2007 Reference document (PDF) - Valeo

2 Management
PAGE 52
Report
Environmental management and performance
Optimized logistics and packaging
Valeo’s business operations are highly transport- and packagingintensive,
as regards incoming supplies of raw materials and parts
from suppliers or other Valeo sites, and outgoing deliveries to dealer
networks and automaker client sites.
A transport survey carried out by Valeo in 2007 provided a sound
basis for in-depth work on identifying new openings for logistics
and environmental optimization, with respect to management of
the upstream subcontracting chain, inter-site flows, and coordination
with order-givers.
Group policy on development of packaging solutions specifies
criteria such as reductions in unit weight, and increased use of nondisposable
packaging and recycled materials. Packaging consumption
is included in the Valeo performance indicators detailed in section
on environmental performance.
Valeo generic plant: sustainable
development for production sites
A site’s life cycle consists of finding a suitable location, building the
site, operating the site, and ultimately closing or selling it. Since
1996, Valeo has been developing and extending its generic plant
concept covering all these phases, and has issued the Valeo Factory
Design guide setting out precise requirements:
■ Valeo’s sites are very often located near client sites, in industrial
zones that already exist or are under construction, to benefit from
local infrastructure and qualified subcontractors;
■ when choosing its locations, the Group systematically performs
audits to check (i) if there are any potential environmental liabilities
such as soil or groundwater pollution; (ii) if the surrounding area
is hazardous or particularly sensitive; and (iii) if there is a risk of
natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes;
■ sites are constructed and rehabilitated in accordance with the
specifications set out in the Valeo Factory Design guide, which
include sustainable development criteria on site construction,
working conditions for employees, site operating conditions,
compliance with regulations, Valeo risk prevention standards,
consumption optimization, and reduction of emissions and
waste.
Over and above the constraints and specifications set out in this
guide (architectural, environmental, organizational, etc.), the key
issue is the creation of a “project team”, which from the outset
includes consultants in environmental and equipment safety
matters. The project team is tasked with applying the best possible
sustainable development solutions at each stage of a site’s life
(construction, operation, extension, closure).
2007 Reference document - VALEO
The Guarulhos plant in Brazil was designed applying these principles
in 2007.
■
■
The operational phase of each site is governed by Group
directives concerning employee health and safety, the
environment, equipment safety and general security. If soil
or groundwater pollution is suspected during this phase it is
investigated and appropriate action is taken.
When a business is sold or terminated, Valeo systematically
performs an audit, usually along with an investigation of the soil
and groundwater, to determine if any pollution has been caused
during the operational phase. Any pollution detected is treated
immediately. If a site is closed without there being an immediate
buyer, all waste, raw materials, products and equipment are
removed, and site maintenance continued pending arrival of a
new occupant.
Continuous improvement at all plants
To demonstrate its commitment to continually reducing its
environmental impact and improving the health and safety of its
employees, Valeo has introduced a number of independently
certified management systems.
Valeo initiated its ISO 14001 certification process in 1998, and by
December 31, 2007, 94% of Valeo sites had obtained certification,
one of the highest figures among automotive equipment suppliers
worldwide. Five sites obtained initial ISO 14001 certification in
2007: Mioveni (Romania), Chrzanow (Poland), Ben Arous (Tunisia),
Bietigheim (Germany) and Guarulhos (Brazil).
Valeo started to roll out its OHSAS 18001 certification process in 2005,
and obtaining this certification was one of its key projects in 2007.
Last year, 19 additional sites passed their first certification audit,
again illustrating Valeo’s advances in employee health and safety
management, with 74% of sites OHSAS 18001 certified to date.
To foster continuous improvement, Valeo provides sites with intranet
access to various tools. A risk management self-assessment tool
for the sites was developed with Product Family HSSE coordinators in
2007, for rollout in early 2008. This tool sets specific questions to help
sites evaluate their management of environment, health and safety
risks. With specific regard to rollout of OHSAS 18001 certification,
Valeo provides a self-analysis tool to assess compliance with
OHSAS 18001 requirements. A regulations monitoring tool was
also made available to French sites.
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