Sustainability Approach and Management

Protecting the environment and tackling climate change, alongside adapting to its impacts, are key challenges for society and business. As an energy supplier, EWE helps develop a reliable energy system and supports the transition towards an energy supply based increasingly on renewables.

EWE set climate targets in 2020. Details of these targets, their scope and the planned measures are set out in our climate transition plan. EWE’s measures include expanding renewable electricity generation, improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption in its operations. EWE also works to reduce its environmental impact, use resources responsibly and help conserve biodiversity through specific measures.

EWE has transferred its renewable energy activities to Alterric GmbH, a joint venture between EWE and the Aloys Wobben Foundation. Alterric plans, develops and operates renewable electricity generation projects.

The sustainable success of EWE is built on the expertise, commitment, and wellbeing of our employees. We therefore place great importance on safe and fair employment conditions, a constructive social dialogue, and active employee participation. Supporting a healthy work–life balance is equally important to us, which we promote through flexible working models and modern workplace structures.

Occupational health and safety as well as comprehensive health management are key priorities at EWE. We actively promote preventive measures, create health-conscious working conditions, and continuously raise awareness of safety in everyday work.

We see diversity as a strength. Different perspectives and experiences enrich our company and drive innovation. That is why we are committed to a discrimination-free working environment and equal opportunities for development. Targeted training and continuous professional development for our employees are central elements of our HR strategy.

A respectful and fair working culture forms the foundation of our collaboration. This commitment is firmly embedded in EWE’s Code of Conduct and is binding for all employees as well as for our affiliated companies.

As an energy company, EWE takes responsibility for its own operations and its upstream supply chain. Our supply chain management aims to identify risks relating to human rights and occupational health and safety, give them due consideration and address them within our sphere of influence. We follow relevant international standards and fulfil the statutory due diligence obligations that apply to EWE. Further information on our compliance principles and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act is available on our Compliance page.

Respect for fundamental human rights is a core requirement for our suppliers. We expect them to prohibit forced labour and child labour, combat discrimination and promote fair and safe working conditions. To fulfil our due diligence obligations, we use risk assessments, review procedures and defined standards of conduct, among other measures. These help us identify and assess risks and, where necessary, take appropriate action.

We also consider occupational safety when working with our partners. Depending on the activities involved, the level of risk and our ability to influence outcomes, we work to ensure that relevant safety requirements are observed and occupational health and safety risks are appropriately addressed. This may include prevention measures, information and training, as well as assessments of safety-critical processes.

In this way, EWE combines its business activities with due diligence on human rights and social issues. Our aim is to embed these requirements in our supply chain processes, address identified risks appropriately and continually improve how we work with our suppliers.

For EWE, stable, secure and high-performing infrastructure is an essential foundation for business development. This includes supplying customers reliably with electricity and gas, as well as expanding high-speed broadband networks that support access to digital services across the region.

The energy transition and the expansion of renewable energy place additional demands on energy infrastructure. Decentralised, weather-dependent generation needs to be integrated into the grids. At the same time, growing links between the electricity, heating and transport sectors, alongside rising demand for data, are making these systems more complex. Grid stability, smart control systems and robust digital infrastructure are therefore becoming increasingly important.

To meet these demands, EWE continuously develops its systems and infrastructure. This includes using technologies that support grid management and the integration of renewable energy. Cybersecurity is another key focus. Through technical and organisational security measures and the monitoring of critical systems, EWE helps strengthen the reliability and resilience of energy and data networks.

EWE also offers products and services that can help customers use energy more consciously and generate their own renewable energy. In doing so, EWE contributes to the development of energy infrastructure, bringing together security of supply, digitalisation and the integration of renewable energy.

At EWE, responsible business conduct is an integral part of our corporate culture. Integrity, transparency and compliance with the law underpin our business activities and are essential to building trust with customers, partners and the public. Compliance is central to who we are and mandatory across all parts of the Group.

As digitalisation advances, protecting personal data is becoming increasingly important. EWE maintains high data protection standards, ensures that sensitive information is handled carefully and only for specified purposes, and works to protect the privacy of employees and customers to the fullest extent possible. Responsible data handling is essential to delivering modern, reliable and user-focused services.

EWE also takes responsibility in public and political debate. Our engagement with policymakers aims to contribute constructively to developments in energy, climate and digital policy. We remain politically neutral and advocate for policy frameworks that support a secure energy supply.

EWE is also deeply involved in the region. Through the EWE Foundation, a range of sponsorship activities and educational programmes such as the EWE school mobile, we support education, culture and social cohesion. In this way, EWE combines business success with a clear commitment to social responsibility and the common good.