Environment - Seine-Nord Europe Canal

The Seine-Nord Europe Canal is an ecological project by nature: its ambition is to reconcile economy and ecology, by putting river transport at the heart of the exchange of goods in France and Europe. Its environmental approach is reflected at each stage.

A rigorous design

The Canal was designed in an extremely rigorous framework which ensures respect for the environment, in particular with theapplication of the “Avoid-Reduce-Compensate” approach. With the help of many experts, studies, consultations and regulatory procedures have ensured the integration of all environmental issues in the project: preservation of water resources, fauna and flora, integration of the Canal into its landscape environment, etc.

Beyond the regulatory dimension, the environment is an essential component of the Seine-Nord Europe Canal, which is intended to be a “Living Channel”, place of reception and life of multiple species, at the service of the biodiversity of the territory.

A demanding achievement

The Channel attaches to minimize the impact of the work on the environment. The specifications of the companies mobilized on the site fully integrate this dimension. They are based on virtuous practices such as the encouraged use of the river and rail for the supply of construction materials or the reuse and recovery of excess land on the site or in local sectors or projects.

Operation under control

The Canal will be operated with the constant concern for the preservation of water, in particular thanks to innovative technical solutions : control of watertightness performance, recycling of water at the level of the locks, etc. Monitoring indicators will be put in place to check the effectiveness of the measures taken and adjust the means if necessary.

Independent body created in 2018, the Environment Observatory advises the Seine-Nord Europe Canal Company on the design of the Canal and monitors its effects on the environment, during the works and up to 10 years after its construction.

An HQE certified project

Conducted voluntarily by the SCSNE, the High Environmental Quality (HQE Infrastructures) certification process, issued by the independent organization Certivéa, anchors and guides the Canal's sustainable development and eco-design commitments. This certification commits the contracting authority and all the prime contractors and companies working on the site within a rigorous common framework.

This certification certifies at the end of each phase (Program / Design / Implementation) that the project has been carried out in an exemplary manner to meet the four major challenges of sustainable development: quality of life, respect for the environment, economic performance and responsible management.

The certification framework is made up of four sustainable development commitments and 17 objectives, including water management, listening to the needs and expectations of stakeholders, resilience and risk management, etc.

The SCSNE established a diagnosis, identified the challenges of the project and declined more than 200 measurable actions. Audits are carried out at each stage of progress, and the objectives are integrated into the SCSNE's public contracts.

The HQE certificate is a recognition of environmental performance of the SCSNE and highlights efforts to implement environmentally friendly practices throughout the implementation of its project to develop the Canal Seine-Nord Europe.

Certification for the program and design phases of sector 1 has already been obtained. It is in progress for the other sectors of the Canal.