Interview with Emilie Gerbaud, Sustainable Development Coordinator - Veolia Water Asia-Pacific
Emilie Gerbaud explains his reflection on the evaluation of the performance of sustainable development.
You launched a think tank on how to assess the sustainable development performance of your operations. How was this approach initiated?
To make sure sustainable development was at the heart of our operations, we worked on a process, in 2006 and 2007, to assess the sustainable development performance of our contracts. The methodology was developed in co-operation with specialized consultants, and three pilot assessments were set up. This is a long-term approach and will be gradually rolled out in the entire Asia-Pacific zone starting in 2008.
How does this approach drive the sustainable development policy of Veolia Water Asia-Pacific?
For Veolia Water Asia, this internal management tool is one of the keys to rolling out our sustainable development approach. Firstly, it makes it possible to clearly identify local sustainable development issues and to translate the Company's commitments at an operational level. Thinking strategies have been set up in each team to ensure that our employees understand the subject well. Lastly, every assessment leads to the implementation of a progress plan in line with the site's specificities, used to define a local strategy on environment, social and economic issues.
How does this assessment actually take shape?
Interviews with our internal teams and our external partners are the basis of this assessment. An analysis of the local context and of the site's specificities is carried out in advance, as well as a visit of the facilities. The global analysis of our activities - in economical, social, environmental and local impact terms - and consultation with external stakeholders are what make these assessments original and rich.
Which means are used to roll out the action plan and monitor the approach?
After the assessment, the local management team defines and validates an action plan with short, medium and long-term goals, with the aim to improve overall performance of the site in terms of sustainable development. A local sustainable development correspondent is then appointed to coordinate the monitoring plan that will be set up by the departments concerned.
Emilie Gerbaud, Sustainable Development Coordinator - Veolia Water Asia-Pacific
Emilie Gerbaud holds a Master of Science in International Business and is specialized in Environmental Management. She graduated from the French business school ESCP-EAP, European School of Management.
Emilie joined Veolia Water Asia-Pacific in January 2006 as Sustainable Development Coordinator. As part of the Technical Department her main function is to support the sites in integrating sustainable development at an operational level and ensure the coordination with Veolia Water.
Among other subjects Emilie worked on developing and deploying a methodology for local Sustainable Development Assessments, addressing key topics such as biodiversity, climate change and sustainable purchasing, and enhancing awareness on sustainable development. Countries covered range from China to Australia, including Japan, South Korea and South-East Asia.
