We are committed to preserving water
Our production process is not water-intensive and accounts for only 11% of our overall water consumption, including the activation of sprinklers for fire safety testing. Most of our water — 79% — is used for hygienic and sanitary purposes by our employees, or for gardening. Nevertheless, we prioritise water reduction in all areas where this is possible at all our plants and facilities. The resource and energy reduction program at Eviosys (encompassing actions such as leak detection, faucet aerators, and automatic stops for tap water dispensers, which were installed in 2023) requires that all our plants and facilities participate in this effort, regardless of geographic location. We track the number of cubic meters of water consumed annually across the company. We are evaluating ways to recover water used in the production process — for cooling and sprinkler systems for example — for re-use via a closed loop system.
• We identify the level of water scarcity in every country where we have manufacturing facilities, in alignment with UN Social Development Goal (SDG) 6, (Ensure access to water and sanitation for all). We have five plants located in water-depleted zones, and only one plant in a waterstressed area in Agadir, Morocco, which is served by desalinated water.
2023 Achievements
Our water preservation efforts are yielding results. In 2023, we reduced our water consumption by -14% across Eviosys. We are very close to achieving our 2030 goal of -15% (from a 2020 baseline).
Action Plan for the Future
We will continue with our conservation efforts, primarily for domestic and sanitary water consumption, which are proving effective.
Our Objectives in Biodiversity
Biodiversity is relatively new at Eviosys and within our industry; we are still defining our approach to this complex topic. Our over-arching aim is to respect, preserve, and protect the natural environments in which we operate. At the same time, we believe we can integrate biodiversity activities to enhance the work environment and experience of our employees, enabling them to participate in and enjoy the natural surroundings of some of our sites.
2023 Activities and Achievements
• During the year, detailed plans for our largest and most structured biodiversity project to date were developed.
The Carpentras biodiversity project, to be carried out in an abandoned field within our Carpentras site in southern France, has three broad objectives: 1) flora diversification, with a focus on local species and honeyproducing areas; 2) fostering well-being at work; and 3) carbon capture.
In partnership with Solev (a specialised organisation) and a local agronomy school, Eviosys has allocated 50,000 square meters adjacent to the Carpentras premises for this biodiversity project. To complement the pre-existing trees, approximately 200 new trees and shrubs will be planted. These will include endemic fruit trees (such as almond, cherry, and apricot), olive trees, truffle oaks, and local varieties of ornamental trees and shrubs.
• On the remises of our plant in Athy, Ireland a wildflower meadow was replanted, with the innovative addition of a “Bug Motel.” The purpose of the “Motel” is to promote biodiversity by providing various species with habitats and over-wintering sites. These protective habitats are particularly important for bees and wasps, which play a vital role in the ecosystem of the area.
Action Plan for the Future
The Carpentras biodiversity project, as outlined above, will be carried out over the course of 2024. The next phase of the project, scheduled for 2025, will focus on incorporating aspects of well-being at work for Eviosys employees.