SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AT THE HEART OF THE GROUP'S STRATEGY

Because it is aware of the economic, social and environmental impact of its activities, the Carrefour Group placed sustainable development at the heart of its business strategy from early on.
To ensure that its business practices are sustainable and responsible, Carrefour has implemented a framework of ethical rules as well as beliefs and values that were redefined in 2009. “Pursuing a sustainable development policy for everyone” is one of the core values that guide the Group day after day.
For nearly 20 years Carrefour's approach to sustainable development has focussed on two key areas:

• to integrate sustainable development into the management of its business;
• to increase client awareness of sustainable development.

 

AN ONGOING DIALOGUE WITH STAKEHOLDERS

Listen, interact, share

The Carrefour Group is confident that continued improvements to its sustainable development approach cannot be made without an open and transparent dialogue with all of its stakeholders.
The Group aims to identify and anticipate the stakeholders’ expectations and to consult outside on its sustainable development policy through an ongoing dialogue with its partners.
Each year for more than ten years, Carrefour has brought together its principal stakeholders (ratings agencies, SRI fund managers, environmental and social NGOs, consumer organisations, unions, national and international bodies and sustainable development discussion groups) for open discussion of the Carrefour Group's activities in order to strengthen its sustainable development approach.

 

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF STRONG AND LASTING PARTNERSHIPS

Addressing issues related to sustainable development in a relevant way also means calling on the expertise of internal and external specialists: for over 10 years, Carrefour has established partnerships with organisations to help move its projects forward more quickly and effectively.
 
  In 1997, the Group signed a partnership with FIDH (International Federation of Human Rights) to ensure the social conditions of the manufacture of its products in countries considered “sensitive”. In 2000, this partnership resulted in the development of a social charter that applies to all Carrefour suppliers and also defined a methodology to monitor compliance with this charter through social audits.
 
  Carrefour has partnered with the WWF for more than 10 years: the environmental NGO accompanies it every day in its approach to biodiversity conservation and waste reduction. This collaboration goes far behind the realm of ideas; it also has an important operational dimension, with experts from the NGO sharing their expertise with buyers and Group quality managers throughout the year as part of their work. These experts are involved in overall Group policy and work on various issues, such as procurement policies for timber, fishery resources, GMOs, palm oil, soy and products targeted by the REACH regulations.
   
  Finally, Carrefour works closely with its stakeholders through framework-agreements: the agreement signed with the UNI Commerce in 2001, for example, the Group commits to oversee the implementation of principles of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in all countries where it operates.
 
  In 2001, the Group joined the Global Compact of the United Nations. In this context, the Group agrees to respect the ten main principles concerning human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption standards.