Sustainable development

The Group has defined 3 lines for development in order to reconcile its economic performance, its social responsibilities and the protection of the environment :

  • Sale of more ecological products: sustainable wood management, energy-saving products...
  • Distribution from more-advanced sites: optimised management of waste, energy, etc.
  • Corporate social responsibility: respect, equality, solidarity, integrity and loyalty are an integral part of this approach.

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The promotion of low energy consumption bulbs

The group has launched a policy aiming to focus on wood products from forests applying sustainable wood management principles. The group bases its approach on specialist associations in this field such as the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and the TFT (Tropical Forest Trust).   The presence of one of these labels on a product proves to the consumer that the wood used was taken from a forest managed according to sustainable wood management principles. Group listing accorded priority to these products in 2008. This policy will be presented and highlighed via a large-scale communication campaign in 2009. The group will also reconsider outdoor furnishing product ranges.

La promotion des ampoules basse consommation d’énergie

Towards end-October 2008, Mr Bricolage signed a convention with the Ministry of ecology and sustainable development planning the gradual withdrawal of incandescent bulbs. These bulbs consume more energy, have a shorter life cycle, and are not recyclable. The group has developed its range of energy saving bulbs and launched collection programs. Communication on the recycling of bulbs was reinforced in 2009.

Printing

Mr Bricolage decided to reduce the basis weight of paper used for prospectuses by 9% in January 2007. This will reduce the volume of paper distributed to letter boxes. The group has also opted to use paper manufactured with recycled paper for its communication.  Mr Bricolage also co-founded EcoFolio. The eco-body is responsible for sharing the financing of the collection and recycling of paper from printouts (prospectuses, catalogues, free papers, directories, etc.). EcoFolio also promotes the selective collection of paper by local authorities.

Energy control

A study on energy consumption for 12 stores was carried out in 2008 with a diagnostic and energy saving proposals. A plan will be defined in 2009 for Integrated Stores. Franchise stores will be provided with a "Guide to good practices" including key tips on how to control energy expenses.

Sorting and re-using waste

Partnership agreements signed with the various waste management service providers and eco-bodies will be continued. Sorting increased in 2008 from 26.12% to 27.89%. Efforts will be continued in 2009.

Ecolabel paints

Mr Bricolage selected the European ecological label, Ecolabel, for its own-brand range of indoor paints. All products with a "flower" symbol are certified by independent organisms for their conformity with ecological criteria and performance.

 

Withdrawing incandescent bulbs

The scheduled withdrawal of incandescent bulbs is a major ecological priority. The Mr Bricolage group intends to play an active role in this withdrawal. The group will initially propose a wide range of low consumption bulbs, which are already highlighted on our shelves. In addition, Mr Bricolage is a partner of the eco-body RÉCYLUM, for the collection and recycling of used bulbs. This campaign, advertised in all group stores via signs and sorting boxes, has two key aims: encourage more customers to sort (low consumption bulbs are not disposable) and ensure customers are aware of existing collection solutions.