Safran Electronics & Defence has taken a bold step in accelerating its energy transition with the signing of an innovative agreement on decarbonisation and eco-mobility. Inked in January 2025, the agreement is a first-of-its-kind initiative within the Safran Group, placing environmental responsibility at the heart of the company’s growth strategy while actively involving its workforce.
Claire Gathier Caillaud, Human Resources Director, and Florent Nobelen, Low Carbon Project Manager, shared insights into this collaborative approach to sustainability. “Safran Electronics & Defence has always been one of Safran’s pioneering companies in terms of decarbonisation, and this agreement confirms that,” said Gathier Caillaud. Unlike previous agreements focused solely on eco-mobility, this initiative incorporates all low-carbon concerns relevant to employees — from energy efficiency and waste management to sustainable catering practices and travel associated with company-organised cultural activities.
The agreement stands out not only for its scope but also for the way it was developed — through participatory workshops involving cross-functional teams and trade unions. “More than just the outcome of negotiations, this agreement is the result of a genuine collaborative effort,” she added.
Safran Electronics & Defense has aligned the agreement with its overarching low-carbon roadmap, itself a direct extension of the Group’s Low Carbon Plan launched in 2018. According to Nobelen, the company had already cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2024 — an impressive feat considering its revenue doubled in the same timeframe.
“This shows that it is possible for a company to reconcile development with controlling its environmental impact,” he noted.
Looking ahead, the company aims to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach full carbon neutrality by 2050. Efforts are also underway to address emissions from employee mobility, product use, freight, and procurement. Notably, Safran Electronics & Defense has already met its 2025 goal of supporting select suppliers in shrinking their carbon footprint.
At the heart of this transition lies employee engagement. “We are convinced that everyone’s contribution counts,” said Gathier Caillaud. Employees are encouraged to adopt eco-conscious behaviours such as turning off unused equipment, reducing energy consumption in offices, and opting for greener transport options. “I am convinced that we will collectively reap the benefits in the years to come,” she concluded.
Safran Electronics & Defence’s agreement exemplifies how forward-thinking companies can embed sustainability into their operational DNA — not just through targets, but through empowered, inclusive action.
SOURCE AND IMAGE©: SAFRAN
