At SPP, we intend to strongly focus on environmental protection and sustainability through the development of innovative services and products for our clients, as well as through socially responsible projects and activities and the development of the ESG (Environment – Social – Governance) concept. People, employees and customers are its key components.
Quoting Sir David Attenborough: “We are at a unique stage in our history. Never before have we had such an awareness of what we are doing to the planet, and never before have we had the power to do something about that.“ Climate change, the imminent collapse of ecosystems and the threat to biodiversity affect us all and real change can only be achieved through our joint efforts.
At SPP, we are fully aware of our collective responsibility to protect the environment and climate, which is a considerable challenge for the entire energy sector. We are ready to be part of the effort to achieve our common goal. We have adopted a vision for 2030 which identifies changes we must start implementing today in order to be successful in the future.
Sustainability: Key to the Future
We want to use the year 2021 to further integrate the ESG concept into our activities. In addition to a reliable supply of energy, new products portfolio and development of energy production from renewable resources, we will implement sustainable business principles not only in relation to our customers, but also internally within the company. We will adopt further measures to reduce the carbon footprint of our own activities, including digitalization of our processes and introduction of sustainability principles and requirements in the procurement of goods and services.
We have been designated trader of electricity generated from renewables since 2020. We thus provide services to more than 2,000 small producers of electricity from renewable resources. We offer our customers the option to purchase electricity produced exclusively from renewable resources in Slovakia via the Čistá elektrina product. We offer the customers energy efficiency advisory and tips as part of the Uhlíková stopka product, which includes our commitment to plant trees for each product contracted.
Trees – Planting and Preserving
In 2020, in cooperation with experts from the Administration of the Tatra National Park (TANAP), we planted nearly 18,000 trees in the West and High Tatras. In 2021, we will help plant another 30,000 trees. Via the Ekofond SPP (non-profit organization established by SPP), and in cooperation with the Administration of TANAP, we have also contributed to the protection of 107 hundred-year-old fir trees in Kežmarské Žľaby, securing survival of these trees in natural conditions.
At the same time, we intensively assess the possibilities for further development in the production and use of renewable gases – biomethane or hydrogen. For the sustainable production of biomethane, we aim to use biodegradable waste and thus reduce the amount of waste deposited in landfills. The integration of renewable gases into the existing gas infrastructure could enable decarbonization of the gas sector and ensure its future use as well.
People are Essential for Success
Talented, professionally capable and loyal employees are a prerequisite for successful transformation, realization of innovative projects and maintaining competitiveness. This was definitely proved last year, which was challenging for all of us. At the same time, responsible way of doing business should also include the ability to share the success with society in a broader, more tangible way. Therefore, our activities, both directly or via the Ekofond SPP and Nadácia SPP shall continue to include not only the protection of the environment, but also the protection of the cultural heritage, education support and development of social communities.
We have long supported the rescue and restoration of national cultural monuments in Slovakia; with a contribution of more than 16 million euros, we have so far helped preserve over 260 monuments. Via the Nadácia SPP, we are a long-term partner of the Cultural Monument of the Year Award – Fénix, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. We will also continue to support Slovak culture and art via the SPP Art Gallery.
In sport, our key partner has been, for over 17 years, the Slovak Paralympic Committee. We will keep our fingers crossed for Slovak Paralympians at the XVI Summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo this summer. With our support, we also aim to bring attention to the necessity of removing obstacles faced by persons with disabilities in Slovakia in their everyday life.
Education Made by Nature
Our recent common experience has shown the importance of education, science and availability of correct information. Our activities will also focus on the interconnection of sustainability and environmental protection with education. In 2021, we will further develop our ecological beekeeping project - originally intended for employees - and in cooperation with the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, we shall begin to gradually transform our exterior premises into maintenance-free “bee meadows”. We wish to connect children’s interest in protection of biodiversity with energy efficiency innovations, smart technologies and smart solutions for energy usage by inviting them to visit our premises and the Smart Energy exhibition in the SPP Museum.
In 2020, the Ekofond SPP also became a partner of the international “Green School” project, managed by the non-profit NGO CEEV Živica. The project is the largest environmental educational program in Slovakia and in 2021, it will include a program aimed at teaching pupils responsible behavior towards the environment and economically efficient use of energy.
We believe that a comparable aspect in evaluating the success of an organization will be, in addition to profit, also the willingness to share it. In both of these aspects, we intend to remain among the leaders.
Henrich Krejčí, Member of the Board of Directors, SPP
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