Editor’s Note
This article highlights a significant achievement in sustainable renovation. The transformation of the Fleurier Ebauches SA building into the largest Minergie-certified renovated structure in its canton represents a major commitment from Chopard to environmental standards and vertical integration.
After 5 years of renovation and a total investment of 25 million CHF, the Fleurier Ebauches SA building, purchased by the Chopard group in 2007, has received the Minergie Label certificate.
The Fleurier Ebauches SA building thus becomes the largest renovated building under the Minergie construction standards in the canton of Neuchâtel (5,100 m2). With this long-term investment, Chopard not only sets an important milestone for the vertical integration of its production but also adds another stone to the edifice of its commitment to sustainable development.
This is not the first time a building of the Geneva-based manufacturer has been Minergie certified. Indeed, in 2010, the Chopard group inaugurated a building in Meyrin entirely constructed according to the Label’s criteria, breaking all records for low energy consumption. Located in the immediate vicinity of Chopard Manufacture, the Fleurier Ebauches building required heavy renovation work. The ground floor was cut and insulated around the entire interior perimeter over a width of 120 cm. The base of the facades and roofs were insulated, while a second skin was added in front of the east wing facade to ensure ventilation in summer and heat recovery in winter.
All electrical installations were chosen to meet Minergie standards, and solar panels cover the roof surface. In total, 25,000 m3 of SIA volume (construction cube calculation used according to SIA 116 standard definitions) were used to carry out this project. The building’s home automation management ensures a stable temperature throughout the year without the need for heating oil. Four heat pumps handle heating and air conditioning, as well as machine cooling, using water from the water table.
This state-of-the-art industrial tool produces movements that equip Chopard watches and is expected to produce 15,000 movements per year from 2015 onwards. Currently, the company employs around forty staff who participate in the production of six different movements based on two base calibers. Four manufacturing stages take place on-site: machining, decoration, fitting, and assembly. Thanks to cutting-edge equipment and logistical optimization enabling single-flow production, Fleurier Ebauches SA produced 5,000 units in 2012 and 7,000 movements in 2013.
Part of the Fleurier Ebauches SA building houses a training center, intended for the eight watchmaker-restorer apprentices of Chopard Manufacture, as well as for brand employees worldwide who come for watchmaking training. A genuine watchmaking workshop, this center also houses an after-sales service for Chopard’s in-house movements. The lower floor houses a company restaurant open to all employees of the two Fleurier sites.
For several years, Chopard has adopted an attitude of sustainable commercial development that involves recognizing the planet’s limited resources. Thus, in addition to Minergie-certified buildings, the brand pays attention to the ecological footprint of its packaging. All bags and packaging are made from FSC-certified paper, and the boxes meet environmental standards such as FSC, Oeko Tex Certification, and Recycled PEFC. Furthermore, Chopard has implemented a system for recycling materials and components, as well as bracelets, so that customers can deposit their used rubber bracelets for recycling according to environmental standards.
As part of this commitment to responsible business conduct, since 2010, Chopard has been a member of the RJC, an organization whose mission is to set and enforce environmental, social, and ethical standards in the jewelry world. Chopard has just had its certificate of compliance with its charter and requirements renewed by the RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council) for three years.
This year, the house also launched an ambitious project: “The Journey,” a voyage towards sustainable luxury. Chopard joined Livia Firth, creative director of Eco Age and founder of the Green Carpet Challenge, for this project.
In this context, the house has already produced three pieces of Haute Joaillerie “Green Carpet Collection” made with a concern for respectful sourcing and traceability of raw materials. The gold used is Fairmined, and the diamonds come from mines that comply with RJC requirements.
