Being a key agent in local sustainable development

Contributing to regional community development

SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT supports players and initiatives that participate in the economic and social development of urban centres.

In Calais, for example, its subsidiary, Lyonnaise des Eaux participates in an urban policy initiative in a district identified as priority. Social mediation centres and actions were set up in 2011 with the help of the FACE Calaisis business roundtable. Eventually, they will be able to support social workers in their tasks and better respond to the problem of unpaid bills by offering an alternative solution for recovery.

In addition, SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT is extending its “Maison pour Rebondir” halfway house concept to various cities in France. This large-scale project addresses people in difficulty by creating a social link and revitalising neighbourhoods with low levels of economic development.

Finally, in northern hemisphere countries as well as in the south, the Group is involved in facilitating access to water and sanitation for all.

Community outreach projects with partners

SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT sponsors projects that promote social solidarity and humanitarian aid, communities and culture, and the environment and biodiversity.

For example, in 2010, one of the Group’s subsidiaries, United Water renewed its partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Committed to promoting access to jobs for young people from minority communities, the company launched a programme of company grants that offers financial aid as well as 4-year traineeships in various companies.

SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT also founded the Water and Development Alliance (WDA), in late 2008. The Alliance offers a discussion and consultation platform for operators and institutions engaged in improving access to water and sanitation services in urban environments in developing countries. Three technical workshops organised with various African players (Burkina Faso, Uganda, Senegal) have already succeeded in addressing local problems linked to the inaccessibility of meters and water losses.