Business ethics and Eiffage whistleblowing system
Business ethics and compliance with regulations have been a major concern of Eiffage for many years.
In accordance with the Group's values, the most important of which is exemplarity, and in a context of increasing national and European regulations on the fight against corruption and the duty of care, Eiffage has implemented a compliance system based on the following main tools:
A Code of Conduct detailing the rules and conduct of business ethics,
A training program for the most sensitive employees (e.g. managers, employees with direct commercial links with customers),
A whistleblowing system enabling any Eiffage employee and all its stakeholders (such as its co-contractors, subcontractors and their respective staff) to report in a responsible manner, without financial compensation and in good faith:
- any situation that appears to be contrary to the Code of conduct or values of Eiffage (e.g. corruption or influence peddling),
- information about a crime or offence, a breach or attempted breach of a national, European or international commitment,
- any threat or harm to the general interest "duty of care" (human rights & fundamental freedoms, health & safety, environment).
Whistleblowing system in practice
- Nominative or anonymous alerts using the « integrity line Eiffage » multilingual platform, accessible in all countries where the Group has entities
- Handling of the alert by the Group alert system manager or by the local alert system manager
- Acknowledgement of receipt in writing within 7 days, adequate investigations, remediation measures and closing
- Implementation of protective measures and confidential handling of alerts
NB: If you are an Eiffage supplier, we invite you not to use the "Eiffage integrity line" platform for invoice payment matters but to contact your Group contact person directly.
Respecting people
Eiffage respects people primarily by preventing risk and ensuring safety on worksites, as well as promoting gender equality, professional integration and non-discriminatory behaviour. We follow these principles in all our operating regions. In 2005, Eiffage signed up to the UN Global Compact, which encourages businesses and firms worldwide to adhere to a number of fundamental principles including freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour, the effective abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
In a specific statement, our CEO, Benoît de Ruffray, recalled the Group's commitment to the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking.
Respecting suppliers
Suppliers and sub-contractors contribute considerably to the Group’s operations, which is why Eiffage has extended its responsibility to all its partners, both in France and around the world. We implemented a responsible purchasing policy that integrates stringent criteria and regulations in relation to ethics and sustainable development in our framework agreements, general terms and conditions of purchase, supplier listing and contract attribution decisions.
Sustainability
At Eiffage, ecological transition and innovation are two key pillars of our strategic plan. All the Group’s innovation and R&D efforts are geared towards the low-carbon economy. These include developing alternative construction methods, using bio-based materials, protecting biodiversity and taking part in the circular economy. We make controlling the impact of our activities on the environment an absolute priority.
The ethics and commitments booklet
Since 2011, the fundamental elements of Eiffage’s ethical approach have been set out in the Ethics & Commitments booklet. Download the Ethics & Commitments booklet