Environment

The latest publications in this offer are:

• September 10, 2026

  G2010

  Funding for Projects in the Circular Economy

  This article proposes possible answers to the question of financing the circular economy, drawing on practical examples and testimonials from a qualitative study. After reviewing the main sources of financing available, it highlights those that circular economy entrepreneurs use most often. The analysis also focuses on the specific barriers and obstacles that hinder access to financing in this still-emerging sector.

• September 10, 2026

  BE7005

  Energetic Transition. Challenges and Outlooks

  The primary energy supply is still mainly provided by fossil fuels. In addition to the risks of depleting these resources which are only available in finite quantities, the world is facing the major challenge of global warming, due to greenhouse gas emissions, the main one being carbon dioxide emitted by combustion. It is therefore necessary to ensure an energy transition to low-carbon energies as soon as possible, which requires a complete transformation of the energy system. The article presents the main technologies to be deployed.

• August 10, 2026

  G1452

  Economic aspects of sewage sludge management

  This article addresses the economic aspects of managing sludge from wastewater treatment. It analyses the various internal costs - investment, operation, finance and administration - and external costs - environmental and health -, as well as opportunity costs. It details the economic tools that can inform decision-making between different options, emphasises the importance of internalising externalities through taxes and standards, and considers the impact on water prices. It emphasises the need for a comprehensive approach that considers sustainability, public health protection, and social solidarity.

• August 10, 2026

  G1172

  Water treatment before use - Systems and applications

  This article aims to describe all the unit processes in water treatment systems. These treatments can range from simple roughing for wash water to advanced treatment for obtaining ultrapure water in the pharmaceutical industry, including clarification or refining treatments for drinking water. Applications in several industries, including paper mills, aerospace, food processing, and steelmaking, illustrate the diversity of these processes.

• July 10, 2026

  G1080

  Ecological renaturation of poor soils and valorization of embankments - Objectives and implementation

  Soil restoration and de-artificialization are generating considerable interest among many stakeholders as a way to address biodiversity and climate challenges. However, an approach focused solely on soil productivity restauration risks neglecting the biodiversity already established on these brownfield sites and degraded areas. This article presents a frugal approach to soil restoration that relies on existing and potential species—adapted to atypical environments—spontaneous dynamics, soil maintenance, and adaptation to local constraints. Examples from the Nord and Pas-de-Calais territory demonstrate the value of utilizing spoil heaps, quarries, and sand pits rather than resorting to "all-out afforestation".

• June 10, 2026

  FIC1107

  ICPE: identifying internal and external players

  The parties that may be involved in the operation of a facility classified for environmental protection (ICPE) may be internal or external to your facility. The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide you with an overview of these stakeholders and their level of involvement.

• June 10, 2026

  FIC0511

  Understanding the links between monitoring commissions, SPPPIs and CODERSTs

  The public’s right to be informed and to participate in environmental decision-making is reflected, in the context of ICPEs, by the establishment of commissions and a secretariat, whose representatives may largely overlap (federal agencies, local governments, associations, etc.). While the work of the Departmental Councils for the Environment and Health and Technological Risks (CODERST) remains independent of that of the Site Monitoring Commissions (CSS) and the Commissions for the Prevention of Pollution and Industrial Risks (SPPPI or S3PI), the activities of the latter two may, on the contrary, be closely linked. It is important to: distinguish between them by identifying their missions and powers; understand the relationship between the CSS and the SPPPI or S3PI.

• June 10, 2026

  FIC0507

  CODERST: operation and role

  CODERST is a departmental administrative body whose mission is to assist the departmental prefect (the police prefect in Paris) on matters related to public policy in the areas of environmental protection, sustainable management of natural resources, and the prevention of health and technological risks. As such, it is responsible for issuing an opinion on draft prefectural decrees concerning ICPEs, for example during the procedure for opening classified facilities for environmental protection (ICPE) subject to registration (E), authorization (A), or authorization with conditions (AS). It is therefore important to understand how it operates and what its role is.

• June 10, 2026

  FIC0066

  Define key terms: ICPE and operator, activity and facility

  To understand the classification system for facilities, activities, structures, or projects subject to regulations governing classified facilities for environmental protection (ICPE), you need to be familiar with the underlying concepts. The purpose of this fact sheet is therefore to define the key terms related to this specific area of environmental law and, for each term, to provide examples that will help you better understand these concepts and place them within their regulatory context.

• May 26, 2026

  C3057 Reviewed

  Sustainable development in construction - Use functions

  The purpose of this report is to provide an initial overview of constructive approaches to the challenges posed by incorporating sustainable development into the built environment. How can we ensure a contribution to sustainable development?If the concept of sustainable development is taken in its most immediate sense, then it must be acknowledged that any action undertaken from this perspective must first and foremost be resource-efficient. The prudent use of available resources is, in fact, a guarantee of “responsibility” toward future decision-making capacity.

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