SUEZ in Asia Releases 2023 Sustainable Development Report

In January 2023, SUEZ introduced a new sustainable development roadmap, setting out its objectives for 2027 and beyond around three pillars: climate, nature and social. The Group’s commitments and actions were recognised in 2024 by some of the world’s leading ESG agencies. SUEZ was awarded a Gold medal by EcoVadis, with a score of 77 out of 100 points; and an A- rating from CDP in both climate change and water security. This sustainable development strategy is fully deployed in Asia, where SUEZ has incorporated and practiced climate, nature, and social responsibility commitments throughout its business strategy, thereby enhancing its competitiveness in the region.

Click the above image to access the digital version of the report

Climate Action: Decarbonising Energy Consumption, Reducing CO2 Emissions and Boosting Renewable Energy Production

On the climate front, SUEZ in Asia has focused on decarbonising energy consumption and optimising value chains. In 2023, SUEZ helped its customers in Asia avoid emissions of more than 110,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Additionally, SUEZ in Asia generated 315 GWh of local sustainable energy, sufficient to power approximately 80,000 households of four for a year. By the end of 2023, the company achieved an installed capacity of 14,000 kilowatts of sustainable electricity generation. SUEZ in Asia has successfully reduced its carbon footprint and protected the environment by improving operational efficiency, implementing energy-saving and renewable energy initiatives, and exploring energy recovery. The company has developed sustainable electricity generation in its water and waste treatment facilities in Asia, and has also initiated solar power generation projects in Shanghai, Suzhou, Tanzhou, and Panjin, etc.

Natural Resource Conservation: Producing Alternative Water and Recovering Resources from Waste

On the nature front, SUEZ in Asia has optimised its operations, promoted the circular economy through innovative programmes, and adopted nature-based solutions to reduce dependence on natural resources. In 2023, SUEZ treated 536 million m³ of wastewater in Asia and produced 40 million m³ of alternative water, equivalent to the capacity of 16,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Additionally, the company produced 83,000 tonnes of waste-derived fuels.

In Shandong, SUEZ signed a seawater desalination project with its industrial partner Wanhua Group, expected to save 36 million m³ of freshwater per year upon completion. In eastern China, SUEZ and its partners are developing six plastic waste collection and sorting centres to promote resource recycling and recovery. Furthermore, SUEZ in Asia has prioritised ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation, incorporating these objectives into its environmental solutions. In 2023, SUEZ and its partners received the France-China Committee's R&D Award for collaborative innovation in deep-water treatment technology to alleviate eutrophication and improve drinking water quality in Chinese lakes and reservoirs. The company works with various stakeholders to turn challenges into opportunities, and takes action to preserve natural resources.

Social Responsibility & Inclusion: Engaging All Stakeholders to Drive Balanced Socio-Economic Growth

To drive social impact, SUEZ in Asia has continued to advocate for inclusion, gender equality, and equal opportunities, committed to improving the health and safety of its employees along the entire value chain. The company has also shared its technological expertise with the industry to enhance productivity, contribute to local community prosperity, and ensure access to essential services.

For example, Macao Water, a SUEZ subsidiary, received the Medal of Merit for Professions from the Macao SAR Government for its regional contributions. In Chongqing, SUEZ has expanded its investment cooperation with Chongqing Water Group, supporting the city’s development by ensuring access to water. Together, they are investing approximately RMB 1.25 billion to construct and operate a new water treatment plant with a designed capacity of 400,000 m³/day. Upon completion of the plant by 2025, SUEZ’s water supply capacity in Chongqing will reach 1.68 million m³/day, increasing service from 2.7 million to over 3.3 million residents.

Today, women hold 36% of management positions at SUEZ in Asia. The company’s RMB 220 million investment in communities throughout the region further demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility.

Innovation: Increasing R&D Spending on Locally Adapted Technologies

SUEZ has pledged to increase its R&D and innovation budget by more than 50% by 2027. The Group has established eight R&D and innovation facilities in Asia, located in Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Changshu, Macao, and Singapore. These facilities develop technical solutions tailored to local conditions and needs, aiding customers and local communities in achieving their sustainability goals.

In 2023, SUEZ established a fluoride pollution control R&D centre in Jiangsu with its local partners. This centre is dedicated to researching efficient water fluoride removal technologies and testing fluoride treatment and reuse solutions, underscoring SUEZ’s unwavering commitment to addressing environmental challenges and advancing technology.