As a sustainable development stakeholder, Veolia Water also takes into account the way its partners act in this area. This is why the company intends to encourage subcontractors and suppliers to adhere to the commitments it itself has made in the area of sustainable development.

In a spirit of exchange and dialogue, Veolia Water launched in France in 2006 a continuous improvement approach with its suppliers regarding responsible purchasing.

A "Purchasing and Sustainable Development" charter now informs its relationship with them. It makes provision for sustainable development criteria to appear in all of Veolia Water contracts from now on. These criteria are based on quantifiable and measurable factors.

Suppliers undertake not to use forced or illegal labour, to adhere to environmental protection regulations and to take all necessary steps to reduce energy consumption and the disposal of waste into water, air and into the ground etc.

In order to ascertain that this is happening, Veolia Water will carry out audits in order to initiate among suppliers a continuous progressive approach to the social, societal and environmental aspects of their businesses.