UEPG success for Eurovia

Eurovia quarries awarded to French and European level in the 2013 edition of the Sustainable Development of UEPG

EVERY two years the European Aggregates Association (UEPG), which is present in 31 countries, organizes a competition which aims to reward businesses in the aggregates sector that integrate the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development into their activities.

In the latest 2013 edition Eurovia, a subsidiary of VINCI Group, distinguished themselves with three cases awarded at French and European levels.

The company’s SNEH Matériaux Quarry, in Lower Normandy, won top prize in the ‘Best Environmental Practices’ category. The site is a showcase for comprehensive and effective management of biodiversity as part of quarrying operations.

All quarry personnel at the site have received training in biodiversity preservation, and the quarry’s operations are carried out under the guidance of a long-standing partnership with Centre permanent d’initiative pour l’environnement du Cotentin (CPIE), an agency in the Contentin region dedicated to environmental protection.

Eurovia’s Les Sablières de la Meurthe (Rosières-aux-Salines Quarry) won top prize in the ‘Local Community Partnership’ category. Starting in 2003, the quarry has contributed to developing the town of Rosières-aux-Salines and enhancing its power of attraction in conjunction with local authorities and associations. This collaboration has resulted in sites being redeveloped post use, greater biodiversity, and the implementation of ecological zones, activity-based zones and educational tourism initiatives.

Lastly, the ‘Granulats+’ initiative launched by all quarries within the Group in the Mediterranean region won top prize in the ‘Best Practices in Innovation and Recycling of Marine or Artificial Aggregates’ category. These sites are committed to producing aggregates for construction and public works projects in a responsible manner by reducing consumption of natural resources and fostering the use of inert worksite waste products.