EDF_REGISTRATION_DOCUMENT_2017

3.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIETAL INFORMATION − HUMAN RESOURCES Optimising the use of natural resources and preserving the environment

Downstream, all energy saving management initiatives also serve to conserve resources. EDF and its subsidiaries develop and market packages for its customers that combine energy-efficient equipment, the use of renewable energy in buildings, autoconsumption ("Mon soleil et moi"), incentives for energy saving behaviour and innovative energy recovery solutions, such as the recovery of heat from waste water (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin), the use of biomass (the Nestlé boiler house project with Dalkia), or the use of solid recovered fuel (Tiru). Where large sites connected with investments are concerned, materials are recycled (see section 3.4.8 “Conventional waste”). The R&D Department develops programmes aimed at reducing the use of raw materials as with the creation of ZnR Batteries, the Group’s spin-off dedicated to the development of zinc-air batteries. This technology uses easily accessible and non-polluting materials for manufacturing batteries. Paper Since 2012, EDF has implemented a policy to reduce paper consumption. First and foremost, it is applied through the development of electronic invoicing for residential customers. The target for 2015 of 4.2 million customers invoiced electronically (15% of residential customers) was surpassed by a substantial amount and the target for 2016 was raised to 5.5 million. The result surpassed the target: 5.65 million customers signed up for electronic invoicing, representing 21% of residential customers. The target for 2017 was set at 6.5 million customers and the result was achieved and increased to 7.2 million customers for 2018. The paper consumption policy has also been applied by setting a target for reducing purchases of paper for office use by 3% per year. This target is renewed annually. The annual results have significantly outstripped the target. In 2012, paper consumption per employee was 24kg of CO 2 equivalent for the year, in 2013 it was 20kg of CO 2 equivalent per employee, in 2014 it was 17.6kg of CO 2 equivalent per employee and in 2015 as in 2016, it reached 11kg of CO 2 equivalent per employee, representing a reduction in paper consumption of more than 50% over 3 years. The new profit-sharing agreement for 2017-2019 includes a sustainable development and digital criterion based on the reduction in paper consumption. This criterion represents a total of 10%. It involves the reduction in the annual percentage of print jobs on the printers connected to the EDF network (annual target: -15%). A number of measures were implemented to achieve this target and encourage the personnel to reduce paper printing: fewer printers, removal of individual printers, basic double-sided printing on printers in black and white, generalisation of secure print with password and, finally, on some sites, targeted and encrypted campaigns (annual paper consumption displayed) are carried out and displayed at the printing locations. In addition, 100% of the paper used is FSC paper (recyclable and carbon neutral) and carries the EU Ecolabel. Every EDF site has implemented paper sorting for the recovery of office paper (1) . 3.4.7 The materiality matrix identifies the production and management of radioactive waste and spent fuel as one of its material priorities (issue no. 16 Production and management of radioactive waste and spent fuel). This refers to the technical, environmental and financial issues associated with spent fuel treatment processes, long term waste management and support to the processing and recycling segments. The generation of nuclear electricity produces waste, some of which is radioactive. The largest volumes of radioactive waste are produced during the decommissioning of nuclear power plants (2) that have been permanently shut down: rubble (concrete, soil, etc.), scrap and piping. But the most radioactive of all is essentially the waste produced by the processing of spent nuclear fuel. All waste is recorded in the national inventory published by ANDRA every three years and is made public. This ensures the transparent management and total visibility of all radioactive waste. RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Since 1985, the volume of EDF’s operating waste has been reduced by a third thanks to advances made in power plant operation. Waste that cannot be avoided is sorted according to type. It is then hermetically sealed by EDF in special containers so as to prevent the spread of radioactivity and to increase protection. This allows it to be securely transported to ANDRA facilities where it will be permanently stored. Some radioactive waste can be destroyed. Solid and liquid incineratable waste (gloves, overalls, oils, solvents, etc.) is burned in the Centraco plant oven which is operated by SOCODEI (an EDF subsidiary). Other waste can be considerably reduced in volume to facilitate its storage: this is the case with metallic waste (valves, pumps, tools, etc.) which is melted into ingots in the melting furnace at the same plant. Waste that can be neither recycled nor destroyed must be placed in a storage facility until such a time that its radioactivity returns to its natural radioactivity level. It is stored in ANDRA storage facilities. 90% of the volume of radioactive waste generated by EDF’s nuclear installed base can be stored in the facilities in Morvilliers and Soulaines (Aube region). Two new storage facilities are planned for the 10% that cannot be stored. This is essentially waste produced by the processing of spent fuel and is the most radioactive of all waste. For this waste, which is very long-lived, the Act of 2006 approved the solution of a geological storage facility (Cigéo project). Research is underway for another storage facility which would be for graphite waste from first-generation nuclear plants (currently being decommissioned). In accordance with the 2006 Act on the Management of Radioactive Waste, EDF is also contributing to research into the separation and transmutation of the most radioactive waste (transformation of very long-lived radionuclides into stable or short-lived elements). The entire French radioactive waste management system is controlled by independent authorities: the French National Assessment Board (Commission Nationale d’Évaluation) controls the work of ANDRA and the ASN monitors all existing sectors and upcoming projects to ensure their safety and lack of risk to public health and the environment. For a description of radioactive waste processing downstream of the fuel cycle, see section 1.4.1.1.4 “The nuclear fuel cycle and related issues”. 3.4.8 According to its conception to end-of-life activity model, the EDF group generates conventional waste at different stages in the life cycle of its assets: site development (construction, decommissioning and heavy maintenance) operations (operations waste, such as process sludge), in addition to office waste generated by service activities. EDF’s conventional waste is managed under the framework of prevailing regulations, which sets out a hierarchy of treatment methods according to each type of waste. So-called conventional waste includes waste passed on to a subsidiary during the year, and products used during site development, operations and service activities. It does not include radioactive waste, which is dealt with separately as it falls under specific regulations and is handled by specific subsidiaries. Process-generated coal and gypsum ash are covered in a specific report, taking into consideration the quantities produced and the corresponding recycling opportunities (mainly the cement subsidiary). The report exclusively covers the waste that is removed from sites and excludes waste that is stored on-site, waste awaiting removal, materials reused on-site (e.g. earth and rubble) and equipment that could be reused (sold or gifted). Construction and decommissioning waste is included in this report, if its management falls under the responsibility of the EDF group. On the other hand, waste managed by service providers is not accounted for. As part of its sustainable development policy, the EDF group is committed to limiting the environmental impacts of its facilities and activities. Based on the ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System (EMS), conventional waste management complies with the waste management hierarchy and prioritises reduction at source, particularly by repairing, reusing and use of eco-designed and eco-friendly products, sorting and recycling (particularly for site waste which is the most significant in terms of volume). CONVENTIONAL WASTE

See PAP50 assessment, refer to section 3.8 “Non-financial rating”. (1) For further information on this significant challenge, see 1.4.1.1.6 “Decommissioning of nuclear power plants”. (2)

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EDF I Reference Document 2017