True to its original nature and continued commitment to the environment, Eurotunnel is the most environmentally friendly cross-Channel operator and shows green credentials.

The Channel Tunnel and its rail transport system have a number of intrinsic environmental advantages: a fully underground link that prevents any interaction with the marine environment; electric locomotives that generate a low level of atmospheric pollution and only marginal green house gas emissions. Through a series of initiatives, Eurotunnel has maintained progress throughout its years in operation.

In order to make customers more aware of its commitment to sustainable development, Eurotunnel is running since May 2009 a Passenger Shuttle wrapped in a livery representing the beauty of the natural environment.

Eurotunnel's commitment to environmental protection involves a number of initiatives:

Eurotunnel is concerned about green house gas emissions (CO2,…) linked to its activities, even if they are low. With the help of a specialist ADEME-accredited firm, Eurotunnel is to date the only cross-Channel operator to have published a carbon footprint review each year since 2006.

In two years, Eurotunnel has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by half, from 85,000 carbon equivalent tonnes in 2006 to 43,000 in 2008.

Optimised source of energy

For Eurotunnel, managing its energy needs effectively represents a key part of the global business strategy which includes the commitment to reduce overall consumption of electricity and water.
Since 2008, Eurotunnel buys virtually all of the electricity needed to power its trains in France, with 3 benefits:

• A highly competitive price compared to British suppliers
• A high percentage (90%) of power from nuclear of hydroelectric sources, which are therefore CO2 emission free
• A source of power that is independent of fluctuations in hydrocarbon supplies

Development of renewable energy

Once again confirming the company’s commitment to the development of renewable energies, Eurotunnel was granted planning permission at beginning of 2009 for a 3 turbine wind farm (2.4 megawatts) on Coquelles Terminal, which should be built by end of 2009.

 
Eurotunnel has maintained its commitment to sorting its waste, an approach reflected in the continued improvement in waste storage conditions and transfers through to final destination and the reduction in waste volume. In 2008, 51% of the different waste produced on the Coquelles site was able to be recycled, instead of 30% in 2006. The expansion of the waste reclamation centre will help improve this performance in the future. On the English side, a system has been put in place for the selective sorting of plastic bottles and cans, making it possible to achieve a rate of 47% recycling for mixed waste.

As soon as the construction period ended, Eurotunnel adopted a policy for managing its various green areas, monitoring the flora and fauna on its two Terminals.

This ecological monitoring, carried out for a number of years now, has shown the high heritage value of the French and UK sites.

In England, the Samphire Hoe site was awarded the “Green Flag” for excellent ecological quality for the 4^th year running.

These sites have become nature reserves to flora and many wildlife species.

Sustainable development, an attitude to share at three different levels

Firstly, more than 200,000 Eurotunnel customers were made aware of sustainable development issues through campaigns organised in partnership with the French environment and energy management agency (ADEME) – Sustainable development Week, Mobility Week, Waste reduction Week – and through two exhibitions in the Folkestone and Coquelles Passenger Terminal Buildings.

Secondly, Eurotunnel invited the group’s 2,300 employees and staff from its subcontractors to take part in the three campaigns and two exhibitions (see above) to raise awareness. Eurotunnel’s electronic newsletter also includes a dedicated section on sustainable development news such as how to be a eco-citizen, findings from the carbon footprint review as well as presentations from experts on energy savings and waste reduction.

Finally, Eurotunnel is getting its suppliers and subcontractors more involved in its approach. The group has therefore drawn up a list of criteria measuring each supplier’s relationship on an environmental level. This analysis is taken into consideration in the selection process for new business partnerships. 

• [pdf] - Environment report 2008
• [pdf] - Environment report 2007
• [pdf] - Environment report 2006
• [pdf] - Environment report 2005
• [pdf] - Environment report 2004
• [pdf] - Environment report 2003
• [pdf] - Environment report 2002