For 10 years, SEM Volcans, manager of the Vulcania park, has deployed an Environmental Management System that cuts across all the company’s departments, and whose compliance with the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard is certified and recognised by an independent body.
An environmental policy recognised by ISO 14001 certification
Vulcania, a theme park about volcanoes and planet Earth and an emblematic tourist site for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is located in the Chaîne des Puys, the youngest volcanic area in mainland France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vulcania is a major educational and tourist site in the Auvergne region, located at the very heart of its theme, within the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne. Its aim is to educate and raise awareness about the origin and evolution of our planet. The Earth’s wrath, but also its future, are at the heart of many fun and educational activities based around the park’s three universes: volcanoes, natural phenomena and the Earth in space.
Today, Vulcania is 20 years old and has already welcomed 7 million visitors!
In a world where every day events make us a little more aware of climate change and the depletion of resources, it is vital that the tourist industry becomes more responsible if the adventure is to continue. That’s why, in line with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region’s policy for sustainable tourism, we want Vulcania to continue its process of continuous improvement in its environmental practices, including as part of its development projects. Through this project, we undertake to ensure that SEM Volcans complies with the legal and other environmental requirements applicable to it, and to prevent any risk of pollution.
Conducted under the responsibility of the Park Director, this policy is monitored by a company employee dedicated in part to this project. This commitment by the company naturally involves all departments in a process of continuous improvement of their practices that have an environmental impact. In addition to employees, information relating to this environmental policy is distributed to suppliers and subcontractors, and more widely to the general public at Vulcania.
Vulcania’s commitment to protecting the environment
Environmental impact of development projects
Preserving resources, mitigating and adapting to climate change and protecting biodiversity and ecosystems must be at the heart of all our development projects.
Climate and Energy
By 2030, our energy consumption will have to fall by 40% according to current regulations. Sobriety and responsible digital technologies are the first steps towards achieving this ambitious objective, which we are preparing for today. By doing so, we will also reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, waste reduction and the development of public and/or less polluting transport are two other ways of improving our carbon footprint that we want to fully integrate into our environmental performance indicators.
Responsible purchasing
The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label, which certifies sustainable forest management, will become a requirement for all purchases of wood and paper, as well as products derived from these materials. Purchasing managers will also have to continue their commitment to reducing the packaging they receive, reducing the number of kilometres goods are transported and favouring more environmentally-friendly products.
Examples of our commitment to the environment
Outdoor areas
- No use of pesticides or phytosanitary products
- Reasoned mowing
- Manual and/or mechanical weeding only (electric strimmer and hoe)
- No watering in the park
- Taking into account the protected species present in the park
- Reuse of trees cut down during events or as firewood
- Use of electric vehicles to transport maintenance staff around the park
- Purchase of small electrical equipment for the maintenance of green spaces
- Semi-buried buildings to facilitate integration into the landscape
- Use of mulch (organic mulch that preserves the soil’s microfauna) in play areas
The attractions
- Raising awareness through the messages contained in the events
- Reducing electricity consumption: use of low-energy light bulbs and/or LED lighting, LED/laser technology video projectors, etc.
- Optimising control of heating and air-conditioning systems
- Environmental monitoring of park projects
- Eliminating over-packaging of 3D glasses
- Use of closed-circuit water for the Geyser and the Children’s City
- Reducing the use of chlorine and eliminating the use of flocculants to maintain the water in the
- Geyser pool
- Priority to natural and local materials (volcanic rock, wood) for construction
- Deactivating unoccupied seats and gondolas
Catering
- Elimination of straws from 2020
- Elimination of plastic sandwich packaging (use of paper packaging)
- Promotion of short circuits
- Promoting responsibility in the fight against food waste: the Cafétéria des Puys encourages visitors to come and get a refill
- Recyclable cardboard cups throughout the park
- Use of concentrated cleaning products and bread-based rinsing products to limit waste
The shops
- Preference given to local, French and eco-designed products: at least one new local supplier selected each year
- No distribution of plastic bags
- Promotion of local know-how: crafts, gastronomy, etc.
- Reduction of packaging
Vulcania joins the “Convention des Entreprises pour le Climat” (Businesses for Climate Convention)
Vulcania has been committed to reducing its environmental impact for over 20 years. A forerunner on many fronts in this area, and ISO 14001 certified for 10 years, Vulcania is constantly challenging itself to innovate and come up with new ideas and solutions to meet the challenges of saving our planet. That’s why Vulcania has decided to join 149 French companies from all business sectors in the “Convention des Entreprises pour le Climat” (Businesses for Climate Convention), with the aim of co-constructing, with the best experts on each of the themes concerned, a desirable future that respects the planet’s limits.