MERGER commits to a low-carbon industry

A site designed to reduce our environmental footprint and meet the National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC)

Two years ago, we inaugurated a new building designed from the outset to meet SNCB's criteria and requirements (Stratégie Nationale Bas Carbone) setting the target for carbon neutrality by 2050.

All direct and indirect environmental aspects, such as greenhouse gas emissions, consumption of energy, the Pollution of air and water, the reduction and the treatment of waste, recycling and reuse, have been taken into account.

We equipped it with solar panels to produce part of our Energy so independently. Thanks to a reinforced insulation and to a centralized system of temperature management, we significantly reduce our energy consumption in winter and ensure greater comfort in summer.

We have integrated a rainwater recovery tank, which supplies the toilets and our outdoor washing center. We let's filter also the waste before rejection for limit our impact on the environmentThe building's lighting was entirely designed with luminaires Smart LEDs here turn off automatically in the absence of staff, further reducing our consumption.

Installation of the rainwater recovery tank:

water-recovery-tank-merger-low-carbon-industry

We have reorganized our industrial practices for greater responsibility

Le tri materials in a specialized recycling center (glass, wood, cardboard, ferrous metals), such as treatment of used oils are also among the elements put in place for protecting our environment.

Regarding our manufacturing, our policy of sourcing consists of favoring short circuits by calling on local subcontractorsThey are asked, and controlled, to use, for example, European steels for the manufacture of casings or gears. For spare parts, French suppliers and Europeans are privileged.

Our approach does not stop there because, with our clients, we implement lasting solutions for their installations, whether in repair or in new reducers. For these, from the design stage, everything is in place to limiter sustainablyenvironmental impact machines.

MERGER's commitments at a glance:

Solar energy production : installation of photovoltaic panels to cover part of the site's needs.
Reinforced insulation et centralized temperature management to minimize energy consumption, summer and winter.
Rainwater recovery for the toilets and the washing center.
Wastewater, reduction of pollutant discharges.
100% LED lighting, intelligently piloted to avoid waste.
Selective sorting and waste recovery in specialized centers (glass, metal, wood, cardboard, used oils).
Local and responsible sourcing : short circuits are favored, with a selection of local subcontractors using European raw materials, particularly for casings and gears.
Preference to French and European suppliers for mechanical components.
Repairability and durability : MERGER designs reducers, multipliers and mechanical variators designed to last, be maintained and repaired.
On-site expertise : we regularly intervene to recondition existing equipment, thus reducing the consumption of new resources.

An approach to preparing the markets of tomorrow

The gradual implementation, from 2026, of low-carbon public procurement reinforces the relevance of the MERGER approach. Our clients, whether industrial or institutional, will benefit not only from robust technical solutions, but also from a partner aligned with their environmental obligations.

Our technical and sales teams are already working on promoting this approach in our responses to consultations, to support operators, design offices and clients in building a more responsible industry.

Solar panels installed on the roof of the MERGER site in Corbas (69)

photovoltaic-roof-solar-panels-snbc-merger

To go further: What is a “low carbon” public market?

From 2026, the French state plans to make mandatory integration of environmental criteria about public markets, as part of the National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC).
This is in line with France's climate objectives: to achieve the carbon neutrality by 2050.

What are the main objectives of low-carbon public procurement?

Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the entire life cycle of products and services purchased by the State, communities and public establishments.
Promoting virtuous businesses on the environmental level: eco-design, carbon-free energy, local materials, recyclability, etc.
Encourage industrial innovation to offer more sustainable solutions.
Structuring local and responsible sectors.

What this means for companies like MERGER

The requirements:

Carbon footprint assessment of your products, services or projects.
Integration of sustainability criteria : lifespan, repairability, energy efficiency, use of recycled or recyclable materials.
Supply itself : FDES, LCA (Life Cycle Analysis), GHG assessments, ISO 14001 certifications, etc.
Sourcing justification : short circuit, committed suppliers, traceability of materials.

The markets concerned:

Infrastructures published
Industrial or mechanical equipment (e.g. hydroelectric power plants, wastewater treatment plants)
Transport, energy, public buildings
All projects financed by national or European public funds

MERGER, thanks to its eco-designed building, to sustainable manufacturing approach, and its commitment to solutions durable and repairable, is positioning itself to respond to these new markets.

Our ability to renovate, repair or remanufacture mechanical assemblies instead of replacing them is a strong advantage in a circular economy logic.

Would you like to know more about our services for the hydroelectric sector? Contact our dedicated team via our contact form.

FAQ on the carbon neutrality objective

Legislative context and objectives

Climate and Resilience Law (2021) and Green Industry Law (2023): These laws are the pillars of this evolution in France. They aim to strengthen the consideration of environmental considerations in public procurement. The objective is that 2026, 100% of public contracts include an ecological clause.
2050 carbon neutrality objective: France, in line with European Union objectives, is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. This means that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be reduced as much as possible, and residual emissions must be offset by carbon sinks. Public procurement is a major lever for achieving this goal by directing procurement toward more sustainable solutions.
National Plan for Sustainable Purchasing (PNAD): The third PNAD (2022-2025) already sets ambitious objectives, notably that by 2025, 100% of public procurement contracts must include at least one environmental consideration.

2. What is changing concretely for public markets

From 2026 (and even before for certain aspects), several developments are to be anticipated:

Mandatory consideration of environmental criteria: Public buyers will have to incorporate bid analysis criteria that take into account the environmental characteristics of goods, services, or works. This will explicitly include requirements to combat greenhouse gas emissions.
Life cycle cost criterion: The life cycle cost criterion, which incorporates environmental externalities (including GHG emissions), is set to become an important, if not the only, criterion for evaluating offers. This means that the total cost of a product or service over its entire lifespan, including its environmental impact, will be taken into account, and not just its initial purchase price.
Strengthening SPASER (Schemes for the Promotion of Socially and Ecologically Responsible Public Procurement): Local authorities and public purchasers subject to the obligation to adopt a SPASER will see these plans strengthened and their publication facilitated.
Carbon Balance and Carbon Footprint: Carbon footprint assessment (or Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment – BEGES) will play a prominent role. For companies with more than 250 employees, carbon footprint assessments will be mandatory starting in 2025. Public buyers will be able to use them as a tool to identify responsible suppliers. There are even plans to introduce a single "carbon footprint" criterion in award procedures to promote bids with the lowest carbon footprint.
Bio-sourced and low-carbon materials: The Climate and Resilience Act provides for a strengthening of the obligation to use bio-sourced or low-carbon materials in at least 25% of major renovations and construction projects subject to public procurement.

3. Impacts for businesses

This development represents both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses:

Strengthening competitiveness: Companies that anticipate and implement a decarbonization strategy will be at an advantage. The ability to provide accurate GHG assessments and evidence of environmental commitment will become a major asset in winning public contracts.
Innovation and optimization: This will encourage companies to innovate in their production processes, products, and services to reduce their carbon footprint. It also represents an opportunity to optimize energy expenditure management and resource use.
Reputation and credibility: Committing to a carbon neutral approach and demonstrating this in responses to calls for tender will strengthen the company's reputation and credibility with public stakeholders and end customers.
Adaptation of offers: Companies will need to review their offerings to incorporate these new requirements. This may involve investments in greener technologies, more local supply chains, and better environmental traceability.
Risk of non-compliance: Failure to comply with GHG reporting requirements is already punishable, and fines have increased. It is therefore crucial to anticipate these developments to avoid penalties.

MERGER is committed to a low-carbon industry