Annual report 2004 (English) - PDF 3546K - Imperial Tobacco

70
Ensuring
environmental
protection from tobacco cultivation
to the manufacturing process
Altadis’ environmental policy is largely
based on the ISO 14001 certifi cation
process initiated in 2002, which is
proceeding on schedule. Close attention
is also paid to the reduction of pesticides
used in tobacco cultivation, even though
the Group is not directly involved in the
cultivation process.
In general, the production processes
and raw materials used by the
tobacco industry do not have a strong
environmental impact. Altadis is
nevertheless keenly aware of the need to
make continuous improvements in some
areas that have an environmental impact,
such as water and energy consumption,
and waste and effl uents treatment,
which are all closely monitored by each
Group site. To achieve sustainable
improvements, Altadis plays a positive
and involving role in the “environmental
protection and production” task force
formed by the CORESTA organization
for international cooperation in
tobacco-related scientifi c research.
The Group’s production facilities all aim to achieve the
following environmental protection objectives:
• compliance with environmental laws and regulations;
• identifi cation, analysis and assessment with a view to
taking action to minimize environmental impacts;
• optimum preparedness for incidents impacting the
environment;
• collaboration with authorities, trade organizations,
suppliers and other stakeholders to implement
environmental development initiatives;
• raising employee awareness and training staff
to implement best practices;
• continuous improvements in environmental
performance by constantly raising the bar.
Care is also taken with regard to the impact on
surrounding communities through diligent compliance
with noise and odor pollution legislation. Each site has
set up a system for dealing constructively with inquiries
from the general public concerning environmental issues.
Another key aspect of the Group’s policy is promoting
environmental responsibility at every organizational
level. Related employee-training courses have been
undertaken in plants, and the corporate intranet has
been used to inform a wider audience of progress made
towards the achievement of comprehensive ISO 14001
certifi cation. In addition, environmental requirements
are being formulated for the Group’s suppliers.