SDG
GRI
Energie AG is committed to unreserved respect for human rights in all areas of the company, and in its wider sphere of influence. In its responsible corporate activities, Energie AG is guided by internationally recognised principles and practices such as the Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
As well as upholding human rights, the Energie AG Group accepts responsibility for observing laws and standards in the areas of environment, compliance and working conditions. In upholding the right to privacy and freedom of expression, the Energie AG Group adheres to private law and the principle of human dignity, which is recognised by the European Union (EU) as a fundamental and inviolable right. The right to privacy and the right to a private life are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 12), the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 8) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (Article 7). Freedom of expression is based on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU (Article 11, Freedom of expression and information) and the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 10, Freedom of expression).
The well-being of all persons within its supply area is an important goal for Energie AG Group. The Group focuses its actions on providing a safe and reliable supply that enables well-being, trade and commerce, and a high quality of life.
Energie AG expects all business partners to adhere to the statutory framework, along with the applicable laws and standards on human rights. Risks in the earlier links of the supply chain cannot be entirely ruled out. In order to promote respect for human rights within its scope of possible actions and outside its direct sphere of influence, the Energie AG Group applies due diligence in its procurement activities. Since early 2022, bidders and contractors who wish to do business with Energie AG (excl. Czech Republic Segment) must accept the “Code of Conduct for Contractors” in addition to the General Terms and Conditions. The latter includes the principles related to human dignity.
Equal treatment has been identified as a human rights issue that could fall within the Company's direct sphere of influence, although there is no significant risk in this regard. Employees may contact the Compliance Officer, the Works Council or their respective supervisors if they have concerns about a possible discrimination. As in the previous years, no incidents of discrimination were reported through the whistleblowing system in the 2022/2023 fiscal year, nor were any legal proceedings underway.
For more information on diversity at Energie AG, see Employees, Responsible employer.
Energie AG does not tolerate any discriminatory conduct or any unequal treatment, whether on the basis of national, social or ethnic origin, skin colour, religion, political beliefs, age, gender or other traits. Diversity presents valuable potential for Energie AG as an international company Group. Energie AG respects the unique nature of each individual, and is committed to tolerant and respectful conduct as well as open communication. This encourages a climate of mutual appreciation and respect which applies to both Company employees and all external stakeholders. Behaviours aiming towards fair and trusting interaction with one another are supported. The Energie AG “cultural compass”, for example, will consolidate measures aimed at strengthening the willingness to cooperate and work in partnership.
Intentional or targeted misinformation will not be tolerated. Maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with those responsible on the European, national, regional, and municipal levels, as well as lobbyists, non-governmental organisations (NGOs: non-governmental organisations formed privately or under private law) and the residents directly affected by Energie AG's projects is very important to the Group, especially in the interest of sustainability and responsible governance.
The actions of Energie AG always abide by the Group's guiding principle “We care about tomorrow” and its new purpose “We are creating a fossil-free future for our children”. The Energie AG Group will continue to develop its sustainability management in the 2023/2024 fiscal year on the basis of environmental, social and societal aspects.
Linz, 4 December 2023
The Management Board of Energie AG Oberösterreich
Dr. Leonhard Schitter MA
CEO
Dr. Andreas Kolar
CFO
Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Stallinger MBA
COO