In January 2023, we announced SUEZ new sustainability ambitions. We have made 24 operational commitments, with the aim of stepping up our efforts regarding the climate, the preservation of nature and social responsibility in the coming years.
Each year, we are reporting on the progress of these commitments. They are an integral part of our business strategy and echo our purpose: « […] deeply rooted in our communities, we are committed to providing people and the planet with the resources for a common future. »
These commitments also resonate with the environmental challenges we face. 2023 served as a stark reminder of those challenges: it was the world’s hottest year on record, with an average temperature 1.48°C higher than the pre-industrial average.
Collectively, we must accelerate our greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts. COP 28 resulted in a historic agreement to transition away from fossil fuels. It confirmed how important renewable energies will be in achieving net zero in 2050. Decarbonising energy is a major challenge, and our businesses can play a key role in meeting it. We produce local energy from waste and wastewater, contributing to the low-carbon transition in communities. In 2023, we have made significant progress in this area. In particular, we have achieved self-sufficiency in electricity in Europe.
We produce local energy from waste and wastewater, contributing to the low-carbon transition in communities.
We must also step up our efforts to adapt our lifestyles, production methods and infrastructure to the consequences of climate change. Adaptation does not mean giving up on efforts to reduce emissions. However, the effects of climate change are already a reality that we need to address. For our water and waste businesses, this means dealing with extreme weather events such as heavy rainfal or flooding thanks to digital technology. It also means developing alternative sources of water, such as desalination, in areas of water stress.
With the entry into force of Europe’s CSRD1, 2024 marks the beginning of a new era in the assessment of companies’ ESG2 policies. While biodiversity and resource conservation have often been secondary concerns in the past, companies are now subject to requirements for their assessment and action, similar to their climate change obligations. The CSRD therefore makes nature a core sustainability issue. We have been fully onboard with this approach since 2023, adopting 11 dedicated indicators that guide our efforts to protect nature.
After all, there can be no action to protect the climate and nature without considering the men and women who carry it out. Accordingly, in 2023, we continued initiatives in employee training and engagement, health and safety, inclusion and equal opportunities, supporting more than 3,500 people with our inclusive structures and job inclusion programmes.
Our sustainability commitments are robust. In recent months, they have been recognised by two world-leading organisations in the extra-financial assessment of companies: EcoVadis and CDP3. These commitments are a powerful driver for SUEZ employees, on them every day. One year on from their publication, we are already seeing the first concrete results. These results strengthen our resolve to continue our efforts in the service of our clients, of all stakeholders and of the planet.
Our sustainability commitments are a powerful driver for SUEZ employees who deliver on them every day
2023 highlights of our sustainable development commitments
1 Corporate Social Responsibility Directive. 2 Environmental, social, governance 3 In January 2024, SUEZ was awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal, and in February it received a double A- rating from CDP for its climate and water stewardship commitments.
