Our collective challenge to preserve the oceans
As boat builders for four generations, we are by definition close to the oceans. Protecting the extraordinary biodiversity of marine ecosystems is also our challenge. A collective challenge that we share with all lovers of nature and the sea.
Together with our employees, partners and customers, we redouble our efforts to transform our ideas into robust, mature solutions, from the design to the dismantling of our boats.
Our commitment to preserving the oceans
The “Preserving the oceans” pillar commits us to ambitious targets for 2030, including: reducing our CO2 emissions intensity by 30% compared with 2022, and offering 100% alternative propulsion for our boats.
1. Acting on propulsion modes and uses
The Group is continuing its efforts to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels in shipping. To reduce our indirect emissions, we are working both on naval architecture and on alternative propulsion solutions for our boats. Full electric, series hybrid for sailing, or parallel hybrid for large units: a solution for every application in our three market segments (“Dayboating”, “Motor yachting” and “Sailing”).
Target 100% of our boats with an alternative propulsion solution by 2030
Our efforts to develop an economy of use in the nautical sector (boatclub, rental, etc.) aim to encourage the pooling of boats to reduce the intensity of emissions per day of use.
“Boating depends on its direct environment: the marine ecosystem. The natural environment in which yachtsmen evolve is constantly changing, and its sustainability is the key to the continuation of nautical activities. Indeed, yachtsmen can only dream of sailing the world’s seas if this marine environment is preserved. When sailing, Groupe Beneteau boats must therefore aim for a minimum impact on these fragile and essential environments”.
Gianguido GIROTTI, General Manager, Boat Division
In 2023 :
- Hybrid-electric prototype with Volvo Penta on JEANNEAU NC 37.
- In the sailboat segment, the BENETEAU and JEANNEAU brands launched six new models available in 100% electric versions.
- 10 models marketed with alternative propulsion versions.
2. Strengthening the circular economy through the use of sustainable materials
Biosourced and recyclable resins, plant fibers and in particular hemp, whose characteristics offer numerous environmental advantages: Groupe Beneteau is accelerating the use of sustainable and renewable materials in the manufacture of its boats.
From 14% in 2022 to 35% in 2023, we have more than doubled the quantity of biosourced materials in our polyester resin. We have also tested and integrated Elium® recyclable resin on an industrial scale.
In 2023 :
- 35% bio-sourced resins (-29% associated CO2 emissions).
- 25% natural fibers in small parts produced in France.
- production of the world’s first production boat in recyclable resin: the First 44.
- commissioning of the first production line using Elium® fully recyclable resin.
- 72% of non-hazardous waste recycled/recovered.
Groupe Beneteau has been a committed player in the dismantling industry for many years. We play an active role in the governance of the only eco-organization in the world dedicated to the end-of-life of pleasure boats: APER (Association pour la Plaisance Eco-Responsable).
Lifecycle analyses also enable us to prioritize the solutions to be implemented to reduce the environmental impact of the various stages in the life of our boats.
Groupe Beneteau also recently unveiled its latest technological innovations at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, designed to offer boats that combine onboard experience and sustainability: electric stabilizers, solar panels and lithium batteries will now be featured on one of its iconic models, the Swift Trawler. The Oceanis Yacht 60 will now be made from Elium© recyclable resin, while the Island Cruising boat will benefit from a new-generation hull to guarantee optimum comfort.
3. Reducing the environmental impact of our business
As an industrial group, the Beneteau Group is aware of the environmental impact of its operations related to the manufacture of pleasure boats and mobile homes, and constantly seeks to reduce its footprint as part of its environmental management programs. Since 2012, the Group has structured its Environmental policy around the international ISO 14001 standards.
As part of our Safety Quality Environment Energy policy, we are driving improvements in the energy performance of our sites: from thermal insulation to the installation of LED equipment in our buildings.
By 2023:
- ISO 14001 certification for 75% of the Boat business.
- More than 40,000 m2 of photovoltaic panels on covered parking lots for employees at all sites.
- Nearly €2 million has also been invested in 2023 to renovate production infrastructures and improve their energy performance.
- Groupe Beneteau’s emissions linked to its electricitý and gas consumption have dropped́ by 5% compared tò 2022, representing a 7% reduction in intensitý per hour worked.
“We have certified 100% of our sites ISO 14 001 (environment) and 50 001 (energy) in 2023 in France. It’s the high standards we all set ourselves that enable us to make constant progress in controlling our environmental impacts… without ever compromising on quality!” Vanessa, Environment and Energy Expert (Bordeaux – France)
