European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) is a major event organised by the public authorities in Europe each year, aimed at explaining sustainable development to the general public, raising awareness of its challenges, and demonstrating and encouraging different forms of individual and collective concrete action.
Due to the health situation, ESDW is taking place over three weeks this year, from 18 September to 8 October. The core event will take place from 20 to 26 September, for the anniversary of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our purpose, “to act to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally-friendly solutions”, makes ENGIE a committed player in terms of corporate social and environmental responsibility (CSR). ESDW is therefore an opportunity for ENGIE to share concrete and meaningful actions for a sustainable future at national and international level.
Claire Waysand, interim Chief Executive Officer:
“With this purpose statement, ENGIE is committing to a long-term perspective and the transition towards carbon neutrality. The Group has halved its greenhouse gas emissions over the last few years and its employees are striving every day to develop service offerings that reduce the carbon footprints of cities, local authorities and companies, for the benefit of all. The result of extensive consultative work, the purpose statement brings together all Group stakeholders, and first and foremost its employees.”
Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, Chairman of the Board of Directors:
“The internal and external consultative process demonstrates a strong desire to ensure that a purpose statement translates into concrete actions and, more generally, an intention to translate beliefs and words into action. Our purpose statement therefore needs to result in action.”
Clear objectives in favour of sustainable development and CSR
ENGIE has been committed for many years to an ambitious and comprehensive policy in terms of sustainable development and CSR. This policy now forms a key lever for the Group’s performance.
The historic adherence to the 10 Principles of the United Nations Global Compact is now broken down into multiple commitments and actions in favour of the planet (climate, biodiversity, water, the circular economy, etc.) and people (diversity, youth, the disabled, minorities, access to energy, etc.). The Group has therefore defined ambitious objectives for 2030 so that it can closely manage its CSR performance. These actions essentially contribute to 12 of the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals.
The Group’s CSR policy guides its environmental and societal vigilance through action plans at different levels to avoid, reduce and, if necessary, compensate for the impact of the Group’s activities. It is adapted to each BU, subsidiary and site, and is implemented through annually reviewed objectives and action plans.
A Sustainable Development Week full of commitment
Despite the strict health rules in place, ENGIE is fully in action for ESDW through its various businesses in France and Europe. The BUs are redoubling their energy and ideas to celebrate this week of commitment, and to communicate physically or digitally on the major challenges of today and tomorrow.
The 2020 edition is a highlight for the entire company, and we will be presenting our actions and commitments every week during the event.
