Public works – Gard-based companies on the path to decarbonisation
Public works companies in Gard are committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, as part of the national low carbon strategy. They should benefit from public investments linked to the decarbonization of transport and energy.
How can we achieve a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, then achieve carbon neutrality in 2050, as part of the national low carbon strategy? Public Works in Gard[1] is working on it. Two companies were highlighted on December 11 in Nîmes for having already reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 40%. Pellet, based in Barjac[2], specializing in quarries and public works, installed solar panels in 2017. It has been using organic fuels since 2022 and has set up a waste sorting centre, we read in Midi Libre. Another example highlighted: Valette, based in Alès[3] and specialized in the design and execution of electrical network and equipment works, has installed photovoltaic shade structures.
More generally, several actions are planned with members of the Regional Federation of Public Works (FRTP) in the Gard: “reducing the carbon impacts of the materials used and emissions due to fuel consumption, strengthening the circular economy loop , support CSR initiatives, limit the impact of construction sites on biodiversity, and support innovation,” explains Christophe Ruas, president of the Gard delegation of the Occitanie Public Works Federation[4].
“A flood of investments”
Public works activity in France represents 3.5% of greenhouse gas emissions. “But 50% of emissions are linked to the use of transport infrastructure,” explained Olivier Giorgiucci, president of FRTP Occitanie, during his speech at the TP Regional Conference in November in La Grande-Motte. “We build roads, bridges, we maintain roads, structures, networks… This heritage is largely a public domain. For the future, these communities must commit to respecting a public policy to reduce greenhouse gases. The pressure will increase, it is inevitable. If we want to achieve this, we must simply transform our infrastructures, and therefore decarbonize them,” he explained. “This implies a flood of investments: tramway, cycle paths, buses with a high level of services, offshore wind turbine projects, hydrogen production… Infrastructure must also adapt to climate change, by adapting it to the increasing scarcity of water resources, flooding and marine submersion. And these investments do not only concern major works, far from it,” he insisted.
Source
Hubert Vialatte, Travaux publics : les entreprises gardoises sur la voie de la décarbonation, in: Les Echos, 22-12-2023 ; https://www.lesechos.fr/pme-regions/occitanie/travaux-publics-les-entreprises-gardoises-sur-la-voie-de-la-decarbonation-2043051
[1] Gard is a department in Southern France, located in the region of Occitanie. It had a population of 748,437 as of 2019; its prefecture is Nîmes. The department is named after the river Gardon. In recent decades of the 21st century, local administration and French speakers have returned to the original Occitan name of the river, Gard. It is part of a revival of Occitan culture.
[2] SAS Pellet is a renowned public works company, operating in the North of Gard (30) and South of Ardèche (07) sectors. With its expertise and experience, our company offers a wide range of services and products for meet the needs of individuals and professionals. Whether for road construction, landscaping, or the installation of sanitation networks, the Pellet company implements tailor-made solutions, adapted to the requirements of each project. Our qualified and passionate team is committed to providing quality work, respecting deadlines and current standards. https://sas-pellet.fr/une.entreprise.de.travaux.publics.familiale-361900-2-1-19.php
[3] Located in Alès, our company specializes in the design and construction of electrical network and equipment work. Strongly anchored in the region since its creation in 1969, the VALETTE company plays an essential role in regional planning and contributes to the development of the local economy. We work on behalf of communities, private companies and individuals in the Languedoc region and particularly in Gard (30). Our know-how is divided into 3 main activities:Electrical networks, Roads and Miscellaneous Networks, Lighting. https://www.valette-ete.fr/qui-sommes-nous/
[4] A professional organization dedicated to the development of the Profession, FRTP Occitanie represents Public Works companies of all sizes, specialties in the Occitanie region. Public Works offers 18 professions, great development opportunities, rewarding remuneration and projects useful to society, the environment and the economy. https://www.frtpoccitanie.fr/#