Responsible Operations
Particularly business customers are showing increasing attention in Nuon’s operations. Society expects us to play an exemplary role in the field of energy, also in terms of internal processes. We are striving to meet these expectations, but further steps can clearly be made.
The manner in which we do business and organise our operations touches directly or indirectly on our stakeholders. Responsible operations is therefore a pillar of our CSR policy. Important elements in this policy are the observance of the Nuon Code of Conduct, responsible chain management in our purchasing and investment policy and the presence of confidential officers. In addition, the ‘responsible operations’ pillar comprises programmes for clean energy consumption, sustainability-conscious mobility and transport choices and good waste practices. Environmental management systems are an important instrument in monitoring and controlling our environmental performance.
Supply chain responsibility
Nuon continued to pursue supply chain management in 2007. The Corporate Purchasing Department is responsible for developing working methods and criteria to make CSR an integral part of the purchasing processes and supplier management. Compliance with international human rights treaties of the United Nations, OECD and ILO is an important guideline in this connection. In the coming years Nuon aims to apply CSR criteria to the selection of a growing group of suppliers. In 2008 our A suppliers, representing 70% of our total purchasing costs, will be requested to conform to the Nuon Supplier Code of Conduct that is to be introduced.
Energy consumption, mobility and waste management
Nuon intends to set the right example by continuing to reduce the emissions from its buildings, mobility and waste. Facility Management is responsible for internal energy consumption, while Facility Management and HRM are jointly responsible for mobility. The responsibility for waste management rests with the Residual and Waste Materials Centre of Network Services and the logistical departments of Nuon power stations. The subsidiaries are responsible for their own internal processes. The progress as measured according to the attainment of objectives forms part of the performance agreements with these units.
Environmental management
Environmental management in the business processes is a primary responsibility of the divisions and business units. The policy is aimed at complying with recognised standards through the organisation and certification of management systems. The divisions are responsible for drawing up environmental policy and complying with laws and regulations. Energy Sourcing, Network Services, Continuon Netbeheer, Facility Management and various subsidiaries and participating interests are supported in this respect by their own specialised departments. At central level the Corporate Social Responsibility Department provides support in the form of advice and the maintenance and management of the reporting and recording system (Promasys).
Alongside environmental management a number of sector themes are relevant to Nuon:
- the policy in relation to the possible presence of PCBs in plant and equipment.
A programme has been developed for this purpose under the responsibility of the grid manager Continuon Netbeheer; this is explained in section D.5.4. - Cooling effluents from power stations: is explained in section D.2.5.4.
- Biodiversity: this is particularly relevant in relation to the preparation of projects for energy generation and the construction of electricity and gas infrastructure through nature reserves. The policy is aimed at making responsible choices based on the outcomes of studies and environmental impact reports.
