuel, thanks to the Oleo100 tanks installed in our facilities
Using electric vans at the Grenoble profit center (France)
Reducing energy consumption at the LEF asphalt mixing plant in Seneffe (Belgium)
Using the Recycol process to recycle surfaces on a regional road in Charente-Maritime (France)
Using a light-colored surfacing solution in the schoolyard of a middle school to limit urban heat island effects in the Paris region (France)
Using Qievo to regulate truck traffic at a construction site in Lyon (France)
Setting up a conservation program for European dark bees, in partnership with the CNRS and Apilab in Provence (France)
Restoring a salmon spawning ground in Hidden Valley, Alaska (United States)
Running environmental webinars and holding an Environment Day on April 8