BLUE SOLUTIONS C O R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T CONTENTS 1 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN 2 PRESENTATION 3 OUR APPLICATIONS 4 GLOBAL PRESENCE 6 KEY STAGES 7 KEY FIGURES 8 THE INDUSTRIAL TRANSLATION OF AN INNOVATIVE POLICY INITIATED IN 1822 10 BLUE SOLUTIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CHARTER 11 SHARING THE SAME BUSINESS ETHICS 12 PRODUCING AND INNOVATING SUSTAINABLY A unique technology to help the environment The mode of production of the batteries The positive environmental impact of the applications 20 TAKING ACTION FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT Rethinking mobility in towns: developing car-sharing solutions Providing access to energy for all Local presence of Blue Solutions, a strong socioeconomic footprint 26 ENGAGING AND BEING COMMITTED TO EMPLOYEES Ensuring the health and safety of employees Developing skills and promoting local talent Supporting organizational change and promoting mobility Ensuring diversity and equal opportunities 30 BLUE SOLUTIONS AND COP21 32 REPORTING SYSTEM Social reporting CSR reporting 01 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN “Together, Blue Solutions and Blue Applications make it possible to rethink urban mobility and provide access to decentralized, clean, free electricity in off-grid areas.” V I N C E N T B O L LO R É , C H A I R M A N 2015 saw strong growth for Blue Solutions, which has a presence on all continents. In 2015, its consolidated turnover was 121.9 million euros, compared with 97.1 million euros in 2014, up 26% thanks to increased delivery of LMP ® batteries in mobility applications (car-sharing, Bluebus and Bluetram) and the growth in stationary applications. In total, 2,930 batteries were delivered by Blue Solutions over the 2015 financial year, compared with 2,396 in the 2014 financial year. After four years of existence, Autolib’, the 100% electric car-sharing service in Île-de-France, has proven a resounding success: at the end of December 2015, 270,000 people had used the service since it was launched. With Autolib’, Bluecub in Bordeaux and Bluely in Lyon, over 4,400 Bluecar® vehicles (100% electric cars from the Bolloré Group) are now in circulation, and the Group has become France’s largest operator of electrical charging points, with over 7,000 terminals. It plans to widen this network to 16,000 charging points all over France, which will be able to recharge all types of electric vehicles. The national scope of this project was recently acknowledged by the Ministries of Economy and Ecology, and it will help promote electric mobility for everyone, everywhere. This experience in France has demonstrated the reliability and robustness of the LMP® batteries developed by Blue Solutions, and has attracted the attention of other large cities. Our car-sharing system has now been launched in the United States (Indianapolis), with Blueindy. In 2016, we will launch new identical services in the London and Turin urban areas. Other developments in the United States and Asia are currently being examined. An industrial cooperation agreement with Renault was entered into for the manufacture of Bluecar® vehicles in the factory in Dieppe starting in June 2015. A strategic joint arrangement has also been signed with the PSA Group for the manufacture and distribution of the Bluesummer, which as of 2016, will be rebranded as E-Mehari. And, thanks to its partnership with Europcar and Hertz, Bluesummer is now available to a wider public. This year, many local authorities and private companies opted to use the Bluebus (6-meter electric bus). At the end of 2015, the 12-meter version made its debut on the Champ-de-Mars alongside the RATP (Parisian public transport operator), which plans to acquire around twenty Bluebus vehicles in the near future. As a major player in the energy transition, Blue Solutions, an official partner of COP21, was exclusively present at the Le Bourget site, at the heart of the 21st United Nations Climate Change Conference, with its Bluebus and Bluecar® being used by members of the delegations. COP21 was also an opportunity for the Group to present the Bluetram, its electric public transport system, on the Champs-Élysées. As part of this pilot phase, the public have been able to take the Bluetram free of charge since December 2015 between place de l’Étoile and la Concorde. In stationary applications, the Group has been performing full-scale tests since 2014 in several African countries, in Cambodia and Martinique, which have since shown the scale of their potential. Solar energy storage solutions, using the LMP® batteries connected to photovoltaic panels, have been installed to create fully independent and sustainable electric vehicle charging systems, and to install living spaces (Bluezones) with clean electricity, drinking water and Internet, available to populations in areas off the electricity grid. I n these Bluezones, the permanent supply of autonomous energy makes it possible to supply other economic, social and cultural services. The Bolloré Group has opened free health centers, incubators for young start-ups, IT rooms with unlimited Wi-Fi access, sports facilities, auditoriums, etc. In each country where Bluezone services are available, the needs of local populations are taken into account and determine the services we offer. All of these investments will continue in 2016 so that Blue Solutions and Blue Applications can make a positive contribution to the energy transition. 02 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 P R E S E N TAT I O N BLUE SOLUTIONS PRODUCES AND SELLS ELECTRIC BATTERIES AND SUPERCAPACITORS BASED ON INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY. Listed on the stock exchange since October 30, 2013, Blue Solutions consolidates the electricity storage business solutions developed by the Bolloré Group. By diversifying its historical business as a producer of ultrafine paper and plastic films, the Bolloré Group has become a manufacturer of complete electrical components for condensers, now holding over a third of the global market. Based on this expertise and after twenty years of R&D, the Group has developed batteries and electricity storage solutions based on unique technology, the LMP® (Lithium Metal Polymer) battery and supercapacitor technology. At a time when issues of sustainable development and electricity storage have become major challenges for people, cities and governments, the Bolloré Group is using this expertise to develop solutions for the storage and intelligent management of electricity. Blue Solutions now has over 300 researchers, engineers and technicians who produce these high technology batteries on two production sites in Brittany and Canada. The annual production capacity has now reached 300 MWh, which is equivalent to 10,000 30-kWh batteries. By 2019-2020, this will reach 1 GWh, the equivalent of 32,500 30-kWh batteries. The batteries are used in mobile applications (electric vehicles), but also in stationary applications (electricity storage for individuals, companies, local councils, etc.) developed and sold by other Group entities within Blue Applications, which have experienced rapid growth on all continents since 2011. Together, Blue Solutions and Blue Applications expect to be able to leverage their unique position as an integrator offering both batteries and comprehensive solutions to meet the new requirements associated with the energy transition. This document presents the Blue Solutions CSR strategy rolled out via Blue Applications. 03 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 E-Mehari Bluetram Bluecarsharing Mo b i le a pplication s Bluecar® Bluebus Electricity storage and solutions B lu St a tion n e Applicatio ar y application s s Bluezone BlueElec Bluestorage 04 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 G LO B A L P R E S E N C E AMERICAS CANADA AUTOMATIC SYSTEMS: BROSSARD BLUE SOLUTIONS: BOUCHERVILLE UNITED STATES CAR-SHARING: INDIANAPOLIS IER: BELTON, ADDISON AUTOMATIC SYSTEMS: PORT WASHINGTON ASIA CAMBODIA INDEPENDENT SOLUTIONS: ANGKOR CHINA IER: SHANGHAI AUTOMATIC SYSTEMS: TAICANG SINGAPORE IER: SINGAPORE EUROPE GERMANY BLUEBUS: DRESDEN, AUGSBURG IER: CELLE BELGIUM AUTOMATIC SYSTEMS: WAVRE, KONTICH SPAIN BLUEBUS: GIJÓN, VALLADOLID IER/AUTOMATIC SYSTEMS: MADRID AUTOMATIC SYSTEMS: BARCELONA FRANCE CAR-SHARING: BORDEAUX, LYON, PARIS BLUE SOLUTIONS : QUIMPER BLUEBUS: OVER 85 MUNICIPALITIES IER/AUTOMATIC SYSTEMS: SURESNES, BESANÇON, CHAPONNAY, SAINTE-LUCE, RUNGIS, AIX-EN-PROVENCE POLAND BLUEBUS: POZNAŃ ITALY BLUEBUS: ROME UNITED KINGDOM INDEPENDENT SOLUTIONS: LONDON LUXEMBOURG BLUEBUS: LUXEMBOURG SWITZERLAND BLUEBUS: ZURICH ROMANIA BLUEBUS: BUCHAREST, CRAIOVA B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 AFRICA BENIN BLUEZONE: COTONOU GUINEA BLUEZONE: KALOUM, DIXINN CAMEROON INDEPENDENT SOLUTIONS: YAOUNDÉ NIGER BLUEZONE: NIAMEY, DOSSO CONGO INDEPENDENT SOLUTIONS: BRAZZAVILLE TOGO BLUEZONE: CACAVELI REPUBLIC OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE INDEPENDENT SOLUTIONS: ABIDJAN 05 06 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 K E Y S TA G E S 2001 • Launch of production activity for LMP® batteries and supercapacitors within Blue Solutions (formerly Batscap) 2004 • Development of the Bluecar®, presented in 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show 2013 • Inauguration of a new battery production factory on the Ergué-Gabéric site in Brittany, bringing the production capacity to 300 MWh, equivalent to 10,000 batteries • Initial public offering (IPO) on October 30 • Extension of the car-sharing program with project launches in Lyon and Bordeaux 2007 • Acquisition of assets in Avestor in Canada, to form Blue Solutions Canada (formerly Bathium) • Partnership with Total: signature of the Bluesun joint venture • Pilot projects in stationary applications in Africa and Asia • Signature of a partnership agreement with Pininfarina to manufacture the Bluecar® 2014 2008 • Signature of a partnership with Gruau to manufacture the micro-Bluebus 2009 • Installation of the Ergué-Gabéric (Finistère) production units and inauguration of the Boucherville (Canada) factory, each with annual production capacity of 150 MWh (equivalent to 5,000 30-kWH LMP® batteries) at the end of 2013 • Launch of charging terminals development program in the London metropolitan area • Development of stationary applications in Africa with the Bluezone program • Signature of an industrial agreement with the Renault Group for the manufacture of Bluecar® and the development of car-sharing systems • Launch of the Utilib’ service 2015 • Launch of the Blueindy car-sharing program in Indianapolis 2011 • Launch of a major investment campaign with a view to significantly increasing Blue Solutions’ production capacity • Launch of Autolib’ in Paris • Launch of Bluesummer (which will be rebranded E-Mehari) and signature of a production and distribution agreement with the PSA Group • Opening of a new plant to build the Bluetram (new generation tramway, without rail or power lines) in Brittany • Participation in the COP21 07 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 KEY FIGURES BATTERIES Turnover of 122 406 million euros employees in France and Canada 300 MWh a production capacity of equivalent to 10,000 30-kWh batteries over 1,000 3,000 patents filed by Blue Solutions and Blue Solutions Canada lifetime cycles for a battery APPLICATIONS 0 over 140 exhaust gases, 0 micro-particles produced by the engine million kilometers traveled with car-sharing Zero Autolib’ 120,000 rentals per week CO2 14,200 metric tons of CO2 saved thanks to Autolib’ 1 st line of 100% electric buses in Paris in 2016 08 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 T H E I N D U S T R I A L T R A N S L AT I O N O F A N I N N O VAT I V E P O L I C Y I N I T I AT E D I N 1 8 2 2 SINCE 1822, ONGOING RESEARCH FOR INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL EXPERTISE The Bolloré Group was formed as a papermaker and quickly specialized in thin papers using techniques from the Far East. With this experience, the Bolloré Group was then able to diversify into paper for condensers. Thanks to its mastery of the thin paper manufacturing processes, it is able to provide a large quantity of very fine metallized papers (very thin sheets of paper onto which a thin layer of metal is affixed), a basic component of condensers, for which it quickly became the undisputed worldwide leader. Since innovation is a part of the Bolloré Group’s values and DNA, it quickly set out to improve the performance of its metallized papers by reducing the thickness in order to increase the storage capacities of the condensers. Know-how bringing technological progress A development program was launched and the Bolloré Group developed ultra-thin polymer films to replace the paper in the condensers to improve the performance of the products. The manufacturing principle for dielectric films (the successor of metallized paper) for condensers is based on extrusion, a technology mastered by the Bolloré Group. A research and development program was set up in the 1990s in collaboration with the french utility EDF and the french National Center for Scientific Research CNRS on the new LMP® battery technology. The Bolloré Group’s experience in extrusion techniques proved to be crucial in this program’s success. 09 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 The Blue Solutions factory. Quimper, France. The Blue Solutions factory. Boucherville, Canada. ACCELERATION OF INDUSTRIALIZATION In 2001, after the encouraging results of the R&D program, it was decided to industrialize this activity by establishing Blue Solutions (formerly Batscap) and building a factory on the Pen-Carn site, near Quimper. INVESTMENTS AND NEW BATTERY AND SUPERCAPACITOR PLANTS Currently, LMP ® batteries are manufactured on two sites: France and Canada. In France In 2009, in order to progress to the manufacturing stage, two LMP® battery production facilities (pilot unit and production building) opened on the Brittany site. A new plant was opened in September 2013 to increase the Blue Solutions production capacity, to reach annual capacity of 150 MWh (equivalent to 5,000 LMP® batteries of 30 kWh). In parallel to the development made on batteries, the Bolloré Group also launched developments on supercapacitors. In addition, a supercapacitor factory, with a potential capacity of 1 million units, was set up on the Brittany Odet site. In Canada The Blue Solutions Canada factory, located in Boucherville, close to Montreal, was integrated following the buyout of Avestor in 2007, and modified for the manufacture of products for the electric vehicle market. It was inaugurated on October 27, 2009. This made it possible to increase and secure Blue Solutions’ LMP® battery production capacity; it also has an annual production capacity of 150 MWh. These two French and Canadian sites each have an R&D and prototyping center. Development of production capacities Blue Solutions launched a major investment campaign in order to significantly increase the production capacities of these sites. The production capacity of the Brittany site will be increased by 75 MWh in 2016 (or the equivalent of 2,500 batteries). The ultimate goal is 525 MWh, or 17,500 LMP® batteries. Likewise, the Canadian site in Boucherville will gradually increase its capacities to eventually produce 450 MWh (equivalent to 15,000 LMP® batteries). By 2019-2020, this capital expenditure will make it possible to achieve a total installed LMP® battery production capacity of about 1 GWh per year (32,500 30-kWh batteries). 10 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 B L U E S O L U T I O N S S U S TA I N A B L E D E V E LO P M E N T C H A R T E R WE HAVE PREPARED A CHARTER PRESENTING OUR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT VISION. THIS CHARTER, CALLED “OUR VALUES”, SETS OUT FOUR COMMITMENTS: Satisfying our clients We are implementing a quality policy in each of our activities to improve our performance, meet our clients’ needs and offer technical partnerships which meet their expectations. Developing safe and innovative products We utilize our know-how in ultra-thin plastic films to develop high-performance solutions. We are implementing tools to analyze and control risks associated with the use of our products (safety analysis, HACCP [Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point], etc.). We are committed to restricting the use of chemical products that present human health or environmental hazards within the scope of the RoHS and REACH directives, etc. Having a strong social commitment We exercise our business while respecting people and in compliance with regulations. We do all that we can to ensure the health and safety of our employees. We are developing their professionalism and involvement. Preserving the environment We have committed to reducing the environmental impact of our industrial activity. We are developing products of the future for the storage and economic distribution of energy with zero CO2 emissions. 11 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 SHARING THE SAME BUSINESS ETHICS ETHICS AND VALUES Blue Solutions’ ethical commitments, a critical prerequisite to good governance, demonstrate its desire to develop and maintain the trusting relationships necessary to sustain its activities long-term. This ethics policy (implemented at the Bolloré Group level) assumes that economic development is always associated with behavior above reproach. The Group therefore created effective and consistent ethical measures, to which Blue Solutions fully complies, in order to communicate clear rules of conduct to all of its employees. This policy is based on an Ethics Charter (2000), the commitments of which were reaffirmed in 2012 under the name “Ethics and Values”. These commitments include: preserving the Group’s image, ensuring the necessary data confidentiality, maintaining ethical business relationships (fighting against corruption) and using an objective supplier selection process. THE PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA: THE CHALLENGE OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES The new services offered by Autolib’, Bluely and Bluecub, in terms of shared mobility and geolocation, require special attention to clients’ personal data, and a guarantee of confidentiality. More generally, innovation and the installation of new technologies depend on the capacity of industrial companies to provide consumers with secure and efficient processing of their personal data. The Bolloré Group, conscious of this new challenge, included the following paragraph into its “Ethics and Values” Charter: “(…) The holders of confidential information commit to not divulging it to unauthorized persons and to abstaining from its use, directly or indirectly, for personal reasons (…).” In 2015, Autolib’ was audited by the CNIL regarding personal data processing. All the points flagged in the audit were dealt with to the satisfaction of the CNIL. Only one matter relating to the recording of speed data remains under investigation. 12 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 P R O D U C I N G A N D I N N O VAT I N G S U S TA I N A B LY CLIMATE DISRUPTION AS A RESULT OF HUMAN ACTIVITY IS INDISPUTABLE This was confirmed by the latest report by the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) summarizing the work of thousands of researchers. Recent greenhouse gas emissions are the highest ever. If they continue at the same rate, they will lead to additional warming and increase the risk of severe, overwhelming and irreversible impacts. To mitigate the impact of climate change, action needs to be taken in two areas: reduce greenhouse gas emissions to slow down warming and adapt to changes which have become partly irreversible. Although intergovernmental agreements are indispensable to set precise targets and create a dynamic, they are not enough. It is a significant challenge which requires the involvement of citizens as well as companies, researchers, institutions and local authorities, etc. We need solutions to allow future generations to continue living on this planet. Many actors, notably companies, are already aware of this and are taking action. Blue Solutions is one of them, and it innovates in its business segment by offering a unique technology for smart energy management. LMP® battery. 13 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 A UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT LMP® BATTERIES AND SUPERCAPACITORS Blue Solutions produces batteries and supercapacitors that are used in mobile and stationary energy storage systems developed by Blue Applications. The LMP® batteries The Bolloré Group has developed, after twenty years of research and development, new battery technology: the Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP® ) technology. Lithium is the lightest known metal and has a very high electrochemical potential: its properties make it a material of choice for electrodes. Today, unlike LMP® batteries, lithium batteries used in electronic devices intended for general use do not contain lithium in its metallic form, but rather in the form of lithium ions incorporated into another material, to the detriment of its energy density. Blue Solutions, with the development of the LMP® battery, aims to show that it is possible to use the characteristics of metal while balancing safety, lifetime and cost. The LMP® battery is a “dry” battery, i.e. completely solid, and has no toxic liquids or heavy metals, which give it many advantages, notably in terms of environmental protection: the solid electrolyte limits the risk of local pollution in case of accident or compromise of the integrity of the battery pack. The components of the LMP® battery are completely recyclable, including the electrolyte, unlike other technologies. The thin films that constitute the anode, the electrolyte and the cathode are produced by extrusion. These films are next assembled and connected to form a battery. The main advantages of this technology are the following: • high energy density; • greater safety in use than liquid electrolyte batteries due to a much more stable temperature, thus avoiding the risk of overheating; • easy recycling since there are no toxic components. The supercapacitors Alongside the LMP® battery, Blue Solutions has developed a type of electrical energy storage component called “supercapacitors”, which are mainly used to develop clean public transportation and hybrid cars. Between capacitors and batteries, supercapacitors are of interest for many markets as a replacement for existing solutions (batteries, flywheels) or for the development of new products and applications. Blue Solutions is one of the few manufacturers of these in the world. With the capacity to absorb and return large amounts of electrical power in a very short time, they can be charged or discharged within less than a second to a few dozen seconds, and this cycle can be reproduced millions of times. Thanks to these characteristics, supercapacitors are the ideal component for recovering braking energy and restoring it during acceleration. The Supercapacitor parts. Supercapacitor module. result is more vigorous acceleration and, in particular, improved autonomy of the vehicle since the braking energy is not lost. In addition, the pack of supercapacitors filters strong power demands and thus increases the lifetime of the battery. The Bolloré Group has been able to offer, thanks to this technology, a new clean public transportation solution: a tramway that recharges at each stop, requiring no heavy infrastructure (no rail or power lines) and reducing investments for local authorities. In addition, when used in conjunction with an internal combustion engine on hybrid vehicles, supercapacitors can cut fuel consumption and atmospheric pollution by 20%, compared to a traditional engine. 14 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 P R O D U C I N G A N D I N N O VAT I N G S U S TA I N A B LY THE MODE OF PRODUCTION OF THE BATTERIES EXTRUSION MANUFACTURING PROCESS: A CLEAN PROCESS Of the different industrially viable options for producing ultrafine films, Blue Solutions has selected the extrusion manufacturing process. This production method presents several significant advantages. Firstly, it is a clean process which does not require the use of pollutants or solvents when manufacturing the battery, protecting operators and the environment. This manufacturing process enables Blue Solutions to produce consistent quality films to go into the battery, despite the constraints posed by their thinness. Finally, it is a competitive industrial solution since it makes it possible to attain high production yields. RECOGNIZED ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The Blue Solutions production sites have implemented an environmental management system based on the ISO 14001 standard. The manufacturing of supercapacitors in Brittany has been certified since 2011. PROCESSING OF EMISSIONS In Brittany, Blue Solutions installed a volatile organic compound (VOC) processing system in 2013 on a process likely to generate significant air emissions. VOC can refer to a multitude of substances found in industrial processes, usually in the form of solvents, paints, inks, etc. They are highly volatile and can have direct and indirect effects on health and the environment. The Blue Solutions processing system, based on thermal oxidation (high temperature transformation of VOCs into CO 2 and water vapor), reduces emissions by over 95%. Overall emissions from the French battery site are low, with less than 250 kg of VOCs in 2015, far below regulatory limits. SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF RAW MATERIALS The main materials used in manufacturing the Lithium Metal Polymer technology are not difficult to source: lithium is abundant in the earth’s crust and sea water, and iron phosphates used in the cathode are chemical compounds produced on a large scale. Through a research and development program in part supported by the European Community, a battery recycling process was studied (see following page), to recover most of the metals and lithium. This recycling process consists in dismantling the battery in order to recover the re-usable packaging as well as the electrical components. The electrochemical compounds are then recycled to recover the metals (aluminum, copper and lithium). A portion of the recycling output is also recovered in the form of thermal energy. Design of the LMP® technology. Blue Solutions has been able to develop and design the major elements in the battery manufacturing process to make them as automated as possible. The automation of manufacturing limits the risk of error caused by human manipulation. Some of the machinery in Blue Solutions’ battery production line turned out to be innovations that the company would patent. BATTERY RECYCLING For both economic and environmental reasons, the recycling of products manufactured by Blue Solutions has been considered from the very start, and throughout their life cycle. This different approach enables us to: • optimize the use of the batteries; • develop stationary solutions using the LMP® battery (backup, etc.) for which the technologies currently used are more polluting (lead batteries, nickel batteries, etc.); • recycle or enhance the components making up the LMP® battery. 15 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 THE DIFFERENT CYCLES OF THE LMP® BATTERY 1 MOBILE APPLICATIONS 2 STATIONARY APPLICATIONS In the first phases of its life, the battery is used for mobile applications. It supplies significant power necessary to meet the performance and independence needs of the vehicles. After losing 20% of their power or energy in its first use for mobile applications, LMP® batteries are reused in some stationary applications, which require a high amount of stored energy rather than power. PAPER GLASS METAL PLASTIC 3 RECYCLING THE BATTERY The “all solid” technology enables metals to be easily recovered. THE POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE APPLICATIONS Blue Solutions and Blue Applications develop energy storage solutions to meet current environmental challenges, such as reducing atmospheric pollution, including renewable energies in electricity networks and managing energy flows more efficiently. At the same time, local and international policies seek to promote the development of an energy storage market and encourage these innovations. over 2 million people die worldwide every year from inhaling fine particles in internal and external air – among the 7 million deaths caused overall by air pollution. Nanoparticles, ultrafine particles with a diameter of under 0.1 micrometer (μm), are extremely harmful to human health, as they penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the blood flow and can reach the heart vessels. Classed since 2012 by the WHO as carcinogenic (lung, bladder), they can cause cardiovascular diseases and asthma. They also increase the risk of pregnant women giving birth to babies with a low weight. AIR QUALITY PROTECTION MOBILE APPLICATIONS FOR CLEANER TRANSPORT The air is contaminated to varying degrees by naturally-occurring gas, liquid or solid pollutants (emissions by vegetation, oceans, volcanoes, etc.) or pollutants produced by human activities (factory chimneys, exhaust pipes, etc.). Ultimately, air quality is the result of a complex balance between pollutant sources and phenomena of dispersion and transformation in the environment. There are a great many different types of pollutants released into the atmosphere. Of these, primary pollutants come directly from sources of pollution (road traffic, industries, heating, agriculture, etc.). They include: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, light hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particles. Although their concentrations are very low (generally measured in micrograms per cubic meter), they can have an impact, particularly on health (source: AirParif, 2015). The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that Blue Applications is responding to this public health problem by offering 100% electric cars which emit almost no pollutants or fine particles when in use, making urban air more breathable. BLUECAR® Bluecar® develops, produces and sells electric cars that run on LMP® batteries. Since 2007, the Bolloré Group has been a partner of the Turin-based car body manufacturer Pininfarina to manufacture the first concept car, the Bluecar® “B0” model. Bluecar ® represents the future of the automotive industry: a safe and silent, fully electric, clean vehicle. Bluecar® has developed power electronics dedicated to the LMP® battery to obtain the best possible yield from the engine. This electric city car can travel 250 kilometers in normal city driving conditions. 16 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 P R O D U C I N G A N D I N N O VAT I N G S U S TA I N A B LY Bluecar® products have been manufactured in the Renault factories in Dieppe since June 2015, following an industrial cooperation agreement between Renault and Bolloré. Certain models are manufactured in the Pininfarina plant in Turin. The use of renewable energies which do not emit greenhouse gases is a sustainable solution for producing electricity. Whether they depend on water, wind or sun, these solutions use free energy which can never run out. That is why more and more countries are making renewables a priority of their energy policy. BLUEUTILITY Blueutility is the 100% electric utility vehicle in the Bluecar® range. The Blueutility is able to fulfill widely different functions and was designed to support professionals by meeting the daily working needs of various professions and sectors (business, artisan, local government, etc.). This two-seater light utility vehicle is reliable and practical and includes a generous loading space of 1.4 m3 and can accept up to 255 kg of payload, making it able to meet the requirements of professionals. The Bolloré Group offers customized, private fleet management solutions for businesses that wish to act to preserve the environment and to reduce their energy bill. The Blueutility cars have been included in the fleet of Darty, Schindler France and Atos. BLUESUMMER Bluesummer can be used for all types of leisure at any time of year. It is easy to maintain and has a raised chassis enabling hybrid driving. It makes no sound, boosting comfort and performance: good acceleration and excellent handling. Following a strategic joint arrangement between the Bolloré Group and the PSA Group signed in June 2015, a new car inspired by the Bluesummer will be manufactured and sold as of the second quarter of 2016 by Citroën under the name E-Mehari. TOWARDS BETTER INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES IN ELECTRICAL NETWORKS The need for a new energy order Faced with the depletion of fossil fuels and the growing energy needs on a global scale, current modes of production need to be adapted, and sustainable alternatives proposed. This was widely discussed at the COP21, as a key way of adapting to climate change. Furthermore, the nuclear power accident at Fukushima and its consequences have led to many countries accelerating their energy mix changes, particularly in Europe: Germany will abandon nuclear power definitively by 2022, and Belgium will follow suit by 2025. Bluecar® Blueutility Policies to develop national energy mixes The new transnational 2030 Energy Strategy, adopted by the European Union in 2008, aims to meet the “3 x 20” objective in order to: • raise the proportion of renewables in the European energy mix to 20%; • reduce CO2 emissions of EU countries by 20%; • increase energy efficiency by 20% by 2020. The targets are adapted to each member State depending on use of renewables for transport, heat and electricity production (depending on the country’s share in European energy consumption, current use of renewable energies, GDP, etc.). This European strategy was reviewed in October 2014, setting new, more ambitious targets, particularly raising the proportion of renewable energies in the energy mix to 27% by 2030 (source: French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, 2014). The movement is not restricted to Europe. In the United States, since 2015, the Clean Energy Standard Act (2012) has required every producer that sells energy (in States other than Alaska or Hawaii) to obtain a percentage of their electricity from renewable energy. This obligation rises every year, to reach 84% of electricity supply coming from renewable sources by 2035. In Japan, following the Fukushima disaster, the Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment, announced in September 2012, includes a target to cut the role of nuclear in favor of renewable energies. These examples show that global policies are moving towards a new, more sustainable energy mix. However, this effort at integrating renewable energies into countries’ energy mixes faces technical issues due to the impact of the intermittences of these energies on the power grid. With inherent energy produced dependent on primary resources (water, wind, sun), suppliers must find a way to store the electricity generated until it is used by consumers, or lose a part of their production. Bluesummer E-Mehari 17 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 STATIONARY APPLICATIONS, LONG-TERM ENERGY STORAGE Blue Applications, with its energy storage solutions, aims to encourage the integration of renewable energies by responding to the problem of intermittent production. BLUESTORAGE Bluestorage is developing a line of energy storage solutions from a few kWh to several MWh of stored energy, intended for a variety of end users: electricity network operators and electricity consumers (companies and individuals). For individuals and businesses, the solutions developed by Bluestorage will make it possible to offset intermittencies in the network (electrical breakdowns) and improve energy consumption management. For example, with an LMP® battery installed at home, individuals will be able to store electricity received during off-peak periods and use it at peak consumption times. They obtain a reduction on their energy bill. The solutions developed by Bluestorage for companies in the electrical network will make it possible to improve economic performance of solar and wind farms by aligning electricity production periods with peak consumption periods. Bluestorage is also developing solutions to better integrate renewable energies in the network, by offering frequency regulation services and strengthening the capacities and reliability of electrical networks. The Group formed a partnership with the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (100% renewable electricity producer) to equip one of its solar power plants (Bollène, in the Vaucluse region) for electricity storage in order to improve performance (power and quality of the electrical current). An LMP® battery installed at home to enable residential users to better manage their electricity consumption. Bluestorage has created BlueElec, which aims to develop and operate these energy storage solutions. The main markets targeted by BlueElec are the industrial and residential load shedding markets. The principle of “electrical load shedding” is based on two drivers: not using electricity for a certain time, or delaying electricity use. The aim is to relieve pressure on demand at peak hours and limit usage peaks without having to resort to additional sources of production. With BlueElec, industrial users can accumulate energy in advance in storage spaces. When the aggregator calls the load shedding in their units of production, traditional electricity supply of production systems is stopped. Instead, the storage spaces take over to supply these priority activities. THE PRINCIPLE OF ELECTRICAL LOAD-SHEDDING 1 PRIOR 2 THE AGGREGATOR accumulation of energy in storage spaces. calls the load-shedding in the production unit. 3 TRADITIONAL electricity supply to production systems is stopped. 3 STORAGE SPACES take over to supply these priority activities. 18 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 P R O D U C I N G A N D I N N O VAT I N G S U S TA I N A B LY The example of the Bollène plant (Vaucluse) Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) is the second-largest producer of electricity in France (after EDF). It has a high-performance industrial strategy, mainly focused on developing a completely renewable energy mix (hydraulic, wind and photovoltaic): run of river dams on the Rhône, wind farms and solar power plants. Following the joint arrangement entered into with the CNR to improve performance (power and quality of the electrical current) of the Bollène solar plant, 1 MWh of LMP® batteries was installed by Blue Solutions near the plant to store part of the solar production to put it on the grid in the evening, after sunset, to improve its productivity. Demonstrations of batteries in stationary applications (Brittany) Bollène power plant. In order to carry out a full-scale test on the potential of storage solutions and smart energy management, a power load-shedding demonstration was commissioned on the Odet site. This installation reinjects 1 MW for two hours on the internal electricity network of the Blue Solutions plants, relieving the RTE network, particularly at peak times. It is now fully operational and a load-shedding agreement has been signed with the energy supplier for 2016. POWERING ELECTRIC VEHICLES WITH CLEAN ENERGY Activation of a smart energy management demonstration at the Odet site. In Paris, since 2012, Autolib’ has obtained EDF’s “renewable energy” certification. Every year, the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption supplied by the charging terminals is purchased from EDF, which has committed to producing the same quantity from renewable energy sources (wind, solar/photovoltaic, geothermal, etc.). In Lyon, the “Move in Pure®” electric mobility service provided by the CNR supplies electricity generated by the river which is certified 100% renewable by the independent organization TÜV SÜD. With this partnership, the Bluecar® vehicles provided by Bluely are powered by 100% renewable, locally generated electricity. RECHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES (IRVE) BLUELIB The Bolloré Group approached the French Ministry of Economy, Industry and Digital Affairs and obtained approval to operate a national recharging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Already the leading operator of electric charging terminals with roughly 7,000 terminals, mostly in Île-de-France, Bordeaux and Lyon, the Group has committed to creating 16,000 charging terminals in four years right across France, for an investment of 150 million euros. 19 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 The plan consists in deploying the charging terminals subsequently to obtaining the agreement of the municipalities and reaching an agreement as to their locations. This network’s ambitious goal will promote electric mobility “for everyone, everywhere”. For this project, the Group has chosen a high-level product with smart and connected terminals that permit better management of the customer experience and communication with users. The “semi-accelerated” charge power, which delivers 7.4 kW is optimum and adheres to the energy transition constraints, by avoiding destabilization of the electricity network by sudden power requirements while prolonging the lifespan of the vehicle batteries. COMBINING RENEWABLE ENERGY AND INDEPENDENCE Blue Solutions is going even further by producing electricity from renewable energies outside the existing electricity networks with its subsidiary Bluesun. In Africa, more particularly, LMP® batteries will be able to replace generators, connecting areas which have no access to the electricity network. This technological advance has resulted in Bluezones in several countries: Togo, Niger, Benin and Guinea (see pages 24 and 25). Bluesun is a joint subsidiary between Bluestorage and Total Énergie Développement. LMP® technology connected to new generation solar panels produced by Sunpower, a subsidiary of Total, makes it possible to produce and store solar energy and develop 100% electrical and 100% independent solutions, either for mobility or in stationary applications: Bluesun. • 100% green public transportation: this concept has already been deployed and is operated on the Cocody Campus in Abidjan, in Yaoundé (Cameroon), and on the site of the Angkor temples in Cambodia; • solar recharging for individual electric vehicles and for car-sharing systems. COMMITTING TO RENEWABLE ENERGIES WITH EDF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION ISSUE OF GUARANTEES OF ORIGIN The electricity used by the vehicles comes from different energy sources (nuclear, fossil fuels and renewable sources). Thanks to the Renewable Energy Option and the guarantee of origin mechanism, EDF injects electricity from renewable origins for the equivalent of 100% of the vehicles’ electricity consumption. 20 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 TA K I N G A C T I O N F O R LO C A L D E V E LO P M E N T RETHINKING MOBILITY IN TOWNS: DEVELOPING CAR-SHARING SOLUTIONS Blue Solutions and the Blue Applications companies develop, deploy and operate flexible drop-off car-sharing solutions (without mandatory return to the starting point), that are integrated and based on fully electric vehicles. This solution answers the challenges faced by cities by making them: • cleaner, thanks to the large-scale deployment of a non-polluting transport system; • less congested, by reducing the number of vehicles in operation; • more egalitarian, by making access to an individual vehicle less costly; • more pleasant to live in, by reducing noise and odor pollution. After the success of Autolib’, Bluecarsharing continues to develop new, 100% electric car-sharing services in France, Europe, the United States and Asia. The development of Blue Solutions’ car-sharing services comes with the fitting of infrastructures, namely recharging terminals which can be used by Autolib’ service users, but also by owners of electric vehicles. Available in Paris and almost 90 municipalities in the Paris region, Autolib’ is a flexible and affordable car-sharing solution, which meets the needs of regular or occasional users with a range of subscription options. This service provides great usage flexibility as soon as a driver’s license is obtained. Since 2012, Autolib’ has obtained EDF’s “renewable energy” certification. FIGURES AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 FLEET OF VEHICLES IN SERVICE: 3,705 NUMBER OF STATIONS DEPLOYED: 1,067 NUMBER OF CHARGING TERMINALS: 6,023 NUMBER OF PREMIUM SUBSCRIBERS: 98,900 NUMBER OF RENTALS: 12.8 MILLION AUTOLIB’ BLUELY On the initiative of Bertrand Delanoë, the Mayor of Paris at the time, the city welcomed the world’s first 100% electric car-sharing service, Autolib’, on December 5, 2011. The service was created on an urban scale to offer people in the Paris region an unprecedented, economical and practical mode of transportation to revolutionize their travel patterns. Within four years, Autolib’ quickly found its place in the Paris region landscape and rapidly won over a large number of users thanks to its flexible drop-off feature and the possibility of reserving a car from the starting point or a spot upon arrival using a mobile phone. The Greater Lyon area, as a city of initiative and experimentation in the areas of energy, smart grids and new mobility, has been operating the Bluely service on the Autolib’ model since October 10, 2013. At the end of 2015, there were 250 Bluecar® vehicles, 100 stations and 500 terminals across the 11 partner municipalities. As part of its joint arrangement with Renault, Bluely offers the hire, in addition to the Bluecar® vehicles, of 30 Twizys. The Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) and the Bolloré Group have decided to join forces in the fields of electricity supply and storage. To this end, the CNR has taken a 5% stake in Bluely’s share capital and supplies it with fully renewable electricity. BLUECUB The Bluecub service has been established in the Bordeaux Urban Community since January 9, 2014 in order to supplement the ecomobility service promoted by the Bordeaux city hall. To date, the service has over 70 stations in Bordeaux and in nine bordering municipalities as well as in Arcachon, and a fleet of around 200 self-service electric cars. As part of its joint arrangement with Renault, Bluecub also offers twenty Twizys for hire. Since November 2014, the electricity used by Bluecub has been provided by CNR through its service dedicated to electric mobility, “Move in Pure®”. BLUEINDY In Indianapolis, the car racing capital, the Blueindy service was launched on September 2, 2015 (after being piloted since May 2014). Blueindy is on its way to becoming the largest electric vehicle car-sharing service with flexible drop-off in the United States. It will eventually include 500 electric vehicles and 200 rental locations equipped with 1,000 charging terminals. Bluely 21 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 BLUECITY Based on the BluePointLondon network of electric charging terminals (over 1,400 terminals) which the Group operates, a car-sharing network, Bluecity, is being developed in London as of September 2016. It should ultimately link all boroughs of Greater London. MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF INCREASING URBANIZATION Shared transport solutions Two 100% electric public transport solutions have been developed to meet the challenge of urbanization: the Bluebus (since 2013) based on LMP ® technology, and the Bluetram (in 2015) using supercapacitors. BLUEBUS Bluebus develops clean collective transportation solutions for urban and suburban areas using the LMP® batteries: • The 6-meter long Bluebus has the highest level of onboard energy in the market for buses in its category, thanks to a pack of three LMP® batteries stored in the ceiling, which enable it to cover over 120 kilometers (needed for an entire day’s use). Its efficiency is also reinforced by the use of energy recovery systems while braking, which favors recharging during use. Bluebus’ features and onboard technology allow for the placement of the LMP® batteries on the roof and improve vehicle safety, as well as its accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility thanks to flooring that is flat and low. User-friendly and compact, yet spacious and bright, it can accommodate around twenty passengers and weave in and out of narrow central city streets. It is already being used by public transportation authorities in places as diverse as Tours, Réunion Island, Rambouillet, Laval, Luxembourg, Bayonne and Tarbes, but also industrial sites such as CEA in Grenoble, BeGreen, Vente-privee.com, and is used for the shuttle services of the Louis Vuitton Foundation and Canal+. It is also used by UGAP and AGIR. Finally, Bluebus was made available to employees of the various Bolloré Group companies, replacing the existing shuttle services which take them to and from work. • The 12-meter Bluebus is a clean urban public transport solution with a capacity for 100 passengers. 100% electric, its LMP® batteries enable it to run for 180 to 250 kilometers. It has the same features as the 6-meter Bluebus: energy recovery when decelerating, batteries fitted in the roof, accessible to people with reduced mobility. This Bluebus is manufactured Bluecub 6-meter Bluebus, onboard energy of 90 kWh: a pack of three LMP® batteries. 12-meter Bluebus, onboard energy of 240 kWh: eight LMP® batteries. on the Blue Solutions site in Ergué-Gabéric, Brittany. The new factory for this bus will be opened on January 15, 2016 and required an investment of 40 million euros. Its production capacity is 200 12-meter Bluebus vehicles per year. The RATP selected Bluebus as a pilot for the first 100% electric line which will launch in 2016, as part of its drive to move its bus fleet towards 100% electric. Blueindy Bluecity 22 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 TA K I N G A C T I O N F O R LO C A L D E V E LO P M E N T BLUETRAM Equiped with tires and 100% electric, Bluetram is a new public transportation solution that works without rails nor power lines (catenaries). It is quick to install, as it does not require heavy and costly infrastructure. Thanks to Blue Solutions technology (supercapacitors), Bluetram recharges in only 20 seconds at each tram stop using a telescopic charging connector, while passengers embark and disembark. Each recharge enables a Bluetram to travel up to two kilometers. To enable this quick recharge, each tram stop has storage capacity equivalent to that of the vehicle. The first Bluetram was inaugurated on the Champs-Élysées, in early December 2015 at the COP21, where, as part of its pilot phase, it transported visitors free of charge all winter between the Arc de Triomphe and place de la Concorde. The 6-meter Bluetram can transport 22 passengers, and the 12-meter Bluetram can transport 90 passengers. It is manufactured at the Blue Solutions factory in Ergué-Gabéric, Brittany, which opened in January 2015. The total required investment is 30 million euros for a production capacity of 200 Bluetram vehicles per year until 2017. Bluetram, thanks to the Autolib’ experience and the R&D programs of Polyconseil and IER (Blue Applications subsidiaries), will eventually be able to offer an integrated solution for the management of tramway lines: vehicles, stations, IT management system for flows and traffic. FAVORING A MIX OF TRANSPORT OPTIONS P A mix of transport options Environmental evaluation of Blue Solutions products and their applications The life cycle assessment evaluates the environmental impacts of a product, taking into account: • the whole life cycle: extraction of raw materials, manufacture, transport, usage, end of life; • several environmental indicators: global warming, use of resources, air and water pollution, etc. In order to find out the impacts of its products and assert their environmental credentials, Blue Solutions has been performing life cycle assessments on the applications resulting from its energy storage solutions since 2012. In 2015, a new study was done on the 6-meter Bluebus and Bluetram. The different Bluetram models: 6 meters, 12 meters, 18 meters and 24 meters. Using a mix of different transport options (car, tram, bus, bicycle, train, plane, river and sea shuttles) to complete a journey provides a smooth “door-to-door” service. Together, Blue Applications contributes to this transport mix by flexible drop-off vehicles, enabling users to pick up a vehicle at one address and return it to a different one, on parking spots close to other urban and suburban means of transport. 23 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 LEADING PROVIDER OF SOLUTIONS DESIGNED TO OPTIMIZE AND SECURE THE FLOW OF GOODS AND PERSONS IER has developed terminals, self-service terminals and identification and geopositioning systems that have recently made it a key player in the car-sharing market. ENERGY STORAGE With its expertise in the field of terminals and developments in automatic identification solutions, IER has become a major player in new mobility solutions for transportation, and especially electric car-sharing systems. SELF-SERVICE TERMINALS IER is the global leader in the design, manufacture and sale of terminals for large transport networks (air, rail and sea). IER has developed a complete range of self-service solutions including multi-company terminals for air transport, collection and consultation terminals for over-land transport. RFID voice, Wi-Fi and GPRS technology, IER has become a leader in integration and services. SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL EQUIPMENT Through its subsidiary Automatic Systems (AS), IER also offers a complete range of secure solutions for pedestrian and vehicular access, and for the protection of sensitive sites. Using its international distribution network, AS is one of the leading global suppliers of large security integrators. AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION IER designs, develops and integrates identification, traceability and mobility solutions for use by logistics operators, industry and transport. Mastering all bar code, COMPLETE IT SOLUTIONS The Polyconseil team of consultants, consisting of more than 100 people, creates value from its experience in managing complex projects and from a team of 80 advanced engineers in telecommunications, Internet, “M2M” (mobile to mobile) technologies, and the management and supervision of electrical energy. SMART CITIES As a specialist in new technologies and digital services, Polyconseil assists its public and private partners with issues involving smart mobility, smart grids, digital regional development, innovative services for municipalities, onboard connectivity and communicating vehicles. Polyconseil’s mission under the Autolib’ project was to guide the entire project of creating the Autolib’ car-sharing operation. Since the service was opened to the public, Polyconseil has been involved in the growth of Autolib’ and other Blue Solutions carsharing services: Bluely in Lyon, Bluecub in Bordeaux and Blueindy in the United States. It guides Autolib’s technology decisions in becoming a leader in smart mobility. Beyond that, Polyconseil is heavily involved in expanding the activities of Blue Solutions and Blue Applications. It has responsibility, for example, for creating BlueElec, an integrated energy company offering innovative energy management solutions. Drawing on its expertise in strategic and business research, its understanding of the energy issues in France, Europe and abroad, and its familiarity with the regulatory framework of the various countries, Polyconseil works with Blue Solutions on: • identifying strategic opportunities to create value from its electrical storage capabilities on these various markets; • creating its roadmap to becoming the undisputed leader in storage, energy management and incorporation of renewable energy sources; • designing its value proposition to consumers, businesses, energy producers and local authorities. 24 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 TA K I N G A C T I O N F O R LO C A L D E V E LO P M E N T PROVIDING ACCESS TO ENERGY FOR ALL Working on the strength of its new technology provided by Blue Solutions, the Bolloré Group has undertaken a pioneering investment in Africa, where the fragmented energy sector presents a serious hindrance to development, to deploy stationary applications using the LMP ® battery. The first Bluezones were created in Guinea, Togo, Niger and Benin. Thanks to the electricity produced by fields of photovoltaic panels (360 sq.m.) stored in containers filled with LMP® batteries (180 kWh), hectares of land with no access to the grid have become lit spaces, supplied with drinking water and connected to the Internet. These projects prove the everyday relevance of an “off-grid” solution combining photovoltaic and electricity storage in countries with scarce electricity production and distribution infrastructure. Youth spaces in the Togo Bluezone. Creating local economic development and social spaces The Bluezone is an energy-self-sufficient living space which enables residents to enjoy a continuous electricity supply, a drinking water supply point and many services tailored to local considerations and offered in conjunction with local populations: • Internet via Wi-Fi (provided by Wifirst, a Group subsidiary); • health and prevention center; • library, media library; • education (training, e-learning); • incubator for young entrepreneurs; • craft workshop; • sporting infrastructure (football pitches, basketball courts, boules area, wrestling space, etc.); • cultural spaces (with Canal Olympia events halls supplied by Vivendi). Kaloum Bluezone – Guinea Conakry. FIGURES AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 USERS: 100,407 EVENTS (SPORTING AND CULTURAL): 300 PARTNER NGOS: 19 INTERNET CONNECTIONS: 35,000 ELECTRICITY PRODUCED: 1,800 KWH/DAY DRINKING WATER PRODUCED: 50,000 LITERS PER DAY DIRECT AND INDIRECT JOBS CREATED: 25,000 Bluezones are real hubs of economic and social development. They are part of local policies to open up and develop the area. Since 2014, three Bluezones were operational in Kaloum (Conakry) in Guinea, Cacaveli (Lomé) in Togo and Dosso in Niger. In 2015, they developed mainly in Guinea, with four new Bluezones in Dixinn, Kagbelen, Sofonia and Yattaya, but also in Benin, in Cotonou and in Niger in Niamey. In each country hosting a Bluezone, the Bolloré Group offers services that were entirely designed for the needs of the local population. In Guinea, the first Bluezone opened in April 2014 in Kaloum, one of the working class neighborhoods of Conakry. This urban area, with controlled access, was wasteland until a spectacular rehabilitation scheme which retained the existing metal structure, a real replica of an Eiffel building. Close to the railway station, Kaloum proves young peoples’ enthusiasm for this concept. 25 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 There have been many projects on this Bluezone, such as the launch of an “Incubator for young entrepreneurs” or e-learning training via a partnership between the universities of Conakry and the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne. Malick Diakité, a journalist, admits that he frequents this place partly for the easy Internet access. “It’s thanks to the Wi-Fi connection that I can now work in real time.” Thanks to this service, the number of subscribers is constantly growing. At least 150 connection tickets for four hours each are used every day at the Kaloum Bluezone. Car-sharing: business opportunities with significant local impact The launch of Autolib’ in 2011, Bluely in 2013 then Bluecub in 2014 created almost 500 permanent jobs, including: • advisers at the Autolib’ call center in Vaucresson, in the Paris region; • mechanics and technicians specialized in battery technology; • ambassadors of the car-sharing service on the ground. There is now a second Bluezone in another part of Conakry: the municipality of Dixinn. Its proximity to the Gamal Abdel Nasser University, the largest in the country, Donka hospital, the Conakry Grand Mosque, and the big markets of Madina, makes this Bluezone a place where all generations can meet. It is a real accelerator for young entrepreneurs, thanks to the “Saboutech” company incubator initiated by the Bolloré Group and Orange Guinea in partnership with several local companies which were involved in the creation and implementation of this structure. LOCAL PRESENCE OF BLUE SOLUTIONS, A STRONG SOCIO ECONOMIC FOOTPRINT BREAKDOWN OF EMPLOYMENT IN BRITTANY BY DEPARTMENT Blue Solutions is heavily involved in the economic development of the Quimper region The openings of Blue Solutions plants in 2013 and the Bluetram plant in 2015 near Quimper (Finistère) demonstrates the Bolloré Group’s commitment to its roots. At the time, the region was undergoing economic difficulties with unemployment at 9% in 2014, with young people particularly affected. Thanks to Blue Solutions’ healthy growth, new hires are needed every year. The total workforce of Blue Solutions France rose from 208 in 2014 to 278 in 2015 (a 33% increase). Of the 80 new employees, 17 were aged under 30 (i.e. 21% of the new hires). Blue Solutions focuses on regional employment, and is a major driver of regional economic growth. In 2015, Blue Solutions France measured its impact in terms of regional employment. Of the 278 employees of the entity present at December 31, 2015, 208 came originally from the Brittany region, 74.8% of the workforce (see graph opposite). TOTAL 208 79% FINISTÈRE 15% MORBIHAN 4% CÔTES-D’ARMOR A local purchasing and production policy In 2014, Blue Solutions reaffirmed its local purchasing and production policy, which has a direct effect on employment. The agreement signed between the Bolloré Group and Renault in 2014 scheduled the production of the Bluecar® at the Renault plant in Dieppe in 2015. The Bluecar® is therefore the only 100% French electric vehicle: the car is manufactured in Dieppe, the battery in Brittany and the powertrain in Toulouse. Furthermore, as of September 2015, the agreement with PSA Group provides that the Bluesummer will be assembled at the Rennes site, with an installed capacity of 15 vehicles per day, i.e. a maximum of 3,500 vehicles per year. 2% ILLE-ET-VILAINE 26 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 E N G A G I N G A N D B E I N G C O M M I T T E D TO E M P LOY E E S ENSURING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES OUR HEALTH, SAFETY, QUALITY AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY Guaranteeing the health and safety of employees is a commitment of the Blue Solutions division, which is reflected globally by: a certification policy, regular evaluations of workplace risks and training and initiatives to protect the health and safety of employees. This policy focuses on several areas: • improve safety and security; • reduce the environmental impact of its operations; • emphasize prevention; • give everyone the means to succeed; • ensure that the high quality of our products is recognized through certification; • ensure that the health of employees is not harmed while they are at work. This policy is relayed by the company’s Health, Safety, Quality and Environment department, which is assisted by a network of safety representatives at each industrial site. Quality and environment certifications The supercapacitors business has two certifications: quality management (ISO 9001 V 2008) and environment (ISO 14001 V 2004). The batteries business is also ISO 9001 V 2008 certified. Safety training A great many safety training courses are provided within the company: • training and refresher courses for first responders; • training for safety back-up teams; • ATEX training (explosion risk) for the batteries site; • awareness raising of chemical risks. In 2015, 94 employees received “safety, hygiene, environment” training, totaling 1,700 hours. Raising employee awareness Introduction initiatives have also been organized, on subjects such as the “event tree” method and chemical risks. Since 2003, risk assessments of workstations have been undertaken and updated annually. Safety inspections are made on the various sites, the objective being to make at least 20 per year. Since 2010, all Blue Solutions division employees have been made aware of our environmental efforts and our ISO 14001 certification. Safety handbooks are periodically updated and given to each new employee when they join the company. PREVENTING WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND ACCIDENTS Since 2009, employees have been trained and made aware of psychosocial risks. All managers receive “stress and management” training, irrespective of status. Prevention of harsh working conditions Blue Solutions has implemented a policy to prevent difficult working conditions, including its agreements on older workers and cross-generation agreement. These actions fit into the ongoing workplace hazard prevention process that has been in place for several years (health and safety policy and collaboration with the company physician, etc.). This policy involves improving mobility management policies and adjusting workstations. Through the CHSCT, working groups have been formed from the safety departments, human resources, staff and operators to analyze each workstation for factors that might create harsh working conditions as defined by law. Reduction of occupational hazards Fire risk training. The Blue Solutions division pays special attention to production operator positions, which are likely to expose employees to work-related illnesses and cause musculoskeletal dorso-lumbar disorders. Several initiatives have been implemented and capital expenditure made to reduce employees’ exposure to these occupational hazards, and they have had good outcomes. Specifically, this has involved: • installing devices that aid handling and manipulation; • steps taken to reduce arduous postures; • capital expenditure in better sound protection. 27 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 Training needs are identified in collaboration with the managers, mostly via work interviews. These progress interviews are a time to discuss targets set and met, behavior, desired development, employee training and support. Training courses are then co-designed between the Human Resources department and the managers. Skills and potential are assessed individually (professional interviews) and collectively (projection by business sector). TRAINING TO PREPARE TOMORROW’S TALENTS First aid training. The goal of the Blue Solutions training policy is to help employees with new assignments, transfers, technological developments and regulatory changes, as well as to develop expertise in their occupation, skills development and knowledge perpetuation. Training expenditure in 2015 represented 2.1% of total payroll(1) of Blue Solutions France and 1.3% of the total payroll of Blue Solutions Canada, i.e. the equivalent of almost 1,300 euros per employee trained across the whole scope. The Blue Solutions training policy is part of a continuous improvement approach. Therefore, evaluations of training take place (by interns as well as line managers) and serve as performance measurement indicators of the training system, particularly as regards quality certifications. These indicators are regularly monitored and may result in improvement actions. Blue Solutions has several training tools in France: • institute for logistics training in Suresnes; • an orientation program for new employees; • a familiarization program for in-house transfers (recruitment, skills gap analysis, in-house or outside training, changes over time, capital expenditure, developments, innovations, etc.); • a training program for those filling a new position for new arrivals or for in-house transfers; • in-house training in production jobs to transmit and perpetuate knowledge (production, versatility development, anticipating retirements). Maintenance team. DEVELOPING SKILLS AND PROMOTING LOCAL TALENT IDENTIFYING AND DEVELOPING SKILLS As part of the commitment to its “skills drive” to boost the employability and professionalism of its employees, Blue Solutions has designed “career ladders”, real career monitoring tools which anticipate human resources needs. These ladders lay out the possible career paths within a certain area and the steps needed to follow the path. The Human Resources department works in close collaboration with local management to get to know the employees well and to ensure a good skills fit. SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AND PROMOTING MOBILITY The implementation of the Blue Solutions human resources policy is the result of an anticipatory approach linked to the strategic direction of the company and the development of its businesses: analysis of the structural and economic context, innovations, investments and developments to enable a projection of the resources necessary for company developments, as well as its adjustment in terms of jobs and skills. (1) Sum of gross salaries. 28 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 E N G A G I N G A N D B E I N G C O M M I T T E D TO E M P LOY E E S MOBILITY AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Blue Solutions facilitates solidarity between the different businesses to enable employees to remain in work. The division promotes internal mobility and organizes, if necessary, personnel secondments. To facilitate this integration, in-house training and professional simulations are used. They ensure flexibility between the sites. RECRUITMENT IN LINE WITH THE GROUP’S DEVELOPMENT The Human Resources department advertises open positions via the in-house job boards. Each candidate is received by Human Resources and the manager of the recruiting department. In 2015, Blue Solutions recruited 33 employees internally (33.3% of total recruitment) Likewise, in a year and a half (2014 to 2015), one out of four employees changed position or job title within the division. While Blue Solutions encourages internal mobility and promotion, it hires employees each year to support its growth. In 2015, Blue Solutions took on 66 new (external) employees, including 84.85% on permanent contracts. ENSURING DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES INTEGRATING YOUNG PEOPLE AND INTER-GENERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER The “cross-generation” agreements signed in 2013 led to different areas of action being identified. They include: • facilitating the long-term inclusion of young people in the workplace via permanent contracts (CDI); • encouraging older workers and keeping them employed; • ensuring transfer of knowledge between the generations. Relations with schools Blue Solutions’ policy towards schools and work-study programs aims to reconcile the demands of young people pursuing their studies (high school and college students), the requirements of the schools and the needs of the company. We strive to strike the appropriate balance between the schools’ programs, the subjects of interest to the company and the expectations of interns. In 2011, the division obtained the “Association Jeunesse Entreprise” certification, in recognition of the company’s societal commitment to young people. The AJE rewards for the first time companies which strive to build bridges between the world of education and the workplace. With this certification, the AJE acknowledges the commitment of companies and their initiatives to strengthen and develop relations between young people and companies. Example of actions regarding relations with schools and the combined work-study policy implemented by the division: • acceptance of interns of all levels for internships to learn about the company (“one day/one job”) or long-term internships (this year, 30 middle-school students spent three days at the company); • acceptance of students on professionalization and apprenticeship contracts; • participation in industry job discovery days organized with the Association Jeunesse Entreprise (AJE), involving 100 pupils. Informing young people about occupations in the Group Students from the Brittany region and open days at high schools and technology training centers. Likewise, around ten employees go back to their university, engineering school, etc., each year, to talk about their job and the company. Every year, the division welcomes about one hundred pupils from middle schools and high schools to show them its jobs and facilities. RECRUITMENT, A REFLECTION OF DIVERSITY Acting to promote the long-term inclusion of young people (age 28 and under), the Human Resources department has implemented integration arrangements to support them and ensure their independence. Several interviews will be conducted, and a mentor procedure will train volunteers who will monitor the new young employees. Concerning career management, older employees will receive support for their internal mobility and their salaries and training will be examined. From the age of 45, a second half of career interview will take place to determine their know-how and developmental wishes. The “cross-generation” agreement stipulates equal access to vocational training for older employees, and they will also be offered a skills assessment. Finally, the division is increasing its mentoring and expertise network to ensure that knowledge and skills are transferred between generations. Through its policies, the Blue Solutions Human Resources department aims to guarantee equal opportunities throughout employees’ careers. It implements initiatives promoting transparency for each employee’s professional development opportunities. It gives each employee the possibility for internal career development when individuals’ aspirations and skills coincide with business needs. Recruitment procedures ensure confidentiality and respect for the principles of non-discrimination. B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 GENDER EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE Blue Solutions’ Human Resources department does not treat men and women differently in terms of recruitment, salary policy, and career development, or for job assessments. In 2015, 14 women were recruited (21% of total recruitment). Further, agreements and action plans relating to gender equality in the workplace have been signed within Blue Solutions as of 2011. In accordance with the law, initiatives have been retained to promote gender equality; specifically, this has involved: • providing a better work/life balance for men and women (subrogation and maintenance of salary during parental leave, scheduling of departmental meetings between 9 am and 6 pm, parental leave of six months fully included when calculating years of service); • promoting the respective situation of men and women in terms of promotion, qualification (introduction of a back to work interview after maternity, adoption or parental leave); • ensuring equality in terms of compensation; • ensuring the respective situation of men and women as regards new hires (the company applies principles and rules of transparency to its recruitment processes); • committing, in terms of working conditions, to reducing the risks linked to lifting and chemical risks, etc. PROVIDING DISABLED PEOPLE A VALUED ROLE IN THE WORKPLACE Entirely in line with its policy of promoting diversity and equal opportunities, Blue Solutions considers the integration and long-term employment of people with disabilities as a major company objective. In 2015, Blue Solutions France had eight employees with disabilities (compared to three in 2014). This resulted in several adjustments being made to workstations, in partnership with the occupational health physician and the SAMETH (department to ensure the continued employment of staff with disabilities). Furthermore, the Blue Solutions France Human Resources department works with the French ESAT sheltered sector organizations and has formed partnerships with certain centers (Bretagne Ateliers – Les Cailloux Blancs). With a strong commitment against discrimination when hiring new employees, Blue Solutions Canada wishes to develop its recruitment policy as regards people with disabilities in the coming years. One workstation will be adjusted in 2016 for a Blue Solutions Canada employee, following an accident which occurred outside the company. 29 30 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 BLUE SOLUTIONS AND COP21 “The Paris Agreement has been adopted. It will enable each delegation to return with its head held high, knowing that major progress has been made. Our collective effort amounts to more than the sum of our individual efforts. Our responsibility to history is immense.” L A U R E N T FA B I U S Chairman of COP21, Fr e n c h f o r e i g n a f f a i r s and international development minister A universal agreement on climate was adopted by consensus, on the evening of Saturday December 12, 2015 by the 195 states which participated in the COP21. It will enter into force in 2020. Here are some key points of the Paris Agreement: • The agreement is more ambitious than the initial objective of the COP21, which was to keep global warming below the 2 °C mark. It agreed to keep it “well below 2 °C compared to preindustrial levels” and “continue the efforts to limit temperature rises to 1.5 °C”, while “acknowledging that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change”. • As regards equality, it recognized the responsibility of rich countries in global warming and the need to help southern hemisphere countries prosper, while reducing the climate impact of their development. • In 2009, northern hemisphere countries promised southern hemisphere countries that they would mobilize 100 billion dollars (91 billion euros) of assistance by 2020. This assistance may be measured, and a new collective target figure must be presented before 2025. • The agreement recognized the importance of assigning a price for carbon, although it did not set this price. To offset our carbon footprint, an increasing number of climate-friendly projects will be implemented (such as reforestation). • Each country, within its resources, will have to submit a national inventory of its greenhouse gas emissions. • This agreement will either be ratified by national parliaments, or will simply be accepted or approved by the government. It will be open for signature at the United Nations headquarters in New York from April 22, 2016 until April 21, 2017. There is a dual criterion for the agreement to enter into force: 55 countries responsible for at least 55% of the emissions must have ratified it. The Bolloré Group attended the COP21, operating the Bluetram on the ChampsÉlysées, and the Bluecar® and Bluebus at the Le Bourget site. 31 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 BLUEBUS WAS THE OFFICIAL SHUTTLE FOR THE UNITED NATIONS DELEGATIONS AT THE COP21 AT LE BOURGET Ten Bluebus vehicles circulated in the blue zone during the operational phase of the International Conference at Le Bourget from November 28 to December 12, 2015. The shuttles ran on three lines and were driven by fifty RATP drivers. During this period, the buses ran seven days a week, from 6 am until midnight, carrying up to 30,000 people per week. The Bluebus vehicles were used by many French political figures such as François Hollande, Ségolène Royal and Anne Hidalgo, and many prime ministers. The French president even immortalized this moment by signing a Bluebus windshield. Blue Solutions also supplied the UN police with four Bluecar® vehicles. These vehicles remained on site throughout the event to enable police officers to intervene swiftly at any time. INAUGURATION OF THE BLUETRAM ON THE CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES On Tuesday December 1, Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, Élisabeth Borne, Chairman and CEO of RATP, and Vincent Bolloré inaugurated the Bluetram on the Champs-Élysées. For five months, from December 1, 2015 to April 11, 2016, six Bluetram vehicles were made available to the general public and will serve nine stations from place de la Concorde to the place Charles-de-Gaulle. 32 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 REPORTING SYSTEM SOCIAL REPORTING, CSR REPORTING Blue Solutions’ CSR reporting methodology is the same as that used by the Bolloré Group. In accordance with decree 2012-557 of April 24, 2012, concerning application of the Grenelle II law and with the recommendations of the AMF concerning the disclosures to be made by companies with regard to social and environmental responsibility, the Group has created its own reporting system. This methodology is consistent with Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) and ISO 26000 guidelines. This methodology is distributed and applied to all entities which gather and communicate their extrafinancial information to the Group. The entities examined correspond to those included in the financial scope. 33 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 SOCIAL REPORTING ORGANIZATION The reporting process relies on three levels of involvement. • At the central level: the Group’s human resources information systems department organizes and supervises the reporting of information throughout the collection period. It consolidates the social indicators of the divisions. • At the division level: the division representative makes sure the process runs smoothly, approving all files collected within their scope. • At the local level: local representatives are responsible for completing the collection files. COLLECTION PERIOD AND SCOPE The data relating to the reporting year are collected on January 1 of the following year for the period from January 1 to December 31. The Consolidation department sends the list of the Group’s consolidated companies, indicating for each one the method of consolidation as well as the percentage of integration. The collection scope applies to all fully or proportionally consolidated companies, from the moment that the company takes on staff. The collection scope is identical to the financial scope. • Blue Solutions scope: The scope covers 100% of the Blue Solutions workforce. INDICATORS • Employee information reporting counts each employee as one unit, regardless of how long that employee has worked during the year; employee numbers are fully integrated. The subjects covered in our information collection are workforce, staff mobility, training, compensation, health and safety, as well as professional relations. COLLECTION FILES Two collection files for each company are automatically generated from the centrally held data: • one file containing the collection file from the previous year; • one predefined file for the collection for the current year. There are two types of collection files: – for French companies: workforce and corporate information, – for non-French companies: workforce. The forms are pre-completed based on the type of operation: • internal (French companies whose pay is centrally managed). Individual data on employees are pre-completed in full and must be verified; • external (companies whose pay is not centrally managed). Collection files are not pre-completed and the data must be entered and verified. The workforce in the collection files pertains only to permanent and fixedterm contracts. MONITORING AND VALIDATION To ensure the reliability of the indicators, the Human Resources department has set up: • a user guide and interactive assistance; • a hotline providing support to representatives. The monitoring and validation objectives are as follows: • detect discrepancies recorded in the reporting tool; • ensure the reliability of data by using a two-step validation process (division, local). To ensure the consistency of the data entered in the reporting tool, the steps for validation are consecutive. The data entered is subject to integrity checks, to detect inconsistencies in the data for the same employee. The reporting tool also detects errors at each stage of validation as well as a check for completeness. In case of a change in the workforce for a scope, the Group’s Human Resources department will ask the representatives to provide justification. 34 B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 REPORTING SYSTEM CSR REPORTING ORGANIZATION INDICATORS The Blue Solutions division has appointed a CSR Director who helps define indicators, manages the software for data collection in the companies they consider important in terms of turnover and workforce. His or her function is to: • guarantee the reporting of information within the time frames defined by the reporting protocol; • support the contributor in collecting the data, and respond to any questions that may be asked by the contributor, in particular on the organization, the reporting process and indicator definition; • verify (at division level) the consistency and reliability of the data; • ensure the completeness of the information collected. Each entity selected by the division’s CSR Director is represented by a contributor, who must: • collect the data (if the contributor does not have the required information, they must ask the appropriate departments in order to fill in the missing data). The contributor may contact the division’s CSR Director if necessary; • ensure the consistency and accuracy of data (verify that no data was forgotten, justify (comply or explain) discrepancies between the N and N-1 data) when they exist. The CSR Director is the preferred contact of the Group’s CSR team. They play an essential role in implementing the CSR strategy. They are involved in defining the strategy and ensuring its deployment within the Blue Solutions division. They make employees aware of CSR issues through mobilization and training initiatives. They promote the initiatives led by organizations in their area and disseminate good practices. Lastly, he or she takes part in discussions between stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers and others. They comply with the legal provisions and correspond to the Group’s four strategic areas. For the collection of 2015 data, the following indicators are to be presented: • number of workplace accidents with lost time; • number of hours worked; • number of days of lost time associated with workplace accidents. Energy consumption was reformulated to take account of its breakdown according to usage (transport of goods or people, handling gear and buildings). The definitions used for dangerous and non-dangerous waste were determined taking into account the observations made during the 2014 audit. In 2015, the audit by the Statutory Auditors focused on the following indicators: Employment indicators: • total workforce; • geographic breakdown; • breakdown by type of contract (permanent, fixed-term); • hiring and departures (including layoffs); • number of training hours; • number of employees who received training. Health/safety indicators: • frequency rate; • severity rate; • number of workplace accidents. Environmental indicators: COLLECTION PERIOD Data is collected for the year, i.e. from January 1 through December 31. The month of December may be extrapolated, if the data is not available when the reports are run. For missing data, estimates can be made. The most relevant estimate method should be determined in light of the business activity of the entity concerned and the specific situation concerning the lack of data (invoice not received, consumption included in charges, etc.). Finally, the estimate made must be documented to make it possible to be tracked and to follow the same estimate method from one year to the next. • water consumption; • electrical consumption; • natural gas consumption; • diesel fuel consumption; • gasoline consumption; • quantity of waste (hazardous and non-hazardous) released; • quantity of waste (hazardous and non-hazardous) recycled or reused; • quantity of waste (hazardous and non-hazardous) removed; • greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption. B L U E S O L U T I O N S C O R P O R A T E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 15 COMPANY SCOPE The scope surveyed for these indicators covers Blue Solutions France and Blue Solutions Canada. MONITORING AND VALIDATION The monitoring and validation objectives are as follows: • make note of the difficulties encountered by contributors during data entry and solve them; • collect auditable data; • detect discrepancies in the data recorded. For the 2015 financial year, the validation circuit defined the previous year used at each stage of the reporting process (at the level of entity, each division and the Group) was integrated in the collection tool. This ensures, for each level of consolidation, a better traceability of the checks done on the data. Like in 2014, CSR directors of the divisions received data-checking training prior to the reporting campaign. This year, it also brought together HR and QHSE managers of the divisions as well as internal auditors so that they could pass on this information to their contributor networks. Examples of monitoring were included in the reporting protocol, i.e.: • compare the data reported for financial year N with the data reported for the previous financial year (N-1) by calculating the N/N-1 ratio (in order to detect any abnormal changes and investigate them); • categorize sites based on their impact on the changes in data from one year to the next; • track zero values, which are potential errors. The dedicated reporting e-mail address set up in 2014 made it possible, from the start of the 2015 data collection period, to respond, with the support of the division CSR directors, to the various contributor queries. Finally, the coherence test included in the reporting software which enables contributors to detect differences of around 15% compared with the previous year and justify them with comments was repeated. INTERNAL CONTROLS An internal auditor may carry out checks on the data collected by the entities within the context of financial monitoring. 35 The publishing committee would like to thank the CSR, Human Resources, Quality, Hygiene, Safety and Environment, Finance, Security and Communications managers and all local contributors, who made it possible for this report to be produced. PHOTO CREDITS Bolloré photo library, Blue Solutions, Fotolia, Pascal Anziani, X. Portrait of Chairman: Paul Cooper. DESIGN AND EXECUTION: The CSR report is printed on Novatech Satin (FSC) and Imagine Silk (PEFC) paper. BLUE SOLUTIONS C O R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y R E P O R T BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REPORT BLUE SOLUTIONS R E G I S T R AT I O N D O C U M E N T All of the Blue Solutions 2015 publications - corporate social responsibility report, business report, and registration document are available online at www.blue-solutions.com/en/ under “Investors”. TO U R BO L LO R É 31-32, Q UA I D E D I O N - B O U TO N 92811 P U TE AU X CED E X – FR A N CE TEL .: +3 3 (0)1 4 6 96 4 4 3 3 FA X : +3 3 (0)1 4 6 96 4 4 2 2 www.blue-solutions.com
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