"We have a real opportunity to make a big difference to the UK’s carbon footprint, through our major investment programme to improve our efficiency and reduce emissions"
As a sustainability partner for London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games we believe that every energy company investing in the future of this country should put sustainability at the centre of their business. That’s why we’re constantly looking at new ways of minimising our impact on the environment and benefiting society and the communities in which we operate.
To EDF Energy, putting sustainability at the centre of our activities means:
- A commitment to corporate responsibility, ensuring we have a positive overall impact on society and the environment
- Offering products and services for a world where social and environmental concerns are as important as financial ones
- Thinking and acting for the long term
Our sustainability agenda
We have defined our sustainability agenda in detail and publicised our climate commitments and social commitments. Here are some of the key things which will help us make a difference to the world.
Our climate commitments
We have a real opportunity to make a big difference to the UK’s carbon footprint, through our major investment programme to improve our efficiency and reduce emissions. Amongst other things we aim to:
- Reduce the intensity of carbon dioxide emissions from our legacy electricity production by 60% by 2020
- Eliminate our office and depot landfill waste by 2020
- Cut the energy we use in our workplaces by 30% by 2012
This is one of the biggest packages of environmental commitments launched by any major British company.
Our social commitments
Our social commitments cover a diverse range of topics including public safety, energy affordability, security of supply, employee development, community investment and ethical purchasing. Here are a few examples of how we are already making a difference:
- £139 million of our £315 million investment in energy efficiency will be spent on measures to assist priority vulnerable customers
- We developed The Pod, our sustainable schools programme, which is part of the London 2012 education programme ‘Get Set’ that has been designed to help make schools more sustainable and to educate children, parents and teachers about sustainability issues
- We have pledged to achieve a gold standard by 2012, for our approach to diversity and inclusion, as assessed by independent experts
Our work in partnership with schools, charities and other organisations has been recognised by Business in the Community, a membership organisation that mobilises businesses to make a positive impact.
Employee involvement
The passion for our climate change and social commitments comes from the people who work here. They get involved through our Helping Hands volunteering programme, supporting our charity partners, and taking on the role of ambassador. We have 250 ambassadors who spend two hours each week championing our sustainability agenda.
Charity partners
We select our charity partners to help us deliver on our climate and social commitments. Our aim for our charitable activities is that they help us serve our customers better, inspire people towards a more sustainable lifestyle and raise essential funds for the charities’ vital work.
Our national charity partners are:
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Global Action Plan
An independent environmental charity. Their aim is to reduce the carbon emissions we all cause during our daily lives, which contribute to issues such as climate change -
MS Society
The UK’s largest national charity dedicated to supporting everyone affected by multiple sclerosis