Thursday 17 June 2010

EDF to build training campuses

EDF to build training campuses

EDF Energy is to build two state-of-the-art campuses to develop the skills of all its employees.

The training pledge is part of the company's newly-launched sustainability commitments, which EDF claims includes the energy industry's strongest commitment yet to reduce the carbon intensity of electricity generation.

EDF chief executive in the UK Vincent de Rivaz said: "We are setting out plans to develop two new campuses. One will be in the South West and will promote nuclear professionalism and create opportunities for existing and future engineers. We will also create a flagship campus in the South East to bring together EDF Energy employees and the communities where we work."

The sustainability commitments are also intended to tackle head-on concerns over nuclear energy, of which EDF is a firm advocate.

The commitment policy states that EDF will work to demonstrate real progress towards implementing a long-term UK radioactive waste solution; be open and transparent in its nuclear businesses and demonstrate it "can be trusted to act to the highest professional standards in relation to nuclear security issues"; and support the development in the UK of the skills necessary to sustain nuclear businesses by working with schools, universities and other bodies.

Mr de Rivaz added: "On nuclear, we recognise we have a particular responsibility as the country's largest generator of low carbon electricity through our nuclear fleet. We are making commitments to address the issues people have.

The commitments have been independently reviewed by Two Tomorrows, a leading sustainability consultancy. They have also been endorsed Will Hutton, chairman of EDF Energy's Stakeholder Advisory Panel and Tim Smit of the Eden Project.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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