Bureau Veritas anticipated the implementation of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) in France by updating its 'Vigilance Plan', fulfilling its duty in French law to annually update its due diligence for risk management.

It said doing so, and embracing a "comprehensive view of Bureau Veritas' sphere of influence" enables it to better identify, prevent and mitigate risks related to human rights, the environment, and business ethics across its entire value chain.

The Paris-based, testing, inspection and certification company shaped the new approach for its 36-page plan around the 'chain of activities' concept newly defined by the CSDDD, to clarify its scope and ensure "exhaustive coverage" of its responsibilities.

One Sustainable Company Awards judge praised the "integration of environmental, social and nature-related issues within its supply chain and the emphasis on audits, code of conduct and supplier engagement". The judge said this could be bolstered in future editions by case studies of engagement with clients as well as detailed supply chain targets.