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We want to be held accountable for the commitments we are making. Good governance is central to ensuring that our pledges are delivered.

That is why we will report annually with an independent audit of progress. We will be at the forefront of the climate change debate in the UK.  We will be open in our dialogue with our stakeholders and in our communications, and we will be answerable for the commitments we are making. You can read more about our corporate governance.

How corporate governance works in EDF Energy

Our Board is responsible for providing effective corporate governance policies and is ultimately accountable for every decision made, including those on sustainability. The Board delegates the authority to make decisions to the Chief Executive (who reports directly to the Board). Acting on the Board’s behalf, our Executive Team ensures that our corporate governance policies and all other systems of internal control, performance reporting and risk management are implemented correctly.

Our Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring we meet our financial and legal obligations while sustaining and enhancing the value we create for our shareholders. Through our directors, the Board meets quarterly to decide our strategy, budget and financial requirements. The Board’s remit also covers the policies that we develop to support our strategy, such as our corporate governance policy. There's more information on our board composition available on this website.

Governing sustainability performance

As a company we believe we have a responsibility towards environmentally, socially and economically responsible and ethical performance. To support this and ensure compliance, engagement and continuous improvement, a variety of governance bodies have been established. These are outlined in the chart below:

2-level organisation chart

Sustainable Development Committee (SDC)

The first is through our Sustainable Development Committee (SDC) who meet quarterly and whose purpose is to provide company-wide leadership in the delivery of our sustainability commitments, including acting as champions and overseeing sustainability performance.

The Executive Team forms the membership of our Sustainable Development Committee. Each Executive member also has the responsibility of ensuring we deliver on all of our sustainability commitments. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

Martin Lawrence (Managing Director - Energy Sourcing and Customer Supply)

  • We will cut CO2 emissions from our transport by 20% by 2012
  • We will reduce the volume of waste from energy billing by 30% by 2020
  • We will reduce the proportion of CO2 arising from our customers energy consumption by 15% by 2020
  • We will commit to keeping our prices competitive and will provide enduring support for our most vulnerable supply customers
  • By 2012, 2.5 million young people in the UK will have participated in our Sustainable Schools Programme, learning about the sustainable use of energy

 

Peter Hofman (Company Shared Services and Integration Director)

  • We will cut CO2 emissions from our offices and depots by 30% by 2012
  • We will send no office or depot waste to landfill by 2020

 

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson (Managing Director - Nuclear New Build)

  • We will reduce the intensity of CO2 emissions from electricity production by 60% by 2020

 

Thomas Kusterer (Chief Financial Officer)

  • We will work with all our suppliers to ensure they meet the 10 principles of the Global Compact to guarantee an ethical supply chain

 

Andy Spurr (Managing Director - Existing Nuclear)

  • We will work with Government, NGOs and others to demonstrate real progress towards implementing a long term UK radioactive waste solution

 

Philippe Huet (Chief Officer - People, Organisation and Brand Performance)

  • We will be open and transparent in our nuclear businesses and demonstrate we can be trusted to act to the highest professional standards in relation to nuclear security issues
  • We will support the development within the UK of the skills necessary to sustain our nuclear businesses by working with schools, universities and other bodies
  • By 2012, 100% of our employees will understand how they can help achieve our sustainability commitments and will be participating in Team Green Britain
  • By 2012, we will have attained gold standard from independent experts for our approach to diversity and inclusion
  • We will build external partnerships and physical centres of excellence to develop the current and future skills we need for a sustainable economy

 

The Corporate Responsibility and Environment Panel (CR&E panel)

This strategic panel meets quarterly and oversees our policy and direction with regards to key operational objectives for delivering on our commitments for sustainability performance. The panel also reviews our progress with regards to our commitments and targets and takes on board operational recommendations and future planning considerations.

Sustainability Commitments Delivery Group

This group co-ordinates the delivery aspects of our sustainability performance and ensures cross-functional communication on initiatives, as well as knowledge-sharing and experience.  This group meets on a monthly basis.

The Environmental Excellence Group

This group is accountable for ensuring that we meet our environmental legal requirements and supports the delivery of our sustainability commitments.

The Community Investment Group

This group is responsible for maximising opportunities for our community stakeholders and for reviewing our community investment activity.