The group, which wants to achieve net zero carbon by 2030, will switch its entire fleet of snow groomers to synthetic fuel based on vegetable oil.
According to Compagnie des Alpes (CDA), which operates a dozen ski areas in France* , “grooming represents the main source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the group’s “Mountain” activities, with nearly 80% of its direct carbon footprint due to the use of fossil fuels”. This is why the CDA has just approved the switch to “HVO synthetic biofuel (hydrotreated vegetable oil produced from waste)” for its entire fleet of snow groomers.
That is 130 vehicles. Of 100% renewable origin and made from waste fats and used vegetable oils, and without palm oil, HVO fuel is “compatible with the devices of all the partner manufacturers” of the CDA. This diesel substitute “reduces CO² by 90% and fine particles emitted by 65%”, calculates the group. The migration of the fleet of snow groomers will allow, over the whole of the 2022-2023 season, “a reduction of 9,900 tonnes of CO² equivalent in use per year, or the equivalent of 72% of the direct carbon emissions of “Mountain” activities. excluding electricity.
Reforestation, electric shuttles and net zero carbon objective
This initiative is part of a more global reflection for Compagnie des Alpes, which has set itself the objective of achieving net zero carbon (NZC) by 2030. The Caisse des dépôts et consignations subsidiary supports example the only French groomer manufacturer, CM Dupon, in the development of low-carbon groomers. A prototype of an electric snow groomer, for example, was successfully tested in La Plagne this winter, while a prototype with a hydrogen range extender will be tested next winter. The CDA has already expressed its interest in ordering such equipment from CM Dupon, who finds a first-class partner there.
Still in the station, the CDA is also working to reduce the footprint of visitors, by taking the decision to “gradually migrate its fleet of buses in the station to electric motorization with models made in France, in agreement with the communities concerned. », and after a test carried out, again this winter, between Tignes and Val d’Isère. An initiative that will allow “a saving of 18 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year and per vehicle”, according to the group’s calculations.
Finally, the CDA has signed a partnership with the National Forestry Office (ONF) for the reforestation of 50 hectares of forests in Savoie, Haute-Savoie and Hautes-Alpes, and 50 hectares in Oise, near Parc Astérix . “In all cases, these are reforestations of forests in poor condition that no longer play their role of carbon sequestration”, explains the group, which has identified “an additional potential of around 150 hectares of reforestation or new afforestation”. on the invested sites.
*La Plagne, Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, Tignes, Val d’Isère, Les Menuires, Méribel, Serre-Chevalier, Flaine, Samoëns, Morillon, Sixt-Fer à Cheval, Chamonix, Megève, Avoriaz 1800, La Rosière, Valmorel .
