"30/4/2012 - In 2012, Ageas France renewed its commitment to sustainable development with the international organisation South Pole Carbon. South Pole Carbon allows companies to convert the pollution generated by their business air travel into ""carbon emission credits"". These are then purchased by the ""polluting"" company and the purchase sum is invested in sustainable development actions.   For 2012, Ageas France is investing in a wonderful project in Thailand, north east of Bangkok. A purification plant has been built close to a factory producing manioc starch processed from the roots of the cassava plant cultivated by local growers. Until recently this factory was particularly polluting. Thanks to the purification plant, the water and air quality has improved significantly. This means that the lagoon can be fished once again and crops can be irrigated. This has brought about a reduction in energy consumption (water and fuel oil), qualified jobs have been created and employees have benefitted from training in new technologies, which has all come together to create dynamic economic environment in this rural region and a better quality of life for all. It has meant that equipment could be purchased for schoolchildren, financial aid given to children's playgrounds, and an IT training school has been opened. Now, young people no longer wish to leave for Bangkok in search of work but would rather stay in the region. It is a virtuous circle... Ageas France chose to invest in this purification plant as Thailand is really affected by this type of pollution. It is worth noting that 4000 children under 5 years of age die each day in the world as a result of a lack of wastewater treatment and resulting poor hygiene. "