Press Dossier Environment and Sustainable Development

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PRESS DOSSIER ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2019

The Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley: 2 10-13 Eco-mobility in the Valley a laboratory for energy and ecological transition 14-17 A focus on renewable energy A unique site 3 18-19 Preserving an exceptional environment Measures to combat greenhouse gases 4 20-21 Discard less, throw away more intelligently! and atmospheric pollutants 22-23 The cost of environmental protection Timeline of commitments 5 to sustainability 24-25 First effects on air quality Energy transition in the Valley 6-9 26-27 30 Actions for the environment THE CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC VALLEY: A LABORATORY FOR ENERGY AND ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION

The postcard is beautiful! Majestic mountains, The electricity it uses is 100% renewable eternal snows, impressive glaciers, remarkable and public buildings are heated using forests, lush mountain pastures, Alpine lakes, gas. Hydroelectric power plants are under natural reserves... The Chamonix Valley is construction and the development of a unique and awe-inspiring! methanisation plant, as well as a multi-fuel “green station” will soon be underway. Unique yet fragile, and more sensitive to climate change than other places. Climatic To protect the air we breathe, the water we warming is twice as severe as in lowland areas, drink and the exceptional landscapes which glaciers are losing depth dramatically, annual surround us is our priority. It is a complex and snowfall has been halved in 40 years, the risk costly battle which must be fought on multiple of rockfalls and landslides is greater and more fronts. The stakes are high. Public investment is frequent... The notoriety of the Mont-Blanc considerable given the size of our community, Massif means that it is often presented as a and annual environment-related expenses are laboratory for the analysis of climate change. continually on the rise.

Being on the front line in the face of climate Our objectives are clear: to reduce greenhouse change means that we cannot be complacent! gases and air pollutants and to preserve and protect our exceptional surroundings and the For several years now, the Chamonix Mont- inhabitants of the Valley. Blanc Valley has been working alongside its many institutional partners and neighbouring Éric Fournier, Mayor of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc border regions to fight for the preservation and President of the Community of Communes and protection of its environment, which is of the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley home to thousands of residents and the basis Jérémy Vallas, Mayor of Vallorcine of our local economy. Maurice Desailloud, Mayor of Les Houches Nicolas Evrard, Mayor of Servoz Holder of the TEPOS (positive energy territory) The Community of Communes of the Chamonix and TEPCV (positive energy territory for Mont-Blanc Valley encompasses these four the promotion of green growth) labels, the municipalities Chamonix Valley adopted the first Climate Plan in a mountain region in 2012 and developed a specific Air Quality Plan in 2015.

The Valley takes a proactive stance with regard to the development of public transport and soft or electric mobility, it promotes energy- efficient improvements for existing buildings by providing significant administrative and financial support for energy retrofit projects.

2 THE CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC VALLEY: A UNIQUE SITE

We live in a land of extremes: high peaks, imposing glaciers, considerable altitude differences, huge variations in temperature, high exposure to natural risks, an acute sensitivity to climate change and different forms of pollution: the Chamonix Valley is a place unlike any other.

Bestowed with an exceptional geography, the Chamonix Valley lies between two mountain ranges, (the Mont-Blanc and Aiguilles rouges Massifs) and four glaciers, including France’s largest glacier, Mer de Glace, with a 2500 m vertical drop.

The Valley extends over about thirty kilometres, from Servoz to Vallorcine via Les Houches and Chamonix. Vertically, it extends over close to 4000 metres. At an altitude of 1035 metres, Chamonix is one of France’s largest municipalities, covering more than 115 km2. The valley is home to about 15,000 permanent residents who need to be mobile, to heat their homes and to go about their business on a daily basis...

As one of the most visited natural sites in the world, largely due to the notoriety of Mont Blanc, western Europe’s highest summit, the Valley attracts millions of tourists, climbers and mountaineers every year.

The Chamonix Valley is also located at one extremity of the Mont-Blanc tunnel (which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015) on a strategic European axis. Some 2 million vehicles drive through the tunnel every year.

All these factors contribute to making the Chamonix Valley a unique place, a real “in situ” laboratory for climate change, where specific measures need to be taken.

The Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley 3 MEASURES TO COMBAT GREENHOUSE GASES AND ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS

The Territorial Energy Climate Plan (since They also enable us to benefit from significant 2012): a global strategy for the Valley. funding from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes The reality of climate change, “is happening region (TEPOS) and the State (TEPCV). before our eyes every day”, regrets the mayor of Chamonix, Éric Fournier. A Territorial Energy An Urban Travel Plan (PDU) was adopted Climate Plan (PCET) was adopted in 2012, in 2008 at the initiative of the Community of the first of its kind for a mountain territory. Its Communes of the Chamonix Valley to establish objective being to reduce energy consumption a coherent framework for multimodal travel and greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the and soft mobility. effects of climate change and to increase the proportion of renewable energy. A High Mountain Climate Plan since 2018, to adapt access to the mountains and high An Energy Transition Plan with concrete mountains in the face of climate change: measures (since 2015). adapting tourist infrastructures, modifying Faced with a relative deterioration in air quality access to mountain huts, adjusting the essentially caused by road traffic, including the operating periods of mountain lifts, insisting on daily passage of thousands of lorries and cars, risk prevention and training for practitioners... as well as domestic heating, the Chamonix The Espace Mont-Blanc is conducting a Mont-Blanc Valley has been striving to improve project entitled AdaPT Mont-Blanc which is the quality of its air through a series of developing tools for territorial planning and measures taken over the past few years. management. The local authorities’ objectives are ambitious. “We have no choice; public health is at stake Publication of an environmental Good and we need to act as pioneers to improve the Practice Handbook (in French and English - situation”. 2018) for the general public: “Did you know” A specific plan for the energy transition was sections, communal actions presented theme adopted by the Valley in February 2015. by theme, recommended daily eco-practices. It concerns transport, energy and housing. Most of its actions are detailed in this press release.

Considered a territory of excellence for energy and ecological transition, the Chamonix valley has been awarded the TEPOS and TEPCV labels. In acknowledgement of the actions undertaken in the region, the Chamonix valley is considered both a Positive Energy Territory (TEPOS) and a Positive Energy Territory for Green Growth (TEPCV). As Éric Fournier explains, “these two labels are the recognition of several years of commitment by the area to adapt its activities, making them more energy efficient whilst reducing pollution factors”.

4 TIMELINE OF COMMITMENTS TO SUSTAINABILITY

Well before the creation of the community of communes (2010), the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley pursued a bold environmental and energy policy.

1998 • First cross-border campaign of local air pollution • Implementation of the “Better Living” programme for measurements, conducted jointly by l’Air des deux energy renovation (modest households). Savoie, Resival du Canton du Valais (CH), and l’Arpa - • Creation of the “intercommunal advisory committee” Aosta Valley (IT). dedicated to environmental issues and air quality Operation conducted within the framework of the Mont- (elected representatives of the Valley, representatives Blanc Transborder Conference, a cooperative structure of associations and socio-professionals, Tourist Office, between France, Italy and Switzerland since 1992. retailers, Hotel Trade Association, Compagnie du Mont- • Free transport on the urban bus network was Blanc, Compagnie des Guides). introduced in winter. • Introduction of the first energy land registry service with the Espace Mont-Blanc - to determine the 2005 renewable energy potential of a land plot: planETer. • Free circulation on the whole of the public transport network - trains and urban buses. 2016 • Acquisition of electric and hybrid buses. • Creation and implementation of a free accompaniment 2009 programme for energy efficient improvement projects • Voluntary commitment to the Territorial Climate and and “energy renovation” consultations. Energy Plan (PCET). Adoption of the first Climate Plan • Introduction of the Energy Housing Fund +, increased for a French mountain territory in June 2012. grants. • Launch of an epidemiological study on air pollution. 2010 • Signing of the Mayors’ Convention, laying down 2017 energy consumption and greenhouse gas reduction • Launching of the renovalleechamonix.fr website targets. dedicated to energy renovation in the Valley. • Creation of the Air Gas Fund with GrDF. • Financial support for the Air Wood Fund increased 2012 from €1,000 to €2,000. • Adherence to the Arve Valley Atmospheric Protection • Train frequency doubles on the Mont-Blanc Express Plan (PPA). railway line during peak hours throughout the summer • Introduction of “Climate Clubs”. season (train every half-hour). Aim: to provide concrete tools for professionals and event organisers in order to meet the objectives of the Territorial Climate Energy Plan. 2018 • Strong involvement in the finalization of the Atmosphere Protection Plan II. 2013 • Partnership for €1,000 additional support from CD74 • “Green Snowflake” label, mountain equivalent of the for the FEH+ scheme (middle-income households). Blue Flag, awarded in 2015, and renewed in 2018. • Publication of a “good practice handbook”. • Implementation of the Air Wood Fund scheme • Creation of an “Air and Energy Ambassador” position. throughout the Arve Valley. • Installation of collective compost bins.

2015 2019 • Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, elected “Alpine Town of the • Development of the Air Business Fund (FAE). Year”. • Regional bonus for the Energy Housing Fund (FEH) • The Valley commits to a TEPOS. and Energy Housing Fund + (FEH+). • Air quality plan (specific to the Valley). • Development of the Air Gas Fund for condominiums • Introduction of the Energy Housing Fund, a financial (FAG Copro). support scheme specific to the Valley to encourage • Implementation of a financial support scheme for the energy efficient improvements and renovation works on energy audit of condominiums. private housing. 5 ENERGY1 RENOVATION THE CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC VALLEY COORDINATES ITS ENERGY TRANSITION

The Chamonix Valley encourages and supports on public health and the environment. This is energy efficient renovations: a beneficial stand what motivated the community to promote for home comfort, for local craftsmen and a specific approach in line with our Territorial businesses, for domestic expenses and for Energy Climate Plan and the Plans for the local heritage. Protection of the Atmosphere (1st: 2012- 2018, 2nd: 2019-2023): encourage the Valley’s For several years now, the housing sector permanent residents (individual housing has been identified (alongside the transport and co-ownership properties) to undertake sector) as the main potential source of energy energy renovation works thanks to a series of savings for a reduced impact of our activities intelligible, relevant and effective grants.

Eight different funds are available: and schedule of prospective works. House visits may equally be arranged to best assess • The “Energy Housing Fund” since 2015 individual needs and priorities. Advisors also (specific to the Valley). provide homeowners with an overview of • The “Energy Housing Fund +” since 2016 available funds and help them determine their (specific to the Valley). financing plan. • The “Air Wood Fund”, since 2013. • The “Better Living” programme since 2015. The “energy renovation information” sessions • The “Air Gas Fund” since 2017 (specific to financed by the Community of Communes of the Valley). the Chamonix Valley and run by “Innovales” • The “Condominium Air Gas Fund” since are open to all permanent residents (for whom 2019. the financial support provided by the Valley is • Support for the energy audit of exclusively allocated) and secondary residents. condominiums since 2019. The “Soliha” association’s drop-in sessions are • The “Air Business Fund” since 2019. only open to the beneficiaries of the “Better Living” programme. The Community of An energy renovation website has been Communes of the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley online since 2016 to offer personal support for works in partnership with ADEME and the private individuals: renovalleechamonix.fr. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region.

Technical datasheets, eco-gestures, detailed • An Air and Energy Ambassador list of grants... this dedicated website provides access to a variety of documents The Air and Energy Ambassador’s role is to and information regarding potential home meet with the residents to inform and raise improvement works to facilitate renovation awareness in relation to air quality issues. An projects. important part of the ambassador’s mission is to encourage homeowners to improve the • Information meetings with advisors to energy efficiency of their property by switching provide help and support for individuals. to more efficient and environmentally friendly heating methods. “Energy renovation information” drop- Contact: Tatiana Legendre: tatiana.legendre@ in sessions, financed by the Community ccvcmb.fr of Communes, are run by the Innovales and Soliha associations (every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month). Advisors are available to help individuals define the nature 7 ENERGY RENOVATION FOR PRIVATE HOUSING

The “Air Wood Fund” since 2013. carry out energy renovation works. 394 projects funded by 15/07/2019 in the The financial support offered by the Chamonix valley. Community of Communes amounts to 20% The Air Wood Fund is a grant to encourage the of the cost of the works, capped at €3,000. purchase of high-performance wood-burning In addition, the Haute-Savoie Departmental appliances. Its objective is to reduce emissions Council grants funding varying from €2,000 of pollutants which affect air quality. to €3,000 depending on income. 20% of the It is intended for primary residents. households in the Valley are eligible for these The grant is a flat-rate amount of €2,000, grants! capped at 50% of the purchase price, non means-tested. The “Air Gas Fund” since 2017. The scheme is supported by the SM3A and 55 projects funded by 04/07/2019. implemented in conjunction with the ADEME, Whether your home is already connected to Regional Council, Departmental Council and the gas network or not, whether you are a the 5 Communities of Communes of the Arve permanent or secondary resident, GrDF and Valley. the Community of Communes of the Chamonix Valley offer financial incentives to support the The “Energy Housing Fund” since 2015 installation of a gas heating system in place (specific to the Valley).182 projects funded of your old fuel or wood burning appliance for a total value of €197,314 date of (fireplace, stove, condensing boiler). 02/07/2019. Funding ranges from €1,000 to €2,400 The Energy Housing Fund is a grant for 20% of depending on the case. The aim of these the amount of the works, capped at €1,500, to exceptional grants is to reduce particle and support the energy efficiency improvement of pollutant emissions thanks to the use of natural housing. Non means-tested, it is intended for gas. owners, tenants or non-paying occupants of a primary residence in the Valley. Renovation The “Condominium Air Gas Fund” since 2019. works must be carried out by RGE certified Implemented by the Chamonix Valley, this new craftsmen (“recognised as guarantor of the scheme aims to promote energy renovation environment”). projects on condominiums and their conversion to gas heating systems, with a grant of 200 The “Energy Housing Fund +” since 2016 + 200 = €400 per property, paid in equal (specific to the Valley).19 projects funded for shares by the Community of Communes of the a total value of €46,773 date of 02/07/2019. Chamonix Valley and GrDF. An agreement has A scheme intended for primary residents been signed to this effect with GrDF. wishing to undertake works of two or more different types at the same time. It gives access Support for the energy audit of to a grant equalling 20% of the total amount of condominiums since 2019. the works, with a maximum of €3,000. Financial support for the energy audit of condominiums is available - 80% of the cost of The “Better Living” programme, since 2015. the audit - to encourage owners to undertake 39 projects funded for a total value of the necessary works. €59,121 date of 02/07/2019. Created by the National Housing Improvement Agency (ANAH) to help protect against energy insecurity, the “Better Living” programme is aimed at homeowners or landlords with modest or very modest incomes wishing to

8 SUPPORT FOR PROFESSIONALS

The “Air Business Fund”. • thermal insulation in the case of a heating The Air Business Fund (FAE) was set up as part appliance change, of the Arve Valley Atmospheric Protection Plan. • particle filtration by systems suited to It is financed by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes combustion appliances, Region, the Haute-Savoie Department and the • energy change (preference given to Community of Communes of the Chamonix renewable energies), Mont-Blanc Valley. • dust sprinkler system, • non-road machinery: an excavator with an This fund’s objective is to reduce air pollutant energy recovery system for example, emissions on the part of professionals who • particle filter systems, can obtain funding in exchange for virtuous • small electrical construction equipment: investments. It is aimed at wood craftsmen, electric angle grinder, electric compressor, construction companies, gravel pits and electric or hybrid solar mower, quarries, the hotel and catering sector; any • any device that reduces direct or indirect business identified as emitting air pollutants. particle emissions.

Funding concerns: The overall budget amounts to €750,000 over • heating appliance changes, a period of 5 years.

THE ENERGY RENOVATION OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS

The Community of Communes is in the process of renovating its public buildings (over €1 million per year) to reduce energy consumption by 38% by 2020.

The following buildings have already been renovated: the Chamonix media library; the Richard Bozon sports centre (gymnasium windows); the Chamonix ice rink (electrical installation); the Pèlerins and Argentière schools; Les Houches town hall and healthcare centre; the school, town hall and J. Morel room in Servoz. Media library

Sports centre Pèlerins school 9 1 MOBILITY2 ECO-MOBILITY IN THE VALLEY

Electric shuttles, hybrid buses, renovation subsidy is allocated to the urban bus network. of the railway line, cycle tracks, pedestrian Since 2012, over €100 million have been walkways: structured eco-mobility solutions are committed for the modernisation of the local being increasingly developed in the Chamonix railway line. Valley. Over 11 km of cycle tracks are being Since 2005, the year-round implementation of developed between Chamonix and Les free circulation aboard local buses and trains Houches (2016 to 2020). currently allows for the transport of over 3 Electric mobility is promoted and facilitated. million passengers every year in a very busy The construction of a large P + R car park at Le valley. The network must answer the needs of Grépon, just outside Chamonix, is under study the Valley’s local inhabitants, seasonal workers to relieve congestion in the town centre and and tourists. Close to €5 million in an annual the Valley.

Passengers can make the most of the sights VIRTUOUS BUSES aboard these 20-seater, low-floor electric minibuses. Designed in France, these 21st The entire fleet is in full compliance with the century “mules” are equipped with recyclable requirements of the European Atmospheric batteries fixed on the roof which recover Protection Plan (PPA) implemented by the energy during deceleration. The Valley Valley. has chosen non-polluting, energy-efficient options with a good CO2 balance in both High-capacity buses with hybrid engines manufacturing and usage. travel routes linking the four municipalities of the Valley. The choice of hybrid buses is Coming soon: natural gas buses; the results justified by the need for sufficiently powerful (load, engine...) of the natural gas bus tests vehicles given the steep gradient of the route, conducted with three manufacturers during something which only diesel buses used to be peak periods over the course of winter able to provide. Hybrid buses are silent and 2018/2019 are very encouraging. allow for smooth driving, a 30% reduction in The first 4 natural gas buses will join the fuel consumption and significantly lower CO2 Chamonix bus fleet in winter 2019/2020. The emissions (26 tonnes fewer CO2 emissions per conversion of half of the fleet (around fifteen bus per year). buses) is planned as soon as the future public service delegation contract is operational - - the famous “mulets” 100% electric shuttles summer 2022, after consultation. (“mules”) in reference to Chamonix’s history - MOBILITY travel through the centre of Chamonix 1 2 and can be ridden free of charge by both holidaymakers and local inhabitants.

Hybrid buses 100% electric “Mulets” 11 MONT-BLANC EXPRESS: THE CHAMONIX VALLEY TRAIN IS EVOLVING INTO A SHUTTLE TRAIN

The renewal of a century-old line, part of the of tracks and the renovation of the Montets Chamonix Valley’s legacy. tunnel. The second phase was launched thanks Very popular with tourists visiting the Valley in to the intervention of the regional authorities, both summer and winter, as well as with the who exceptionally agreed to pre-finance all locals, this legendary line was built in 1908 and the works planned to consolidate the rail is unique in France. Linked to the Swiss railway link, for a total amount of €23 million: this network, its metric gauge tracks are one of its mainly involved renovating an additional 8 km particularities. of tracks and replacing several engineering The “Mont-Blanc Express” can be travelled structures, including 3 railway bridges. Works free of charge by Valley inhabitants and began in 2019 and will be completed in 2020. holidaymakers. Locals, seasonal workers, second-home owners, schoolchildren and The renovation of the Chamonix Valley guests residing in the Valley all have access to railway network should go hand in hand a personal card which guarantees free travel with an acceleration of the modernisation aboard the buses and trains throughout the project on the Annemasse - Saint-Gervais line, whole of the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley, including the switch to automatic signalling. from Servoz to Vallorcine. Pre-project studies should be finished by the end of 2020/2021 with a view to completing For over fifteen years now, the local authorities the works by the end of the Atmospheric have favoured public transport as an Protection Plan II in 2023. The aim is to make alternative to cars for both tourists and local the train an efficient and attractive means of residents. The “Mont-Blanc Express” is a fine transport, operating at a guaranteed frequency example of a small mountain railway line built of two trains per hour in both directions, for touristic purposes, being converted into a thus becoming a desirable solution for the sustainable means of transport for an entire thousands of commuters based between the valley, thus reducing the impact of air pollution Arve Valley and Geneva area. and greenhouse gas emissions.

The first phase of modernisation works on our railway line took place between 2012 and 2015 and involved the renewal of around 15 km

The Mont-Blanc Express in the Vallorcine train station The Mont-Blanc Express 12 WORK CONTINUES ON THE GREEN LANE CYCLE ROUTE!

A bicycle lane is being created between After the installation of two footbridges for Chamonix and Les Houches to encourage pedestrians and cyclists over the Arve river valley residents and tourists to give up driving (by the Piralotaz and Gaillands bridges), in favour of cycling. An uninterrupted route work continues on the cycle lane along the ensures a smooth and safe traffic flow. Promenade Marie Paradis and Route du Between 2016 and 2020, over 11 km of this Bouchet. In addition, bicycle racks - close to lane are being built between Chamonix and 500 parking spots - are progressively being Les Houches for a total amount of around €6 fitted throughout the Valley. million.

Bicycle lane in Les Bossons ON THE ROAD TOWARDS ELECTRIC MOBILITY

Charging stations for electric vehicles. External sockets for electric cars. Four double electric charging stations have There are two sockets in the closed car park been installed in the heart of Chamonix, in by the tennis courts. Charging is free on the partnership with SYANE (Energy and digital reserved spaces. development syndicate for Haute-Savoie). The charging points are located behind the Electric vehicles in the communal fleet. town hall and in the Allobroges, Corzolet and Thanks to its partnership with BMW, the Courmayeur car parks. intermunicipal fleet has acquired 10 electric vehicles at zero cost. The community has also Special rates for electric vehicles + free acquired three other 100% electric vehicles charging in allocated spaces. and replaced two old trucks with newer ones Electric vehicle owners benefit from special which meet the Euro 6 standard (the most rates in our covered car parks: 50% off the advanced standard in terms of environmental normal subscription / “car” parking rate. protection). All of these vehicles are used by Charging is free in the allocated spaces. councillors and municipal services as part of Several connections have been set up in three their missions. car parks: St-Michel, 3 sockets; Mont-Blanc, 2 sockets; Entrèves, 2 sockets.

13 3 2 ENERGY A FOCUS ON RENEWABLE ENERGIES: GEOTHERMAL ENERGY, SOLAR COLLECTORS...

Choosing renewable energies for energy Valley have been mapped. production in our public or private buildings. PlanETer (Territorial Energy Planning for the Thanks to our PlanETer energy planning tool, Espace Mont-Blanc) is a new online tool which the energy potential of each public building is allows the inhabitants and professionals of the systematically studied, both when considering Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley (as well as several the building of new infrastructures and for municipalities in the Swiss Valais, including rehabilitation projects. PlanETer can also be Martigny) to choose the renewable energy used by private individuals to help them make form best suited to the situation and exposure the best possible energy choices. of their house or building. 10,000 buildings in the Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Geothermal energy for the “Les Petites Photovoltaic panels above the tennis courts. Cordées” crèche and housing for the elderly. 600 m2 of photovoltaic panels have been For the “Les Petites Cordées” crèche in installed above the covered tennis courts to Chamonix, geothermal energy was favoured. produce electricity that will be fed back into A 100kw heat pump produces the necessary the power grid. energy for heating and domestic hot water for the entire structure, which also includes Saving energy. housing. The swimming pool’s technical equipment has been renewed. The aim is to ensure a Thermal solar collectors at the EHPAD significant reduction of energy needs (to heat (residential facility for dependent elderly the water) by promoting heat energy recovery, people). as well as a reduction of water needs (by At the EHPAD in Chamonix, thermal solar optimizing its renewal). collectors ensure the production of domestic hot water whilst a gas boiler supplies the heating. This same boiler also provides heating 3 for the nearby Music School. 2 ENERGY

“Les Petites Cordées” crèche EHPAD Hélène Couttet nursing home 15 MAKING THE MOST OF THE VALLEY’S HYDROELECTRIC POTENTIAL!

Electricity: 100% renewable energy to which entailed the distribution of 1000 sets respond to the community’s needs. of 2 LED lightbulbs to the inhabitants of the The Chamonix Town Hall and the Community four municipalities of the Valley. Low-income of Communes of the Chamonix Valley are households were favoured. The use of LED members of the SYANE, the Haute-Savoie lamps allows for 80% energy savings compared energy union. The SYANE manages a joint to the use of traditional incandescent bulbs. buying organisation for the energy supply of its These bulbs have a service life of at least members. ENALP, the selected energy supplier, 15,000 hours. brings together the electricity boards of Les Houches, Sallanches and Bonneville, as well Construction of hydroelectric power plants. as the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR). No less than 3 hydroelectric installations are to It guarantees communities 100% renewable see the light of day in the Valley by 2020/2021: energy (essentially from hydropower and, to • On the Taconnaz torrent, production of a lesser extent, wind power). Green energy 12.5 GWh/year: annual electricity consumption thus provides the power for all of our public (excluding heating) of over 4,000 households. requirements: the lighting of public buildings, • On the Favrands torrent, production of the operation of the Sports Centre’s pumps 3.2 GWh/year: annual electricity consumption and cooling units, the running of our computer (excluding heating) of around 1,000 servers, artificial snow production, the powering households. of the Bossons chairlift, central kitchens’ • On the Bourgeat torrent, production of appliances, charging stations for electric 3 GWh/year: annual electricity consumption vehicles... (excluding heating) of around 1,000 households. Securing the electricity networks: placing underground sections of the 63,000V high These projects are a clear illustration of voltage power lines between Chamonix and the community’s strong commitment to Les Houches. energy transition and self-sufficiency. These By burying its 63,000V power lines, the Valley’s installations will complement the existing main objective is to secure the network hydroelectric power plants in the area, notably in order to ensure a continued supply in in Les Bois (subglacial water abstraction), and electricity in the face of climatic hazards. in Émosson on the Swiss border. In the long The winter of 2017/2018 demonstrated that term, these 3 installations will cover almost the avalanche risk could pose a threat to the all of the Valley’s household electricity needs, power lines. This vast project extends over excluding heating. 9 km between Chamonix and Les Houches and totals a cost of nearly €10 million. The commissioning of underground sections should take place by the end of 2019 and overhead structures are to be removed in 2020.

Free distribution of 2000 LED lamps to the local population. Holder of the TEPCV (positive energy territory for the promotion of green growth) label, the Community of Communes, in association with EDF and the Ministry of Ecology, led a campaign at the end of 2017, Future hydroelectric power plant in Taconnaz 16 NATURAL GAS, BIOGAS.... AND HYDROGEN

Heating our public buildings using gas. treatment plant, which is currently burned, oils 148 out of the 150 public buildings owned by from public and private establishments and, the municipality and Community of Communes ultimately, organic household waste, the law (town hall, sports centre, central kitchens, requiring the separate treatment of bio-waste etc.) are heated by gas boilers. Gas boilers are from 2025 onwards. The plant would produce much more efficient than oil boilers in terms of biogas which would be fed back into the grid heat production and, most importantly, far less after filtering and purification. polluting, as gas emits virtually no particles. The creation of a multi-fuel green station in Natural gas rather than fuel oil. the Chamonix valley. An agreement has been signed between The creation of a multi-fuel green station Chamonix and GrDF to ensure a better is under study in collaboration with the connection to the gas network for private Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region. It would offer: individuals. GrDF and the Community of • NGV / biomethane (in connection with the Communes of the Chamonix Valley offer methanisation plant project developed by the financial incentives to support the installation Community of Communes). of gas heating systems in place of old fuel or • Fast electric charging points. wood burning appliances (fireplace, stove, • Hydrogen (for electric vehicles equipped with condensing boiler). hydrogen fuel cells). Funding ranges from €1,000 to €2,400 depending on the cases. The scheme has been Local professionals have been contacted to extended to condominiums in 2019 (from help provide an idea of the number of future €200 to €400 grants per lot). The aim of these users and assess the potential for renewal of exceptional grants is to reduce particle and part of their vehicle fleets. Several partners pollutant emissions thanks to the use of natural have expressed interest in participating in the gas. Natural gas is the fuel which emits the project. least greenhouse gases. It also presents the significant advantage of emitting virtually no Encouraging the creation of village power particles, a recognized asset in the fight for air stations. quality. Promoting self-sufficiency thanks to citizens’ projects, particularly in the fields of A methanisation plant to turn waste into photovoltaics and geothermal energy. energy. The building of a methanisation plant near the Trabets wastewater treatment plant in Les Houches is currently under study. It would process the sludge from the sewage

Gas fireplace 17 3 BIODIVERSITY4 PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

Whether subject to regulations or not, natural 90% of the area’s land surface is under some areas are part of our heritage and must level of protection, including 3 nature reserves be protected at all costs, especially in the in the Aiguilles Rouges Massif and 2 listed sites mountains. Long aware of the exceptional in the Mont-Blanc Massif area. Several other yet fragile nature of their surroundings, sites are protected or part of the Natura 2000 the municipalities of the Chamonix Valley European network of natural areas designated have taken numerous actions in favour of for the rarity or fragility of animal or plant the environment over time. Today however, species and habitats that they host. Sensitive alongside its partners, the Community of natural areas - recognized for their remarkable Communes goes further, seeking to reconcile biodiversity - have also been identified. Finally, environmental protection, human activity and two other natural environments are concerned: public awareness through a series of actions mountain pastures and forests, which represent for the management and promotion of its a third of the territory and whose lesser known natural areas. but crucial role is to protect the Valley against natural hazards.

The preservation of our exceptional natural • “Nature guides” work with the schoolchildren resources is a priority for the local authorities in the valley and offer workshops during the who have been working to reconcile holidays (“field games”, “tiny animals”... at the environmental protection, human activity House of the Lieutenant in Servoz). and awareness raising for many years. Finally, communal services also play their Our territory is working to develop scientific part in preserving the biodiversity: no plant knowledge, and grasp the impact of climate protection products used for roadside change, in order to adapt our policies and maintenance, flowered roundabouts, manual behaviour. trail maintenance, reflection on public • Loriaz, Le Péclerey and Le Plan de l’Aiguille lighting... for example, are research sites for the CREA (Research Centre on High Altitude Chamonix has applied to UNESCO for the Ecosystems), an organization which closely classification of the Mont-Blanc Massif as a monitors the evolution of the vegetation. World Heritage site. • The communal forest of Les Houches hosts In January 2017, the members of the a permanent forest observatory: The National Chamonix municipal council unanimously Forestry Office has put in place some 280 decided to launch the Mont-Blanc Massif monitoring plots on wood production and nomination process for UNESCO World 3 forest biodiversity. Heritage. This enterprise has a clear purpose: BIODIVERSITY4 to protect and preserve both natural heritage The community seeks to raise awareness and local inhabitants! In pursuing the process, among the public, because better knowledge the Mont-Blanc Cross-border conference and understanding of the exceptional (France, Italy, Switzerland) chose to insist environment that surrounds us allows for better on the “Cultural landmark” quality of the protection. Mont-Blanc Massif so that the nomination • Every summer, the chalet du Col des Montets could be based on the special relationship welcomes close to 50,000 visitors for its established between man, the mountains exhibitions and activities dedicated to the and the high mountains over the centuries. fauna and flora of our mountains. Experts have been commissioned to work on • Throughout the valley, educational trails, such the definition of the Exceptional Universal as the one in Les Chavants, and observation Value (E.U.V.), necessary for the submission of sites, offer the possibility to learn a lot about the nomination dossier to the Tentative Lists our natural heritage in a recreational manner. of the three countries concerned. 19 4 ASTE5 WASTE - ECO-CONSUMPTION

Discard less and throw away more household waste) by 50% and recycle 65% of intelligently! all waste by 2025. In view of the fact that waste treatment Three key measures to achieve these objectives: generates greenhouse gas and pollutant • Widespread use of compost, emissions, energy consumption and road • Collection of bio-waste from collective and transport, the local authorities’ objective is to professional structures, reduce overall waste generation in the Valley. • Incentive-based rates (under study).

The Community of Communes of the The specificity of the area as a tourist Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley has launched a destination implies participation from waste reduction and recycling plan which everyone: professionals, local inhabitants, short aims to reduce incinerable waste (including and long-term visitors!

The Community of Communes of the private individuals, but also to an organic Chamonix Valley and several of its partners farmer in Vallorcine, to landscape gardeners, (SITOM, CITEO, local associations…) provide construction workers, the Compagnie du everyone the means to generate less waste: Mont-Blanc to re-vegetate certain areas... • 23 collective compost bins throughout the • 171 voluntary disposal points, and 600 waste Valley (in areas like Les Pèlerins or Les Bossons, containers can be found throughout the Valley. at the foot of apartment buildings...). The installation of semi-buried containers is • Individual compost bins and bio-buckets sold ongoing. to private individuals for only €15. • 2 waste collection sites open 6 days a week • A donation and free collection point at the in Chamonix (Le Closy) and in Les Houches Bocher waste disposal centre. (Bocher). For the disposal of wood and • 7 textile containers. pallets, metal, cardboard boxes, bulky items, • Several local associations to help with the incinerable waste, tires, green waste, electrical collection, redistribution and recycling of and electronic waste, textiles, oils, batteries... goods. The Bocher waste collection centre is • “Gourmet bags” in partner restaurants to accessible to professionals for the disposal of reduce food waste. bulky items, metal, wood, green waste, subject • The CITEO “Sorting Guide” app which to volume restrictions, prior registration and a indicates the geolocation of the area’s different tipping fee per tonne. waste collection points and tells you everything The green waste produced in Bocher is you need to know for the proper sorting of 4 ASTE5 turned into compost. It is compliant with your rubbish. agronomic standards and is given away to

“Moloks” in the centre of Chamonix “Sorting Guide” application 21 5 BUDGET6 THE COST OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Every year in the Chamonix Valley, over 35 rail network and urban bus network, as well as million euros go towards reducing the impact the necessary infrastructure works. of air pollution and global warming and protecting the environment. Public transport plays a key role in the system implemented by the local authorities over the This graphic provides a clear overview of the past few years and is to be further developed sums mobilised by the Valley and its partners in order to offer both residents and tourists a to operate its own energy transition on a genuine and complete alternative to using the local scale. The different budgets involved, car. By increasing the frequency of trains, the operating and investment, add up to the number of passengers has already doubled considerable amount of 110 million euros between 2010 and 2014. It has risen further committed over the years 2017-2019; we see since the summer of 2017 thanks to trains that the main cost is that of public transport, running every half-hour during peak times. which includes both the operation of the local

The Valley’s three-year commitment in favour of an energy transition 2017-2019: €109 million

Private housing energy renovation Burial of the grants Soft mobility (cycle tracks, 63,000V power line €1,857,000 communal vehicles, PDIA...) €11,000,000 2% €4,050,000 10% Forest - Biodiversity 4% €3,000,000 Renovation of 3% public buildings €5,007,000 4% 5 BUDGET6

Renewable energy production (geothermal energy, hydroelectricity, methanisation) €11,100,000 10% Public transport (buses and trains) €73,000,000 67%

23 6 EFFECTS7 OF EXECUTED MEASURES FIRST EFFECTS ON AIR QUALITY

Data shows that in terms of PM10 pollution, Chamonix now finds itself below the WHO standards threshold. This encouraging result must be considered in the light of the intense efforts pursued in favour of an energy transition.

PM10: Evolution of annual averages

Limit value s 3

Quality objective

Passy WHO recommendation Sallanches Les Bossons Chamonix PM10 in μg/m

PM10: Evolution of the number of days exceeding 50μg/m3

Limit value

Passy PM10 number of days Sallanches WHO recommendation Les Bossons 6 EFFECTS7 OF Chamonix EXECUTED MEASURES

PPA1 MEASURES PPA2 OBJECTIVES Significant results Efforts to be continued source ATMO AURA 25 The Chamonix Valley is committed to the implementation of 30 officials, services and partners are particularly involved. Practical concrete actions for the Ecological and Energy Transition. These achievements, large-scale investments, support and advice, financial concern multiple sectors: mobility, housing and construction, energy, grants...”. These actions are listed in a chart which will be regularly waste, circular economy... For Bernard Ollier, municipal councillor in updated in line with the progress of the many projects in which the charge of the environment, “these are 30 actions in which the elected community is involved.

june 2019

30 actions for the environment & the Valley VALLÉE DE CHAMONIX CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC THE POSITIVE ENERGY VALLEY MONT-BLANC

for information ACTIONS CONTENTS & OBJECTIVES TIMELINE FINANCING purposes MOBILITY 1 Free public transport Free circulation aboard the trains and buses to reduce car traffic Since 1997 for buses/ 2005 for trains CC & CMB: €6 M/year 2 Development of rail travel Modernisation works: gradual extension of the service to a Summer extension since 2017 With the Region, study in progress re- half-hourly frequency year-round Extension pursual 2020/2021 garding the future management method 3 Development and conversion of the bus fleet 50% (15 buses) converted to NGV 4 buses from winter 2020 Amendment or future DSP contract 4 Cycling and soft/active mobility plan in Gradual extension of cycle lanes to the entire valley 2016/2019 Chamonix down-valley 6km+ Municipalities + partners: €6 M the Valley 2km up-valley /2020 Les Praz+Rte lacs 4km 2016/2019 + €2 M in 2020 5 Continued pedestrianisation 2.5km of pedestrian lanes: handing the town centre back to pedestrians 2020 Rue du Lyret pedestrianisation Rue du Lyret: €0.6 M 6 Clean vehicle plan Conversion of the communal fleet (BMW partnership) Since 2016 CC + municipalities Installation of charging stations for electric vehicles 2016/2017: 20 public charging points CC + SYANE Financial support for acquisition of clean vehicles by businesses&communities Autumn 2019 addition to regional support CC: €1,000+Region: €3,000 to €8,000 7 All-road flow regulation ZFE project (Low Emission Zones) Feasibility study 2019/2020 ADEME + 5 CC Large-capacity Park and Ride lots in Le Grépon & Servoz 2021/2022 Grépon project: €15 M 8 Green fuel service station Reducing the ecological impact of transport 2019 study, 2020 construction CC or private financing? HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION 9 Replacement of polluting heating Pursual of the Air Wood Fund before the prohibition of 2013/2019: 400 grants allocated ADEME, Region, Department + CC appliances open fireplaces 2019/2022: + 300 grants €11 M funding in the Arve area 10 Diverse funding schemes for the FEH, FEH+, FAG and FAG COPROS, AUDIT COPROS ET 200 grants FEH, FEH+ 2015/2019 CC + GRDF (FAG) or Region energy renovation of private housing BONUS RÉGIONAL, Better Living Programme 39 «Better Living» grants (FEH bonus) or Department (means-tested) + ANAH 11 Support for renovation projects Local platform: information and advice, home diagnosis Since 2016 CC + Region/ADEME + and dedicated website Department €60 000/year 12 Air Business Fund (FAE) Insulation, heating, filters for professional premises, construction Since spring 2019 CC + Region + Department equipment... Eligible professionals: artisans, hotel owners... €750 000 over 5 years 13 Renovation plan for public buildings Energy efficiency/resorting to renewable energy/gas conversion Works programme since 2005 CC & municipalities: €1 M/year

ENERGY 14 Developing hydroelectricity Construction of three power stations: Taconnaz (12 GWh/ Taconnaz delivered by the end of 2019 Taconnaz: € 8.5 M year), Favrands (3.2 GWh/year) & Bourgeat (3 GWh/year) Favrands & Bourgeat 2021 Favrands: €2 M & Bourgeat: €3 M 15 Developing renewable energies PlanETer energy land registry service Since 2015 Cross-border Project 16 Village power stations Promoting energy self-sufficiency thanks to citizens’ Starting: autumn 2019 Citizens with public contributions to projects: photovoltaics, geothermal energy... be defined on a case-by-case basis 17 Construction of a methanisation plant Production of bio-gas in Les Trabets using bio-waste and sludge Delivery 2021 CC + Region + Department: from the STEP. Phase 1: 60 Nm3/h; Phase 2: 80 Nm3/h €3 M 18 Development of the wood sector Creation of a drying/storage facility in the Valley 2021 CC + Region + ADEME 19 Securing electricity networks Burial of the 63 kV high-voltage power line (9 km) 2018/2019 €8 M: RTE + CC + Department

WASTE / CIRCULAR ECONOMY 20 Reducing waste production Reduction of incinerable waste by 50% 2025 CC - financed by the collection Recycling of 65% 2025 tax on household waste 21 Collecting bio-waste Identification of waste sources, implementation of Feasibility study: 2019 Future structuring of the sector collection solutions, study on incentive pricing 22 Widespread use of individual&collective compost 23 existing collective compost bins 2016/2019 CC + SITOM 23 Developing the redistribution&recycling of goods Improving the rate of re-use and developing recycling facilities Opening donation&free collection point: 2018 CC + Local associations

TOURISM 24 Developing ecotourism Raising awareness, involvement, development of offers 2020 CC + Tourist Office: Espace promoting the cultural and natural heritage Valléen programme Creation of accommodation / transport packages... 25 Implementation of a voluntary carbon Integrating the ADEME carbon calculator and defining Autumn 2019 Tourist Office + CC offset system compensatory actions in the area

BIODIVERSITY 26 Protection of ecological corridors Identification, delimitation and protection, AlpBioNet project 2019/2020 Espace Alpin + ADEME + CC: €340 K 27 Protection of wildlife species and fight Protecting wildlife during the winter period 2020/2023 C.T.E.N.S with the Department against invasive species Enforced action to combat Japanese knotweed Lab programme with ADEME 28 Maintaining the conditions for Providing for land reserves in the Local Urbanization Plans 2020 Municipalities’ Local Urbanisation Plans sustainable agriculture in the Valley Development of short supply circuits and eco-pastures ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE 29 High Mountain Climate Plan Concrete adaptation measures (ski lifts, access routes to Multi-annual plan, from 2019 € 32 M with partners the huts, works on the huts...) Valley perimeter 30 AdaPT Mont-Blanc Cross-border actions including the Observatory of Mont-Blanc 2017/2020 Espace Mont-Blanc: €1.3 M june 2019

30 actions for the environment & the Valley VALLÉE DE CHAMONIX CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC THE POSITIVE ENERGY VALLEY MONT-BLANC

38 Place de l’Église - Hôtel de Ville - B.P. 91 74400 CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC

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Contacts François-Régis BOUQUIN 04 50 53 75 13 / [email protected]

Jean-Marc MILHOMME 06 78 99 81 09 / [email protected]