GRI
In a year dominated by numerous global challenges and geopolitical turbulence, Energie AG Oberösterreich has taken decisive steps aimed at advancing the Company's ambitions in the fields of sustainability, social responsibility and economic stability. The 2022/2023 fiscal year was characterised by a focus on the Group's strategic alignment with a view to sharpening the business models in order to meet the evolving needs of society while helping to shape a sustainable future.
Our vision of being a driving force in the energy transition, as developed and codified by the “LOOP” strategy project launched in the spring of 2023, will serve as the basis for our goals up to 2035. The initiative signals our commitment to decarbonising the energy cycle, from generation and distribution to recovery, and expresses our response to the urgent imperative of climate change mitigation. One key element on our path to implementing this vision was the decision to build the pumped-storage power plant Ebensee, which involved an approximate investment volume of EUR 450 million. The project, often referred to as the “green battery of Upper Austria”, represents a milestone in our efforts to guarantee security of supply and network stability at a time when renewable energies are becoming ever more important.
In keeping with international standards and regulations, the objectives in the area of Environment Social Governance (ESG), the provisions of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the adaptation to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) are central elements of our activities, and of transparency in our reporting. The establishment of an expanded ESG organisation within the company was a critical step in securing the necessary resources and investment funds for our goals in the areas of social responsibility, environmental protection and effective corporate management.
As a leading business in the region, Energie AG Oberösterreich puts great value on diversity and inclusion. This commitment is clear from the rising number of women in managerial positions (the ratio currently stands at 18.4%). The positive trend is the result of targeted initiatives, including in particular our support for the START scholarship programme for talented students from a migrant background. In this way, we are actively fostering a corporate culture that values diversity and ensures equality of opportunity across all areas of the company, thereby playing our part in creating a more closely integrated society.
The employees of Energie AG, who are the backbone of our success, have demonstrated dedication, determination and adaptability in these challenging times. Our investment in a working environment that encourages cooperation, innovation and personal growth is reflected in the ongoing development and success of the company. Our strong focus on employees was recognised by the Trend awards for the best employers in Austria in 2022/2023. Energie AG placed third overall and topped the energy sector.
The customer is at the heart of the Group's strategy. We have developed forward-looking offers and are expanding our digital customer services. Alongside our commitment to the field of e-mobility, we are investing more in green hydrogen, continuing to modernise our electricity grids and committing to innovative solutions that meet customer needs and contribute to the attainment of climate targets.
We are living up to our social responsibilities by supporting local initiatives and strengthening educational programmes. Our commitment ranges from environmental protection projects to partnerships with educational establishments aimed at promoting the next generation of specialists and senior executives.
Despite the many challenges of the future, Energie AG is confident that the strategic initiatives and investments it has enacted will lead to a future characterised by greater sustainability, inclusion and resilience for us all. This report presents a detailed insight into the efforts, plans and goals we have set ourselves for the years ahead.
We look forward to taking this road with you, and to pursuing our forward-looking goals and measures on behalf of future generations.
Dr. Leonhard Schitter MA
CEO
Dr. Andreas Kolar
CFO
Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Stallinger MBA
COO