In its sustainability report published in June 2025, Renault Trucks explains the energy efficiency and resource conservation strategy implemented at each of its sites. Since 2019, these sites have recorded a 26% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the French truck manufacturer is also aiming for CO2 neutrality at all sites by 2040.
However, Renault Trucks is not limiting itself to decarbonising road freight transport, but has also taken a number of concrete measures to reduce the environmental impact of its industrial sites.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Renault Trucks has implemented a number of different measures to reduce the carbon footprint of its plants: More modern heating systems, better building insulation, a district heating network with recovery of waste heat from industrial processes and a reduced number of engine tests. The result of these measures and targeted investments was a 26% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 2019 and 2024.
- In Lyon, the X‑Tech Arena with its 1,300 engineers consumes 25% less energy than required by law in France.
- In Blainville-sur-Orne, the annual consumption of natural gas has fallen by 265 MWh thanks to the renovation of 1,800 m² of building space.
- In Bourg-en-Bresse, better building insulation has enabled an additional 100 MWh per year to be saved.
Expansion of in-house production of renewable energy
Together with third-party investors, Renault Trucks is developing systems to generate renewable energy directly at its sites:
- In Bourg-en-Bresse, 17 hectares of car parks are gradually being equipped with photovoltaic roofs with a capacity of 22 megawatt peak (MWp), which is equivalent to the annual consumption of 17,500 inhabitants. 30% of the electricity generated will be used directly on site and construction of the solar system is scheduled for completion in 2026.
- In Lyon, photovoltaic modules will be installed on the roof of the future global spare parts distribution centre, which will supply enough electricity to cover the energy requirements of the centre and the adjacent buildings.
Further additional measures:
- In Lyon, 5,000 m² of office space will be heated by geothermal systems, saving 360 MWh per year.
In 2025, a 2 km long district heating network, 75% of which will be fed with thermal energy from industrial processes (the remaining 25% will come from the municipal grid), is scheduled to be commissioned at the same location. This will ensure the energy supply for a total of 150,000 m² of building space.
Lower water consumption
Since 2016, Renault Trucks has reduced its water consumption per truck produced by more than 60% and achieved a figure of 5.9 m³ in 2024:
- At the Lyon site, consumption has been reduced fivefold in twenty years — thanks to the installation of acoustic sensors to quickly detect water leaks.
in Blainville-sur-Orne, the water is purified using a physico-chemical system before being discharged into the sewerage system; - Closed-loop systems instead of cooling towers led to a significant reduction in water consumption at the Lyon site.
No more waste to landfill
Renault Trucks’ goal is to no longer landfill waste in the future. The Blainville-sur-Orne and Bourg en Bresse sites as well as the engine plants and the spare parts warehouse in Lyon are already certified as ‘Landfill Free’[1].
Waste is sorted, reused or recycled at all of the manufacturer’s sites:
- Metal waste generated during production is melted down to produce new parts.
- Packaging and logistics services are integrated into internal recycling loops.
- New recycling projects serve to optimise all waste streams.
Integration of biodiversity and species conservation
Renault Trucks no longer uses pesticides at its sites and favours controlled mowing and ecological grazing, particularly for the maintenance of green spaces. Beehives have been installed in Vénissieux and Saint-Priest. In Bourg-en-Bresse, Renault Trucks is supporting a joint programme to protect the Dévorah stream, which is also the habitat of a protected dragonfly species, as part of a partnership with the water association of the French municipality of Reyssouze that is scheduled to run until 2028.
To eliminate heat islands and create better soil permeability, more than 2,400 trees have also been planted in Lyon since 2023. A 3,000 m² experimental area has also been created to restore soil fertility using soil science techniques. By colonising birds, insects and small mammals, the aim is also to create a refuge and promote biodiversity.
Infrastructure adapted to climate change
With the help of the OCARA (Operational Climate Adaptation and Resilience Assessment) method developed by Carbone 4, Renault Trucks aims to anticipate the effects of climate change on its sites for the years 2050 and 2100. In this way, weather-related vulnerabilities such as heat waves, floods, rising groundwater levels, droughts and strong winds can be identified and the resilience of industrial plants can be strengthened.
In view of the risks associated with rising sea levels and heavy rainfall, a roadmap has already been drawn up in Blainville-sur-Orne together with the local authorities. In Lyon and Bourg-en-Bresse, the prevention of heatwaves is a particular priority. These climatic challenges will therefore have a decisive influence on the future planning of new buildings and industrial processes.
All these measures underline Renault Trucks’ efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of its industrial sites. They are also part of a broader strategy to decarbonise transport and create a sustainable model. All Renault Trucks initiatives for sustainable development are listed in the truck manufacturer’s report.
French truck manufacturer Renault Trucks has been providing transport professionals with sustainable mobility solutions since 1894 – from light commercial vehicles to tractor units. Renault Trucks is committed to the energy transition and manufactures vehicles with controlled fuel consumption and a complete range of 100% electric trucks. The recycling concept used here enables a longer service life. For more information, visit: www.renault-trucks.ch.
