The spirit of competition comes with a price: responsibility. SEAT has always been acutely aware of this in regard to sustainability and protection of the environment. This applies to both present and future development and manufacturing of vehicles. PREAMBLE SEAT, S.A. develops, manufactures and sells motor vehicles to provide individual mobility and independence. The company is committed to the continuous improvement and environmental compatibility of its vehicles. This commitment also extends to its manufacturing, sales and recycling centres and also includes the rational use of natural resources with a view to greater environmental protection. Mindful of the above, SEAT, S.A. applies the best available, economically viable and efficient technologies for the protection of the environment and builds them into the life cycle of its products. In view of its responsibilities SEAT, S.A. works hand in hand with society at large and various administrations in order to further sustainable development. PRINCIPLES SEAT, S.A. designs, produces and sells vehicles, and automotive services for profit and in compliance with requisites of quality, economy, service and respect for the environment of society and for its customers.   SEAT, S.A., together with its suppliers and recycling companies, guarantees continuous and systematic improvement of environmental efficiency of its vehicles throughout their life cycle, beginning with design, through the stages of production, use and final recycling.   SEAT, S.A. works in collaboration with governments and other administrations with environmental responsibility with a view to developing and rigorously complying with legislative requirements pertaining to the environment.   SEAT, S.A. both trains and encourages all its employees in assuming responsibility for and compliance with the requirements of the company's Environmental Policy.   SEAT, S.A. informs its customers, distributors, and public opinion clearly of the company's environmental activities. SEAT, S.A.'s Executive Committee carries out regular reviews of the company's Environmental Policy to assure compliance of the company with its own objectives. SEAT has put in place and certificated an Environmental Management System (EMS) pursuant to standard UNE-EN-ISO 14001, whereby it sets up a general system for responsible management of company activity vis-à-vis the environment. The system embraces an organisational structure, the activity planning and practices in order to develop, implement, carry out, revise and continuously update its Environmental Policy. COMMUNICATION, TRAINING AND PARTICIPATION The entire workforce is promptly informed, trained and motivated in matters of environmental protection in accordance with the guidelines of the Environmental Policy, regardless of individual positions. Communication, formation and participation are the three key concepts on which the strategies are based to encourage a feeling of environmental responsibility among employees and elicit proper attitudes and behaviour. So as to make its vehicles continuously and increasingly environmentally-friendly, SEAT looks at their environmental characteristics from the very beginning of development. Using a process known as Simultaneous Engineering, the SEAT ‘s Technical Centre has defined 7 environmental objectives applicable to all stages of development. These objectives, (which exceed current legislative requirements), are to be found in the following fields of action: The aim is to use those materials which are most compatible with environmental protection, avoiding the use of harmful substances in so far as is possible. Priority is also given to renewable materials and to the use of those materials which contain recycled material. Right at the development stage, work is done in conjunction with the production area with a view to choosing environmentally-friendly processes using the best available economically viable technology. Vehicles must contain the highest possible proportion of recyclable material, in compliance with European Directive 2000/53/CE relating to end-of-life vehicles. The commitment affects both manufacturers as well as other economic stakeholders throughout the vehicle‘s life, and impacts on the development centre insofar as it must guarantee that its products comply fully with these requirements in matters of recycling; by applying the principles of prevention before reduction, reduction before re-use and re-use before recycling. The main environmental impact of the vehicle is during use, as has been shown by research carried out to date. Therefore the minimisation of petrol consumption by means of weight reduction and improved aerodynamics is a priority objective. State-of-the-art technology helps to improve engine performance and reduce emissions. Catalytic converters substantially reduce harmful substances in exhaust gases. So as to control the transfer of potentially polluting substances, both in use and at final management, particular attention is paid to the design of water-tightness so as to avoid accidental leaks; measures are also introduced to facilitate emptying of liquids. To make vehicles as quiet as possible, cars are designed not only with optimal aerodynamics; the different components of the engine block as well as other parts of the vehicle are also designed in such a way as to prevent unwanted vibrations and thus reduce noise levels.