GRI
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a prominent feature of our everyday (working) lives for more than 18 months, as well as shaping our business decisions and the general conditions on which they are based. Especially in challenging times like these, the significance of entrepreneurial responsibility becomes clear from a socio-economic perspective and plays a more central role in our social texture. As an operator of critical infrastructure, one of the largest employers in the Province of Upper Austria, and enabler of a sustainable energy future, the Group feels committed to this social responsibility, which is why this fourth edition of our report on non-financial information is intended to offer insights into the business activities of Energie AG Oberösterreich (Energie AG) in the spirit of these principles.
Notwithstanding the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, climate change with its implications for the environment, our health, and our commercial conduct is topping the list of what is causing the younger generations great anxiety for their future. To protect our climate and natural environment, Energie AG has been advancing the production of energy from sustainable sources for many years. This is evident in the share of renewable energy sources in proprietary electricity procurement, which in the 2020/2021 fiscal year has – mainly thanks to regional hydroelectric power – increased to a record proportion, as well as in the CO2 emission statistics, where the use of resource-conserving technologies and efficiency improvement measures have allowed us to achieve a further significant reduction. The production of electricity from sustainable energy sources is planned to increase by an additional 630 GWh by the year 2030, which will represent a significant contribution to a clean energy future for generations to come.
In light of the noticeable changes in our work and living environments, positioning the Group as a crisis-safe and responsible employer is becoming increasingly important. The establishment of additional flexible work time models, the option to take up to three months sabbatical leave, and the creation of demand-oriented childcare options for employees represent measures to increase employee satisfaction and cater to their requirements. In addition to improving the general conditions for a good balance between work and family life, the Company also focuses on promoting diversity in general and gender diversity in particular. Various programmes, e.g. scholarships for technicians or the “Power Girls” initiative that aims at making girls excited about technical occupations and breaking up traditional job roles are showing satisfactory results. The proportion of female apprentices as well as the overall proportion of female employees in the Group have both increased in the past fiscal year. We are confident that these measures will have a positive effect on our corporate culture and ultimately contribute to the Group's economic success.
Energie AG consistently seeks to put environmental, social and public welfare issues at the forefront of our agenda. We hope that this report on non-financial information can provide a good overview and look forward to working together with you as we continue to pursue a sustainable development.
The Management Board of Energie AG Oberösterreich
Chief Executive Officer
DDr. Werner Steinecker MBA
Chairman of the Management Board
CEO
Dr. Andreas Kolar
Member of the Management Board
CFO
Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Stallinger MBA
Member of the Management Board
COO