Ecodesign, as perceived by SNCF

An ambitious circular economy policy

One of the priority stakes of the circular economy policy is to promote ecodesign including the cost of lifecycle, recycling, end-of-life recovery and final elimination.

Advanced research studies

SNCF’s department of Innovation and Research is also carrying a major project on energy efficiency of the mobility system, including the respect of the environment all along the rail products lifecycle via material, infrastructures and tomorrow’s train stations ecodesign.

HQSE certified train stations (High Security and Environmental Quality)

Belfort-Montbéliard TGV and Besançon Franche-Comté TGV train stations, as well as fifteen or so eco-sustainable stops (such as Gravigny-Balizy), certified High Security and Environmental Quality (French certification HQSE) and Low Energy Consumption (French certification BCE), are representative of the eco-sustainability imagined by SNCF. Intermodality, natural light, photovoltaic module, geothermal energy, respect for biodiversity, etc.: all of these aspects were particularly thorough before building new generation ecologic train stations.

In order to respect the environment from the train station construction, works are supported by a “green work” charter which commits companies to a number of best practices in fields such as work waste management. A specific action plan to prevent environment risks in works contracts was also launched. Several contractual arrangements are foreseen depending on the risk level, from the signature of a “green work” charter by the work company to an Environmental Management System for the most at risk.

SNCF contributes to a more circular economy : read the Best Practice

Best Practice spotted by the World Forumfor a Responsible Economy in 2012 and updated in 2017.