Our commitments to the environment
08 November 2023
Green Friday emerged as a reaction to the ecological impact caused by the overconsumption of traditional Black Friday. Last year, Compagnie Océane already took part in this initiative, and this year, we are choosing once again to celebrate Green Friday to reaffirm our commitment to environmental responsibility.
Heading towards an RSE certification
Certification is a form of recognition for the actions taken in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The “Engagé RSE” assessment will be carried out by AFNOR, the organization responsible for coordinating and developing national standards. This evaluation, based on 49 criteria, examines areas such as local engagement and development, environmental impact, external communication, and human resources.
Our goal: certification by September 2024.
Our carbon footprint under review
We are fully aware of the pollution generated by maritime activities. However, it is essential to get a precise evaluation of our carbon footprint in order to define the appropriate compensation measures.
That is why Compagnie Océane is currently conducting its first carbon footprint assessment. Initial solutions are being explored to reduce emissions — for example, adjusting service schedules and lowering ship speeds when conditions allow.
Waste sorting on board and at the terminals
Island territories face significant waste management challenges. Except for Belle-Île-en-Mer, which has a small landfill site (one of the smallest in France), the islands of Groix, Houat and Hoëdic must repatriate all waste to the mainland. For this reason, there are very few public trash bins on the islands.
To help address this issue, Compagnie Océane has installed waste-sorting bins at all ferry terminals and on board all vessels. Passengers are therefore encouraged to sort and bring back their waste either on the ferry or back to the mainland — rather than leave it on the islands. This practice is part of a broader push toward more responsible behavior during island trips.
Paper and newspaper collection for Mada-Breizh
Our internal waste-sorting policy also aligns with our social and environmental commitments. In the Lorient ferry terminal, staff paper and newspapers are not thrown away, but are collected in support of the Mada-Breizh association.
Founded in 2005 and based in Quimperlé, the association collects the paper every two weeks from our premises. It is then sold to fund the construction of schools and to support education in the Antsirabé region of Madagascar.
In early November, construction of a new school began.