Environment and Climate

By helping to prevent climate warming, preserving fossil fuels and natural resources and promoting environmentally friendly energy, GDF SUEZ is working to control the impact of its own activities and those of its customers on the environment.

Technologies that emit the least CO₂ are the priority

Controlling emissions of greenhouse gases is a major challenge in sustainable development. GDF SUEZ emphasizes an industrial strategy based on low carbon emissions such as nuclear energy, combined-cycle gas turbines, and, of course, renewable energies. In this alone, the company invested one billion Euros in 2008. With 38% of its power generated without
any CO₂, its production base is one of the cleanest in Europe.

Also, along with the international scientific community, GDF SUEZ is participating in research on the capture and storage of CO₂. This method consists of injecting the CO₂ emitted by industry in gas-depleted rock formations. This represents that much CO₂ that does not get released into the atmosphere.

• For further information about CO₂ capture and storage

Environmentally friendly offerings

For GDF SUEZ, respect for the environment is not a constraint, it is a development opportunity. Energy efficiency makes it possible to limit carbon emissions while preserving fossil fuel. GDF SUEZ, a benchmark player in this regard, develops solutions for its residential, company and local community customers enabling them to adhere to their own sustainable development commitments:

• DolceVita 2 énergies Nature is the first-ever gas-and-electricity offering for residential customers in France and is 100% environmentally friendly. It has been available since October 2008.
• AlpEnergie provides professionals with power that is 100% renewable, generated mainly by hydraulic power plants located along the Rhone River. The origin and production of AlpEnergie are certified by recognized institutions such as the German TÜV.
• Electrabel Vert, in Belgium, produces 100% green power generated exclusively by local facilities. The renewable origin of the electricity is guaranteed by a European label certifying each MWh of green electricity transmitted over the grid.
• The Energy and Environmental Efficiency Performance Contract COFELY guarantees its customers energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the long term. The contract defines quantified commitments such as equipment and building alterations, energy alternatives and user awareness to be conducted throughout the term of the contract. A report is given to the customer at least once a year.

Preserving biodiversity and ecosystems

GDF SUEZ is careful to integrate its activities with the environment by limiting the impact of its sites and facilities. Every waste storage site belonging to the Group, for example, is audited at least every three years.

As part of the what has come to be known as the “Grenelle” or debate on the environment, the Group has committed to setting up, by the end of 2012 in Europe, action plans for sensitive sites to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. The Group now has a mapping tool that makes it possible to find out which sites are vulnerable in terms of being sensitive or protected areas. These sites are audited by experts who propose action plans for them. The environmental impact studies conducted as part of opening new facilities are undertaken in partnership with international NGOs (ProNatura), consultants (Veritas) and science museums such as the natural history museums of Paris and Brussels.