The roofs at Safran Aero Boosters are going green

A new Sustainable Development Department has been established at Safran Aero Boosters this year, to transform the Executive Committee's ecological concerns into tangible actions and to participate in the Group's comprehensive initiative.

As a partner of aerospace engine manufacturers, Safran Aero Boosters invests considerable amounts (15% of sales) in preparing for the future, by researching advanced technologies for future engine architectures and next-generation industrial equipment. At the same time as these technologies are being developed to result in greener products in the future, the company is keen to reduce its carbon footprint as much as possible. Reducing carbon emissions, developing new sources of renewable energy, and developing biodiversity: these are examples of the initiative, implemented in Liège at the industrial sites.

One of the new Department's initial objectives, launched by Xavier Naveau, is to diversify clean energy production within the company. With this in mind, and to reinforce the 2 existing cogeneration units, 1,000 photovoltaic roof panels have been installed on the buildings at Milmort and an esplanade at the Liers test center, the Safran Aero Boosters establishments.

"We want to reduce our carbon footprint, and producing renewable energy is a major building block for our initiatives. For structural reasons, there is a clear limit of how many panels can be placed, and other projects are currently being studied! We see solar energy production as part of a greater whole, expanding our energy production mix. We are also thinking about installing an 800-kW wind turbine", Mr. Naveau, Director of Sustainable Development, stated.

The new Department, created at the initiative of François Lepot, CEO of Safran Aero Boosters, plans and develops ideas in conjunction with professionals in the sector, based on initiatives proposed by staff members.