Ethics and Compliance

In keeping with its values and undertakings, GDF SUEZ seeks in all circumstances to act in obedience to the laws and regulations applicable in the countries where it operates. To achieve this objective, GDF SUEZ has established an ethics policy that at all times underpins the day-to-day strategic decisions, management and professional practices of the Group. It has also introduced the tools needed to measure compliance with this objective.

Ethics and Compliance: what are they?

Ethics is defined as a framework within which value-based, morally acceptable practices can be applied practically in a given situation.

Compliance refers to the set of systems put into practice in order to meet the required standard of ethical behavior.

In other words, ethics and compliance are two sides of a single reality that applies to all Group employees and that must therefore be communicated to them through a dedicated structure and existing reference documents.

The Group’s ethical principles

• Acting in accordance with laws and regulations
  Group employees must in all circumstances observe international, federal, national and local laws and the professional codes of practice applicable to their activities.
   

• Establishing a culture of integrity
  Integrity is about avoiding all conflict between personal interests and the Group’s interests. It underpins an absolute belief in the obligation to respect certain values. It thereby creates a climate of trust and acts as a shield against corrupt practices.
   

• Behaving fairly and honestly
  Group employees are totally scrupulous in fulfilling their undertakings. Whenever they communicate, within the company or with other parties, they do so in good faith and in a constructive spirit, with the intention of providing genuine, accurate and comprehensive information.
   

• Respecting others
  This principle applies particularly to respect for the rights of individuals, for their dignity and for their differences, as well as respect for different cultures. It also applies to tangible and intangible goods belonging to others.