Sustainable Development Goals

Our sustainability programme was developed in an iterative process during target discussions. Within the framework of these discussions, we identified area-specific focal points based on the EVN materiality matrix and – based on these findings – defined sustainability goals and related measures. An important objective was, and is, to ensure that these goals and measures make a concrete contribution to realising the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Our focus is on SDG 6, 7 and 13.

We guarantee supply security, on the one hand, with the integration of our supply system and drinking water reserves in elevated tanks and, on the other hand, through continuous expansion. Our projects include the expansion of elevated tanks and the construction of additional emergency generators.  Our projects to improve the water quality include the commissioning of the sixth natural filter plant in 2022/23. By constructing these plants we are able to reduce the nitrate pollution in Austria without any chemical products. Planning has already started for the construction of further natural filter plants.

According to our Strategy 2030 we make massive investments in our own renewable generation capacities. For the conversion of the energy system also the network infrastructure has to grow correspondingly. Concepts were prepared for various regions in Lower Austria to increase network capacity and support the further integration of renewable energy. These network concepts will now be implemented in stages up to 2030. EVN is also the largest natural heat supplier in Austria and operates large cross-regional district heating transport pipelines. In the municipal district heating business, nearly 80% of the heat delivered comes from 100% CO₂-neutral renewable energy sources. The wood chips used in our plants are sourced from areas within a maximum of 70 km from the respective heating plant. In this way, we support the regional agriculture and forestry sector and contribute to local added value.

Sustainable development implies future-oriented thinking about tomorrow. In the current environment we are concentrating, above all, on innovation projects and initiatives that advance the transformation to a CO₂-free energy system.

The Strategy 2030 – which is illustrated by the motto “More sustainable. More digital. More efficient.” – confirms EVN’s commitment to make an active contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and thereby containing climate warming.

The EVN Climate Initiative with the following three focal points was developed in 2020/21: concrete CO₂ emission reduction goals (coordinated with the Science Based Targets initiative), climate neutrality for selected Group companies and a contribution to climate protection by EVN’s research and development.