The Fleurier Ebauches SA building thus becomes the largest building to be renovated according to the construction standards of Minergie in Canton Neuchâtel (5,100 sq.m). With this long-term investment, Chopard is not only laying an important milestone in the path towards vertical integration of its production, but also consolidating its commitment to sustainable development.
Fleurier Ebauches SA
This is not the first time that a building operated by the Geneva-based manufacturer has received Minergie certification. In 2010, the Chopard Group inaugurated a building in Meyrin that was entirely built according to the Label criteria. Meanwhile, the Fleurier Ebauches premises situated right next to Chopard Manufacture required extensive renovations. The ground floor was completely taken up and insulated throughout the interior over a 120cm width. The plinths of the facades and roofs were insulated, while a second skin was added to the façade of the wing to ensure ventilation in summer and heat recovery in winter.
All the electric installations were selected according to Minergie standards and the roof is covered in solar panels. A total of 25,000 cubic metres of SIA volume (the calculation used per construction cubic metre according to the SIA 116 standard definitions) were used to achieve this project. The building’s automation system ensures a stable temperature throughout the year without requiring heating oil. Four heat pumps take care of both heating and air-conditioning as well as cooling down the machines thanks the groundwater table.
This state-of-the-art industrial facility produces the movements that equip Chopard watches and should produce 15,000 movements annually from 2015. Currently, the company employs around 40 people who take part in the production of six different movements with two basic calibres. Four manufacturing stages take place on site: machining, decoration, mounting and assembling. Thanks to state-of-the-art movements and the optimisation of logistics that enables continuous-flow production, Fleurier Ebauches SA produced 5,000 units in 2012 and 7000 in 2013.
Part of the Fleurier Ebauches SA building is home to a training centre for eight watchmaker-repairer apprentices at Chopard Manufacture, as well as for brand employees across the world who come to take part in watch courses. A true watchmaking workshop, this centre also houses an after-sales service for Chopard’s own movements. The lower floor contains the company restaurant open to all employees from both the Fleurier sites.
Commitment to sustainable luxury
For the past few years, Chopard has adopted a policy of sustainable business development that involves recognising the planet’s limited resources. Consequently, in addition to the Minergie-certified buildings, the brand keeps an eye on the ecological impact of its packaging. All bags and wrappings are made of certified FSC paper and the boxes comply with environmental norms such as the FSC, Oeko-Tex certification and Recycled PEFC. In addition, Chopard has established a recycling system for material and equipment as well as straps, enabling clients to hand in their used rubber strap so that they can be recycled according to sound environmental standards.
Within the framework of this commitment to responsible behaviour in business since 2010, Chopard is a member of the RJC, an organisation with the aim of setting and enforcing environmental, social and ethical standards in the world of jewellery. The RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council) has just renewed Chopard’s certificate of conformity to its charter and its requirements for the next three years.
This year, the company has also launched an ambitious project – “The Journey towards Sustainable Luxury” – in conjunction with Livia Firth, creative director of Eco Age and founder of the Green Carpet Challenge .
In this context, the company has already produced three items for the Haute Joaillerie “Green Carpet Collection”, driven by a concern to ensure respectful sourcing and traceability of raw materials. The gold used is Fairmined and diamonds come from mines that comply with RJC regulations.
Consequently, Chopard has signed a partnership agreement with the Alliance for Responsible Mining non-governmental organisation in order to support certain mining communities in Latin America and to enable them to obtain Fairmined certification. Chopard is thus contributing to the development of these communities.
