Program Net Zero
At Saft, we are deeply committed to sustainability and minimizing our environmental impact. Discover how we achieve net zero emissions by 2050 with our 5 pillars.
1 - Reduce our environmental impact
First, we aim to achieve a 4% reduction in the greenhouse gas emission intensity of our activity every year. As we strive to grow at a faster rate to contribute to the energy transition, the total carbon footprint of our operations could still increase, but this is a necessity if we want to make a difference.
Our goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of our products and their parts and components during manufacturing, as well as through their use and their recycling.
In addition, we are adopting on-site photovoltaic electricity production, such as in our sites in Poitiers and Nersac (France), or Budinguen in Germany and Jacksonville in the United States. In parallel, Saft takes a leading role in setting universally agreed standards that ensure accuracy and comparability of carbon footprint calculation.
2 - Help our customers decarbonize
It is vital to take into account environmental protection issues because they allow us to set up the necessary measures to enable a level of performance that is not only more sustainable but also more virtuous.
Our products play a key role in this effort. They help reduce our customers’ energy consumption, store renewable energy, and replace fossil fuels. Throughout the selection process, we raise awareness among our customers about climate and energy challenges. We offer them effective solutions that contribute to reducing their emissions.
3- Implement circular economy throughout our operations
Saft is ready for the new EU battery regulation the goal of which is to increase the sustainability of batteries.
Batteries contain valuable resources. By using eco-design principles and tools we build recyclability and longer life into our batteries right from the start, and every year we use more recycled materials in our products.
This is made possible thanks to our worldwide “bring back network” for used nickel-based batteries. Our Swedish plant in Oskarshamn, along with our official recycling partners located across our main markets, recycle all used customer batteries returned to us, and the output of this recycling process is used to manufacture new batteries.
Out of one ton of used nickel-based batteries returned for recycling, over 750 kg of valuable materials are extracted and reused by industry. Metallurgical processes with enhanced efficiency extract over 95% of the weight of key metals such as cobalt, nickel, and copper from a wide variety of battery chemistries.
We have also joined forces with Orano, Paprec, MTB Manufacturing and CEA to test an innovative process for the recycling of metals contained in electric vehicle batteries within the RECYVABAT project.
4 - Procure sustainably
Saft suppliers are required to comply with applicable laws and to ensure the compliance of their own suppliers and subcontractors. We also comply with principles equivalent to those set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the fundamental Conventions of the International Labor Organization, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, United Nations Global Compact, the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
Saft applies the “OECD’s Due Diligence Guidance For Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals From Conflict-Affected And High-Risk Areas” throughout our metals supply chain. Our Fundamental Principles of Purchasing, derived from our Code of Conduct, are the cornerstone of the long-term relationships with our suppliers. We require all suppliers to comply with these principles and ensure compliance by their own suppliers in turn.
Fundamental Principles of Purchasing (FPP) define the conduct expected from suppliers in different areas, comprising the respect of human rights, safety in the workplace, and sustainability (biodiversity, circular economy, and natural resources management). We expect our suppliers to implement effective policies and to continuously improve their performance on these subjects. We prioritize suppliers with strong environmental, social, and human rights records.
5- Develop people and contribute to society
At Saft, we believe in collective strength and diversity as the driving force behind our success.
To bring out their full potential, we provide each individual with the best possible conditions for selfexpression, self-fulfilment and self-improvement.
Expanding employee involvement
We are intent on fostering and developing the involvement of our employees. Our HR policies aim to:
- train and assist our employees throughout their entire careers;
- respect the diversity of our teams and raise awareness among our managers about diversity and inclusion;
- promote a quality of life and well-being for each employee;
- extend the social dialog to all of our sites;
- guarantee the just and equitable treatment of all of our employees wherever we are active
