As a responsible supplier of energy and environmental services, EVN accepts the challenges of viewing economic, ecological and social issues as a holistic whole, and achieving equilibrium among the interests of all company stakeholders. EVN demonstrated this commitment by joining the UN Global Compact in 2005. A further milestone was the EVN Code of Conduct, developed in a Group-wide process and completed in the 2008/09 financial year. It explains the principles and behavioural guidelines underlying responsible corporate management, and serves as a binding standard applying to all EVN employees. It can be downloaded at www.evn.at/code-of-conduct.aspx.

Years ago, EVN recognised sustainability as a positive opportunity and integrated it as an important cornerstone of the corporate strategy.

Sustainability as part of EVN’s core business

Numerous business areas of the EVN Group are sustainable per se. To a large extent, sustainability shapes the company’s day-to-day business operations. Moreover, sustainable behaviour has emerged as a decisive driver of growth and innovation, and also encompasses economic value to the company. The attempt to precisely quantify this value involves assessing all potential future liabilities which will be caused by the negative effects on society and the environment. On the basis of the declared nature and purpose of the business, a direct cost advantage can be achieved, for example by efficiently using natural resources to generate energy.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) organization

The sustainability strategy of EVN is defined by the CSR steering committee, consisting of the Executive Board and heads of the Group functions Information and Communications, Human Resources, Environmental Controlling and Security within the context of general strategy development, and coordinated with the Supervisory Board. The CSR steering committee is supported by the CSR consultative team, which not only provides thought-provoking impulses but is also responsible for the implementation of CSR measures in cooperation with specialised departments. CSR officers from all company areas have been appointed to ensure the involvement of all business units and identify the potential for further developing CSR. Responsibilities and processes were further defined in the course of the financial year.

Sustainability reporting

EVN already published its first environmental report back in 1990. In the meantime, it has evolved into a comprehensive sustainability report. The EVN Sustainability Report is put together in accordance with the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). For the first time, this year’s report incorporates all the additional GRI performance indicators applying to utility companies. If you do not have access to a copy of the EVN Sustainability Report 2008/09, you can order it at any time on the Internet www.investor.evn.at or by using the free service hotline number in Austria at 0800 800 200. EVN also provides comprehensive information online about its initiatives in the interest of a sustainability-oriented corporate management at www.responsibility.evn.at.