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 In May 2006 the year-long process of installing the two wind turbines, that are now part of the local landscape, began. The aim was to reduce the operating costs of making tyres through the use of renewable energy, whilst minimising the impact on the local community. Following the first full year of operation the project has achieved all of its aims. The power generation has met all targets and any impact on the local area has been addressed and minimised.
Respect for the environment is a key Michelin priority with a public commitment to a 20% reduction in impact from 2005 to 2011. The site at Dundee is already considered as a good performer internally by Michelin and by SEPA with rapid progress being achieved. Last year alone the site made a 9% improvement. Michelin measures its environmental footprint improvements in the following areas: energy and water consumption; emissions to air; waste - quantity and disposal to landfill. This year the site’s main objective is a zero landfill target. Every waste stream on the site will be put to another use. A large contribution towards this objective was achieved at the start of April when a contract was agreed with the neighbouring Dundee City Council incinerator, which converts waste into energy. Michelin believes it is important to have strong links with the local community and this is another example of the mutual benefits that can be achieved. The factory has also made considerable investment to enable a reduction in emissions from the tyre making process. A 2007 SEPA study confirmed the air quality around the Michelin Site as good. For the future, the Company will be investigating other potential sources of renewable energy, how it can minimise water usage and other energy efficiency measures. |
