VERBUND primarily generates electricity from hydro, wind and solar power and contributes to security of supply by expanding and maintaining the grid infrastructure.
Responsibility
Those who not only pursue their own interests, but also consider the consequences of their actions on others and the environment, act responsibly.
VERBUND has been living the idea of sustainability for many years. Environmental protection, resource conservation and social responsibility are the main objectives of sustainable development at VERBUND. We respect ecological limits through the efficient use of resources and at the same time strive for social justice.
Our employees and managers make decisions that take into account economic, environmental and social aspects. If there are different impacts in these three areas, we carefully weigh up the pros and cons. Priority is given to those decisions and measures that make the best long-term contribution to the company's success.
You can find more information on the topic of responsibility in our non-financial reports.
Since 2019, VERBUND has supported the UN Global Compact - the world's largest United Nations sustainability initiative for companies. VERBUND is committed to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ten universal principles in the areas of labour, human rights, the environment and anti-corruption.
Through the three strategic thrusts of our Mission V, we focus our commitment on all those SDGs that are significantly influenced by our business activities and with which we can make an important contribution.
Our contribution to the SDGs
VERBUND invests in grid infrastructure and in collaborations on innovative technologies with research institutes, companies and start-ups. We support e-mobility projects to promote the electrification of the transport sector. Establishing ourselves as a European green hydrogen player.
Reduction of absolute greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2, 3 excluding Category 2) by 74 % (2020-2030).
Phasing out the use of lignite (2006), oil (2015) and hard coal (2020).
VERBUND is contributing to the preservation and promotion of biodiversity with investments of around €400 million by 2027 in ecological measures on rivers, such as fish migration aids and renaturalisation, and is contributing to sustainable route management for the Austrian transmission grid.
The VERBUND Electricity Assistance Fund initiated by Caritas supports low-income households in reducing their energy costs.
The VERBUND Diakonie Empowerment Fund supports people with disabilities in leading a self-determined life.
VERBUND promotes the health of its employees through comprehensive occupational health management and a healthy work-life balance.
We offer attractive and safe workplaces with a staff turnover rate of <5% and reduce the frequency of work-related accidents with lost time - LTIF (Lost Time Injury Frequency) ≤ 5% by 2025
VERBUND offers 38.5 hours of training per employee each year to promote continuous learning and growth. We also train new talent every year in our apprentice programme and support the individual development of our employees with our high-potential employees programme.
VERBUND is committed to gender balance and equal opportunities, for example through the ‘VERBUND Gender Balance’ project and numerous measures for the inclusion of people with disabilities. In addition, with an increase in the proportion of women to over 20% in 2022, we achieved the original target three years earlier and support highly qualified women at TU Wien through the VERBUND scholarship.
VERBUND is consistently committed to upholding human rights and human dignity and firmly rejects child and forced labour. In addition, we are investing around €5.9 billion in the energy transformation between 2025 and 2027, thereby creating high-quality jobs.8 Decent work and economic growth
VERBUND is actively committed to the continuous reduction of sustainability risks in the supply chain, including the issues of working conditions, the environment, corruption and human rights, and demands responsible and ethical behaviour from suppliers in accordance with the Supplier Code of Conduct. We also offer our B2B and B2C customers innovative and sustainable energy solutions to shape a green future.
Our Code of Conduct for Sustainable Corporate Governance defines our social, ecological and economic responsibilities, which we also expect from our business partners and suppliers. As a listed company, we are committed to the Austrian Code of Corporate Governance (ÖCGK) and pursue a zero-tolerance policy towards unfair business practices, corruption and bribery.
VERBUND promotes multi-stakeholder partnerships in order to intensify dialogue and jointly achieve the goals for sustainable development. Through strategic engagement in innovative technologies and business models for decarbonisation, we cooperate with research institutes, companies and start-ups.
Environment
VERBUND actively contributes to achieving the European and Austrian climate and energy targets. We are also committed to a responsible approach to the environment.
Social responsibility
VERBUND stands for cooperative, fair and reliable collaboration. Therefore, constructive conflict management is also important to us in order to make sustainable and socially responsible decisions in the future.
Corporate governance & compliance
Corporate governance is a generic term for the entire system of management and control of a company. The system of good corporate governance is of central importance to VERBUND.
Corporate Responsibility Team
If you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail.
Corporate-Responsibility-Team