An integrated quality, safety and environmental management system (QSE) with a focus on sustainability and maximum efficiency is an integrated component of the management systems used by Energie AG Group. As part of the Companie's due diligence measures, the ISO 9001 standard for quality management systems is applied as a Group-wide standard that contributes towards effective and efficient design, continuous improvement and transparent presentation of operational processes and procedures.
In the 2019/2020 fiscal year, the software tool “Avedos” already used in data protection management was also implemented for QSE management: The first step consisted of mapping the processes of the Group companies (with the exception of the Czech Republic Segment) and their success factors in this enterprise management system. Starting with the next fiscal year, the internal audits will also be handled and documented in Avedos. The employees will also soon be able to review their tasks and responsibilities in the respective processes directly via the iGrafx user interface.
There is at least one QSE liaison assigned to all applicable Group companies and holding units. These liaisons are responsible for operational implementation of the QSE management system.
To ensure compliance with relevant environmental and occupational safety requirements, the uncertified entities are supported by environmental management standards ISO 14001 and EMAS (Eco Management and Audit Scheme) and the occupational safety management standard ISO 45001.
The integrated QSE management system ensures the continuous improvement of the Energie AG Group’s services through the active involvement of executives, employees and customers. Regular examination from internal audits and by independent external and accredited certification bodies guarantees top product and service quality, as well as the best possible processes for customers and partners. The high quality of the QSE management system was also confirmed when the system gained recertification by TÜV Süd in the early summer months of 2020.
All Energie AG units that have adopted these externally certified quality, safety, environmental and health management systems have processes to identify negative impacts on the environment and employee health, which can then be prevented or mitigated accordingly.
All staff in Austria and northern Italy work at entities certified in accordance with quality management standard ISO 9001:2015. Around 30% of the Austrian and Italian workforce is employed at entities validated in accordance with the Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) or certified under environmental management standard ISO 14001:2015. Almost one-third of the Company's Austrian employees are at entities certified as compliant with the safety management standard ISO 45001:2018.
The Grid Segment, which employs 553 staff (previous year: 556), has achieved certification under ÖVGW QS GNB 200 (quality standards for gas grid operators).
The Waste Management Segment is certified to the following standards: ISO 9001:2015 (quality management), ISO 45001:2018 (occupational health and safety management), ISO 14001:2015 (environmental management), EMAS III regulation, qualified waste management operator (RAEF). It is compliant with EU regulation in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No. 333/2011 and has a product potential certificate as per ISO 14024.
The entities in the Czech Republic employ 1,944 people (previous year: 1,940) and are not subject to the Energie AG Oberösterreich Group QSE management system. In accordance with the requirements of the respective subsidiary in the Czech Republic Segment, two Czech entities are certified in accordance with the international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. This means that around two thirds of the employees in the Czech Republic work in entities that are certified under quality, environmental and occupational safety standards.
The Group IT services department of Energie AG Oberösterreich Business Services GmbH (Business Services GmbH) and Energie AG Oberösterreich Telekom GmbH (Telekom GmbH) are certified in accordance with the information security management standard ISO 27001.