2 0 1 4 S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T R E P O R T / 3 9

for its catalogs and brochures, as well as by using paperless process- ing for orders, deliveries, invoices, etc. In 2014, Rexel continued to work with approved office equip- ment, printing and paper suppli- ers in order to reduce the amount of paper consumed. In addition, the Group is streamlining its printer fleet and universalizing the applica- tion of default settings to optimize office paper use. For the last sever- al years, a partnership with a print- ing solutions service provider in ef- fect throughout 80% of Rexel has proven the Group's ability to man- age consumption and implement reduction strategies. Nevertheless, a strong commer- cial activity and a change in prod- uct lines, including the Group's own brands, have led to publishing new catalogs distributed to custom- ers worldwide. Paper consump- tion therefore grew by 6% between 2013 and 2014.

WASTE SORTING AND RECOVERY Waste sorting has been adopted by all of the Group s logistics cen- ters, enabling the recycling of card- board, certain types of plastic wrap and wood. The branches are also encouraged to implement sort- ing systems, even though they are sometimes dependent on local waste removal systems. To over- come this obstacle, Rexel s sub- sidiaries often negotiate contracts with private waste collection and recycling services. Overall, the waste recovery rate has grown, in- creasing from 61% in 2013 to more

than 63% in 2014. The implementation of the EU di- rective on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) has led Rexel s subsidiaries to set up a system in all branches for collecting WEEE from their customers for the purpose of recycling. In countries that have no such regulation, Rexel offers this additional service to its customers on major construc- tion projects, for example. In all, 17 countries have adopted a WEEE management and recovery system. In 2014, more than 1,388 tons of WEEE were processed for recycling, including around 1,045 tons of fluo- rescent light bulbs and tubes.

SUBSIDIARIES have set up systematic recycling

30

Water consumption Water consumed by the Group is primarily the water used inside commercial and administrative

buildings. It is entirely sourced from drinking water

networks. In 2014, Group-wide water consumption

amounted to 464,776 m3.

>>