Pro-environmental actions undertaken in France during operation of motorways

Bugajska, Agnieszka; Kulig, Andrzej · 2014 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.35784/bud-arch.1930

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Summary

This paper reviews pro-environmental actions undertaken during the operation phase of motorways in France, aiming to demonstrate best practices for integrating infrastructure with surrounding environments. The authors argue that while environmental impact assessments (EIA) are crucial during planning and construction, the operational phase often generates significant environmental impacts that require active management. France is highlighted as a model due to its extensive road network and long-standing legal requirements for post-project environmental controls. The study focuses on mandatory ex-post controls, voluntary initiatives by the French Association of Toll Motorway Companies (ASFA), and specific case studies from the SANEF group. The methodology involves a comparative analysis of French regulatory frameworks against Polish practices, alongside a detailed review of operational data and project reports from French motorway operators. The authors examine the structure of France’s mandatory ex-post environmental balances, which include monitoring, intermediate reports within one year of operation, and final reports 3–5 years later, all reviewed by the General Council for Environment and Sustainable Development (CGEDD). Additionally, the paper analyzes the “Green Motorway Package,” a voluntary investment program by five major motorway companies, and specific operational strategies employed by SANEF, such as pavement maintenance, green belt management, and pollution control measures. Key findings indicate that France’s ex-post control system is more comprehensive than Poland’s, featuring mandatory multi-aspect evaluations (social, economic, environmental) and public disclosure. The “Green Motorway Package” resulted in over 1,168 million euros invested in 2,025 projects between 2010 and 2013, covering water protection, noise reduction, biodiversity, and CO2 emission limits. Specific operational improvements include the high-rate recycling of asphalt and concrete debris (up to 58% in some mixes), which reduced material costs by 3–15% and lowered CO2 emissions. SANEF also reduced herbicide use by 60–75% through differentiated mowing strategies that support biodiversity. Furthermore, the implementation of automatic toll gates and “quick reaction” pollution kits for accident response demonstrates a shift toward proactive environmental management. The significance of this research lies in its demonstration that environmental protection in road infrastructure extends beyond construction into long-term operation. The French model illustrates how combining mandatory regulatory oversight with voluntary industry initiatives and technological innovation can enhance sustainability. The paper concludes that these practices not only mitigate negative environmental impacts but also offer economic benefits, such as cost savings and improved operational efficiency. For countries like Poland, the study suggests that adopting similar ex-post monitoring frameworks and integrating social-economic aspects into environmental assessments could improve the overall effectiveness of sustainable development in transport infrastructure.

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