Emosson Dam with the Mont Blanc
Sustainability

Our sustainability strategy

Through its hydroelectric power generation and other energy and flexibility solutions, Alpiq is helping to decarbonise the energy system and ensure security of supply. Find out more about our strategy for a better energy future. 

Antje Kanngiesser, CEO Alpiq Group

Through our purpose 'together for a better climate and an improved security of supply', we have the task of translating sustainability into our business model and in our daily activities.

Antje Kanngiesser, CEO Alpiq Group
Sustainability is embedded in Alpiq’s purpose

Thanks to our electricity generation using renewable energies (primarily hydropower) and the management of renewable energies for third parties, we are already in a strong position. But we want more. Alpiq bases its business activities on sustainability objectives in the economic, environmental and social spheres. As a company, we strive to create economic value for our shareholders while upholding socially and environmentally responsible behaviour. It is with regard to these dimensions of sustainability that we want to demonstrate our performance. And it is by this that we want our success to be measured.

Net zero by 2040: Driving the energy transition

The corporate strategy approved in December 2023 supports our ongoing development towards becoming a company that systematically integrates sustainability considerations into its strategy, operations and investment decisions. Our aim is to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy system and to ensuring security of supply. We are aiming for net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and are transparently disclosing our accounting boundaries, interim targets and progress.

Around 80 per cent of our electricity generation comes from energy sources with low direct greenhouse gas emissions during operation, including hydro, nuclear, wind and solar power. At the same time, we take into account the environmental impacts of these technologies throughout their life cycle.

Our gas-fired combined-cycle power stations currently make an important contribution to system stability and security of supply. As they account for the majority of our direct emissions, we are investing in efficiency improvements and exploring the use of renewable gases where this is technically and economically viable.

Through investments in flexible generation facilities, storage technologies and battery projects, we are supporting the integration of renewable energy into the energy system and strengthening our role in the transition to an energy system with lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Promoting biodiversity: Our commitment to preserving nature

At Alpiq, we build, own and operate power plants that are strategically located to harness natural resources efficiently. Our renewable energy projects are often embedded in natural environments, that we strive to protect by minimising the impact of our activities on nature and landscape.

Our commitment is to leave a long-term net positive impact on nature, going beyond mere compliance with environmental regulations. Each of our projects undergoes rigorous environmental assessments, with a strong focus on preserving nature and biodiversity.

We continuously review the impact of our existing power plants on both land and aquatic life. For instance, Alpiq runs an annual programme to monitor and control cooling water discharges from our Plana del Vent CCGT in Spain and conducts yearly monitoring of all bird species (avifauna) and bat fauna (chiropterofauna) around its wind installations in Sicily.

Empowering our employees: Health & safety at the forefront

At Alpiq, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their innovative solutions, technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit drive our long-term position in the market. We embrace diversity and equality, leveraging different perspectives to achieve outstanding results. We aspire to creating an inclusive work environment, where everyone can bring their ‘whole selves’ to work. Alpiq recognises that an organisation can only truly thrive when individuals can be their authentic selves at work.

Alpiq takes a collaborative approach to shaping our corporate culture, guided by shared values: "We are ALP1Q"; "We learn and grow together"; "We share the steering wheel" and "We focus on the outcome". We track the effectiveness of our approach by means of regular employee surveys throughout the year and derive measures accordingly.

As an electricity producer whose portfolio comprises large-scale infrastructures, Alpiq has a particularly high exposure to health and safety matters and therefore bears a great responsibility towards its employees. Alpiq constantly strives to take all necessary measures to protect the health and safety of its employees and of third-party personnel. Health and safety is one of our strategic sustainability KPIs and top management is informed on a regular basis about incidents and near misses.

Promoting ethical business conduct

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and anti-competitive behavior. By mapping corruption and competition risks across our operations and investments, we proactively identify and implement preventive measures. These principles are deeply embedded in our Code of Conduct and our Code of Conduct for Suppliers. Our "Know Your Counterparty" process ensures thorough due diligence for customers, suppliers and business partners. All our employees are required to regularly attend training sessions to raise awareness of corruption and anti-competitive behaviour.

Alpiq is also dedicated to enhancing supply chain risk management. We are in the process of reviewing and improving our processes and aligning with best market practices. Our robust environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework continues to evolve, particularly in enforcing child labour regulations.