Objective 3
| All industrial sites are to assess the nature, extent and related risk of the impact that their current and past activities are causing or have caused to soil and groundwater. For those sites where significant risks have been identified remedial action should be initiated by the end of 2010. |
The “Umicore Way” clearly states that the company “actively participates in the management and remediation of risks that are the result of historical operations”. This commitment already resulted in risk and impact assessment projects as well as remedial actions at major sites in several regions of the world (see Progress on adressing historical legacy). Today, it is Umicore’s policy to include soil and groundwater investigations in any acquisition project. This objective will allow a full understanding of the historic risks of existing sites.
At the end of 2007, 54% of the sites had already implemented an assessment program in line with the requirements of the objective compared to 38% last year (figure 3). Together with external experts, Umicore is evaluating the soil and groundwater investigations to assess whether additional remediation projects need to be implemented.
| In 2007, the automotive catalyst production facility in Burlington (Canada) engaged in an energy conservation programme. Energy gains were booked in the production area by modifying equipment and improving production line programming (e.g. by reducing line fans and belt speeds during idle processes). An on-line follow-up of the energy consumption through the energy supplier provided a better understanding of the daily energy usage, with improved energy management as a result. The lighting in the plant and the offices have become more energy efficient. All staff members have been made aware of the programme and monthly communications are done on actual energy consumption. The results on energy efficiency will become visible during the next years. |
Umicore on the way to sustainability