Sustainability is at the heart of the way EDF Energy do business; they have publicly committed to improving environmental sustainability, social sustainability and also as the sustainability partner for the 2012 are leading on delivering a sustainable Olympics. These commitments have been developed through a wide consultation both internally and with external partnerships, most notably through Forum for the Future.
Addressing key issues
EDF Energy have identified five key community issues that they work to address which cut across their core operations, employees and customers.
Climate Change
As an energy producer and supplier EDF Energy are reducing emissions across their operations. They are committed to reducing emissions by 60% from their power stations by 2020 and 30% from their offices and vehicles by 2012.
EDF Energy are also helping their customers reduce their own carbon footprints through the 2012 Carbon challenge which provides customers with advice on how to save energy and money. The Green Fund is a programme in which EDF Energy match fund customers’ contribution to fund over 180 renewable and clean energy projects around the UK. Finally the POD is a teaching resource which helps teachers and pupils make their schools more energy efficient.
Fuel Poverty
With rising fuel prices many households faced mounting bills and surcharges – EDF Energy were the first energy company to provide a reduced tariff to over 59,000 customers who had high bills; they also administer a fund which helps families who have entered a cycle of debt through bereavement or job loss and helps them get back on top of their finances – in 2007 they helped over 4,000 families.
Vulnerable Customers
Information on protecting vulnerable customers in the winter has been sent to over 137,000 households. This especially focuses on the old and addresses issues around hyperthermia, colds and risks around carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty gas appliances.
Public safety
Addressed electrical safety in the home and also the national electrical network – through this outreach programme they have worked with other key stakeholders, the fire service, network rail to reach over 400,000 children through a hard hitting awareness programme.
Skills shortage
EDF Energy provide scholarship funding, awards and work in partnership with external organisations to encourage students into electrical engineering – this addresses a countrywide shortage of science and engineering graduates and immediately affects EDF Energy as they need to recruit high calibre individuals into their work – in 2007 they reached over 4,000 young people through the award.
Engaging employees
EDF Energy actively engage their employees across these commitments and also in creating a positive working environment. In part this is achieved by integrating positive work actions into the Company Incentive Scheme which is the framework through which bonus payments are made, making positive community action incentivised and central to all employees.
Please visit www.edfenergy.com to find out more about EDF Energy's approach to community investment.
