Due to the very nature of its activities - gravel pit and burial site for inert waste - activities that are highly controlled in terms of legislation, the company is extremely sensitive to environmental issues.

"The treatment and recycling of waste form the basis of one of our activities, which means we're already one step ahead with regard to these issues," explains Rémi Kretz, manager of the SME. The opportunity to obtain the ISO 14 001certification, which is based on continual improvement in terms of environmental performance, therefore quickly presented itself as a logical progression.

"Up until that point, like many small SMEs, our efforts were essentially concentrated on production. The ISO 14001 norm was a starting point in terms of establishing a common language within the company: the environment in its broadest sense - working environment, energy efficiency, impact on nature - and transmitting the concept as a system of management. Everyone immediately felt involved with the project. Externally, it enables us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors, since very few operators in this sector are certificated. For our customers, it is a mark of credibility."

Remi GRETZ
Manager - Ain Rhône Granulats

Source: Grand Angle 01 magazine produced by the AIN CCI