Our purchases of materials and services - and the resulting supply chains - are responsible for nearly 80% of our greenhouse gas emissions. It would be easy to think the Group is entirely dependent on its suppliers; that we have no responsibility for emissions produced by the production and transport of our suppliers’ materials.

Really? We cannot reduce our emissions single-handedly. But we do select our suppliers which means we can influence them to choose sustainable practices. This is essential if we are to meet our Climate and CSR commitments according to Eric Bouret, Chief Purchasing Officer of Bouygues Construction and Edward Bouygues, Deputy CEO of the Bouygues Group.

How can we encourage our partners to commit to a sustainable supply chain?
We decided to assemble our suppliers, subcontractors and strategic partners for an afternoon. The objective was to explain Bouygues Construction's new strategy and the crucial importance of ensuring a sustainable supply chain. We want to give them the opportunity to commit with us by working together to transform our practices.

Eric Bouret introduced the event at Challenger on November 23 before a full auditorium: "This is the green light for a new direction towards a sustainable supply chain. And we need you. You are a vital cog in the wheel to decarbonising our activities and respecting our social objectives while maintaining our competitive edge". He was joined by Jean-Philippe Trin, Deputy CEO of Bouygues Construction, and Edward Bouygues, Deputy CEO of the Bouygues Group, who made a point of being present given the importance of the subject for the Bouygues Group’s long-standing activity.

After presenting Bouygues Construction's new strategic priorities, many speakers took to the stage during the afternoon to outline different approaches and give examples for applications in the purchasing sector. The aim is to share expectations and reciprocal commitments to create a sustainable supply chain while maintaining our competitive edge.

Eric Bouret intends to solve this complex equation, putting in place new collaborative standards and longer lasting, more durable relationships with our partners. But the fundamentals don’t change: compliance with regulations, transforming them into opportunities with the unwavering guarantee of fundamental human rights, ethical standards, traceability and transparency, anti-corruption, and mandatory compliance with all our CSR and health and safety commitments. 

Our suppliers are now informed of our strategic priorities and the non-negotiable principles underpinning them

A win-win way forward with competitive edge
Our suppliers’ R&D is also key to maintaining and boosting our competitive edge. By engaging in stable long-term relationships, we give them the means and peace of mind to innovate, providing optimal conditions for innovation.

Pascal Minault concluded the event, reassuring the audience of the Group's prospects and stability. He thanked those suppliers present, confirming the call to transform our business lines around the key issues of climate change, digitalisation and industrialisation to prepare for a sustainable and desirable future.
Pointing out our pioneering spirit, Bouygues Construction's CEO confirmed his aim to work with our suppliers on this new corporate strategy which will benefit us all.