Vattenfall - Environmental policy

Environmental policy

We strive to achieve increased value for our customers and our owner.

Because we believe that good business development must be sustainable economically, environmentally, and in terms of social responsibility, we focus on these issues in all our business concepts. This is reflected in the Vattenfall Environmental Policy. Vattenfall Group operates in all segments of the value chains for electricity and heat generation, transmission of electricity, distribution and sales. Vattenfall also conducts energy trading and lignite mining.

Vattenfall’s operations are in Europe

All of today’s energy sources that are used globally will continue to be needed in the foreseeable future. Energy, especially in the form of electricity is the basis for the modern society and contributes to quality of life. Every energy source and each operation is to be managed in an efficient and responsible way. Vattenfall manages many different technologies and has a diversity of energy sources. Our major sources are hydropower, coal, nuclear power, biofuels, peat, wind power and waste. To a lesser extent, we also use gas, oil, geothermal and solar energy. Vattenfall handles many different environmental issues and we regard the management of greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, soil protection, land use, water protection, waste management, hydro dam safety, nuclear safety and energy efficiency to be our main focus areas. Vattenfall’s ambition is to be number one for the environment and to be recognized for this. This means that:

• We manage our operations with openness, effectiveness and accountability and, for each energy source and each type of technology, we strive to be the best in class
• We do our utmost to choose modern, efficient and environmentally-effective technologies while making a sound assessment, balancing environment and economy when making investments
• We strive to increase our use of energy sources that have no or low emissions of carbon dioxide and other emissions. (Biofuels are considered carbon dioxide-neutral.)
• We invest in research and development to improve energy efficiency in our operations and to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions from power plants based on fossil fuels
• We have a structured and systematic approach to taking environmental aspects into account, including setting requirements and targets as well as performing follow-ups
• We handle this as an integral part of our business management
• We evaluate environmental performance when selecting suppliers, contractors and business partners

Our performance in environmental matters creates the right conditions for a sound business development and for improving our competitive position. We comply with existing laws, regulations and permits. By making continuous improvements, our ambition is to be in the lead and set a good example in the markets where we are active. Within our sphere of activity, we focus on environmental protection, pollution prevention and human health. Our actions are characterized by respect for the cultures of the regions in which we operate. We are committed to maintaining an open dialogue concerning the environmental aspects of our management, operations and products. We endeavour to achieve sustainable development in our economic, social and environmental performance. The Environmental Policy is valid throughout the entire Vattenfall Group. Managers shall, through area-specific action programmes, ensure compliance with the environmental policy. Specific additions are permitted in the practical application of the policy.