A new programme focusing on the suppliers most exposed to risks

Since 2012, Schneider Electric has been assessing its most strategic suppliers with the help of EcoVadis, a specialized company in the Responsible sourcing space. This programme evaluates Suppliers practices against ISO 26000 standard on corporate social responsibility. To reinforce its commitment to the United Nations SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and guiding principles on human rights, as well as its own human rights policy, Schneider Electric now introduces a new programme. This new programme first enables to confirm suppliers that are most likely exposed to risks, due to their geographic situation and type of activity. Reflecting the importance of this programme, the number of suppliers having received an on-site audit will be introduced as a new indicator in the 2018-2020 Planet & Society barometer, which measures the Group’s sustainability performance. This new indicator comes with an ambitious objective of on-site auditing 300 higher-risks sites over the next three years (in addition to remote assessments such as through EcoVadis, and to Suppliers’ site due-diligence and continuous improvement interactions with Schneider Electric specialized teams).

Using RBA methods and tools to reach an ambitious objective

To reach this objective, Schneider Electric will use RBA methods and tools. The alliance has excellent credibility and its standards are recognized by organizations highly committed to Corporate Responsibility, including NGOs and companies. Schneider Electric teams will be able to use the Verisk Maplecroft mapping tool, the RBA self-assessment questionnaire and the RBA auditing protocol. In this way, 300 suppliers will be identified for an on-site audit. The Schneider Electric Procurement professionals, internal and external auditors leading the deployment of this programme will be trained specifically to carry out these audits. Demonstrating the company’s commitment to supply chain accountability, this new programme will be supervised by Gilles Vermot Desroches, Sustainability Senior Vice-president; DK Singh, Chief Procurement Officer, Xavier Houot, Senior Vice President Group Environment, Safety and Real Estate.