Socotec, an independent trusted third party

Céline Pignot, Head of Industrial Risk and ICPE at Socotec, was a guest on Good Morning Industry, where she tackled a crucial issue for businesses: the management of water, a strategic resource.

Good Morning industry: Is there a real awareness of the issues and risks associated with this type of management?
Céline Pignot: Yes, indeed. Today's manufacturers are fully aware of the challenges posed by water. Episodes of drought and flooding are multiplying and intensifying. These events are no longer confined to a single season, such as summer for drought. We are seeing recurrent droughts throughout the year, while floods have quadrupled over the last decade, each time causing considerable damage, both human and financial.

Good Morning industry: How are manufacturers preparing for water pressures? 
Céline Pignot: Manufacturers need to anticipate and adapt by complying with regulations, to avoid water shortages and possible consequences such as site closures. It's now March, and already the issue of water stress is coming to the fore, demonstrating the urgency of the situation.

Good Morning industrie: Good Morning industrie: You work for Socotec, a company specializing in testing, inspection and certification for the construction and infrastructure industries. Can you tell us more about your role as a trusted third party?
Céline Pignot: Exactly. Socotec is an independent third party. We've been helping companies manage risk for over 70 years. With more than 12,000 employees worldwide, including 6,000 in France, we offer inspection and technical consultancy services, particularly on water-related risks for the construction, infrastructure and equipment sectors.

Good Morning industrie: What solutions do you propose to anticipate drought or flood scenarios?
Céline Pignot: In the event of drought, we carry out detailed diagnoses of the water cycle within companies. This enables us to propose sustainable technical and economic solutions or examine the feasibility of reusing wastewater. In the event of flooding, we carry out vulnerability assessments to ensure the safety of both infrastructure and people.

Good Morning industrie: In your opinion, are the regulations respected in this area?
Céline Pignot: It is increasingly respected and publicized. Since 2023, numerous regulatory texts on water management and drought have been published. The government has also introduced a plan to reduce water consumption by 10% by 2030. While this may not sound like much on paper, it's an ambitious target, given that annual water consumption amounts to 4 billion cubic meters, 5% of which is used by industry.

Good Morning industrie: What advice would you give to companies that haven't yet taken action in the face of these risks?
Céline Pignot: It's essential for them to understand that water is a crucial resource. They need to start by carrying out diagnostics and making water management part of their daily routine. This implies a substantial budget, but investments in water reuse and risk prevention are indispensable.