Our commitment to a sustainable future
We face the challenges of transitioning to a decarbonized economy together with our stakeholders, and constantly work to share innovative ideas and solutions to ensure sustainable progress for everyone.
Our sustainability strategy
At the heart of our sustainability strategy lies our ambition to achieve zero emissions by 2040. This goal is supported by a sustainable business model that relies on renewable energy generation, secure and reliable grids, and the clean electrification of customer consumption.
In all of our activities, we consistently prioritize the needs of our stakeholders. Innovation, digitalization, circular economy and sustainable finance work together and accelerate growth. A pathway of sustainable growth that occurs while respecting nature and human rights, with a solid governance structure supporting it.
Zero Emission Ambition
At the core of Enel's sustainability strategy lies the ambition to achieve zero emissions by 2040, aligning with the objective of limiting global warming to below 1.5 °C.
In 2022, we achieved a significant milestone by establishing a decarbonization roadmap that aims to reduce all direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 99% by 2040, compared to the 2017 levels, across the entire value chain.
How we performed in 2022
Our goals
* Values of reduction percentages were calculated on an equal perimeter basis and take into account the 2017 baseline from which GHG emissions from disposed assets from 2017-2022 are excluded, in accordance with SBTi.
Read the Zero Emissions Ambition Report
Discover more in the “Zero Emissions Ambition” chapter in the 2022 Sustainability Report
Projects
ADAPTATION: climate change-proof future
We are building a climate change-proof company, combining mitigation efforts with the ability to understand change and develop solutions aimed at maintaining profitability and promoting resilient growth models for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Clean Electrification
Electrification is the common strategic horizon toward the progressive decarbonization of the economy. This path is supported by the growing development of renewable energies and the expansion of digitalized grids. These enable the integration of larger quantities of energy generated from renewable sources and provide a high quality, safe and reliable service. Moreover, electrification serves as a catalyst through which customers can participate first-hand in the ongoing transformation, offering the opportunity to tap into the benefits of sustainable solutions that are affordable, innovative, flexible and digital.
How we performed in 2022
Our goals
Discover more in the “Clean Electrification” chapter in the 2022 Sustainability Report
Projects
3SUN Gigafactory: the future of energy takes shape in Catania
Our 3SUN photovoltaic module factory in Catania, which was established in 2010 and has been experiencing continuous growth, is on the path to becoming a genuine Gigafactory. By July 2024, the factory's annual production capacity will increase by 15 times, from the current 200 MW to 3 GW. This transformation will position 3SUN as the largest photovoltaic panel factory in Europe.
Smart Axistance e-Well
Smart Axistance e-Well is an innovative application designed to guide users towards personal well-being. Its primary objective is to enhance lifestyle and monitor essential health risk factors.
Just Transition
At the heart of our strategy is our contribution to building a fairer and more inclusive society across the whole value chain, since we believe that our integrated business model coupled with a sustainable business conduct enables contribution to the 2030 Agenda.
We have therefore defined specific plans and lines of work for a just transition hinging on three pillars:
involving internal and external stakeholders to increase their awareness about a just transition and foster a constructive dialogue that can contribute valuably;
transition out of high carbon activities, supporting the vocational requalification of direct and indirect workers, developing socio-economic plans for affected communities and helping customers to quit conventional technologies;
- transition into green technologies, facilitating access to new job opportunities for direct and indirect workers, and the development of inclusive and accessible solutions for communities and customers.
Learn more in the "Our Commitment to a Just Transition: Leaving No One Behind" chapter of the Sustainability Report 2022
People
The value of relationships we build with our stakeholders lies at the core of our commitment to achieving a just transition.
In order to drive sustainable progress, it is essential to consistently consider the needs of our stakeholders in all our activities. These stakeholders include Enel employees, our customers, the communities in which we operate, our suppliers, and the financial community.
How we performed in 2022
* Cumulated values since 2015.
Our goals
* Cumulated values since 2015.
Discover more in the “Empowering Enel people”, “Sustainable supply chain” and “Engaging communities” chapters in the 2022 Sustainability Report
Projects
Back to School: Enel’s first global initiative with a STEM and empowerment focus
In 2022, the Group launched the global initiative “Back to School”, which involved a remarkable 12 countries (Spain, Italy, Greece, South Africa, India and then Columbia, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Romania, USA and Canada) and more than 4,000 students, out of which almost 76% of them girls.
ENERGIE PER LA SCUOLA: a bridge between companies and training for the energy transition
At the start of 2022, the "Energie per la Scuola" program was launched specifically for students in their final year of technical or vocational school. The program's objective is to guide these students towards employment opportunities provided by Enel contractors upon their graduation.
Wind Turbine Technician Partnership with Lethbridge College, CDN
Since 2020, in Alberta, where we operate four wind farms, we have been pursuing a multi-year partnership with Lethbridge College to support a program to train wind turbine technicians (WTTs) and empower the students of the Piikani Nation.
Nature
Protecting natural capital and biodiversity, combating climate change, and contributing to sustainable economic development are strategic factors in the planning, operation, and development of our activities. This commitment translates into daily efforts to reduce and mitigate potential negative effects on the planet that may result from the Group's various activities, ensuring the protection of present and future generations.
How we performed in 2022
Our goals
*The 2017 target values and the baseline were recalculated net of asset deconsolidation as of December 31, 2022
Discover more in the “Conservation of natural capital” chapter in the 2022 Sustainability Report
Projects
Roboost Project – Robotic washing of solar panels
Our solar plants are frequently installed in arid regions, capitalizing on their abundant sun exposure. While the water consumption for panel cleaning is relatively low compared to thermal generation, it is crucial to continually strive for further reduction, considering the particular context of water scarcity in these regions.
Huinay – POETA Program – an example of a partnership for researching the impacts of climate on nature
In 2021, Fondazione Centro Studi Enel signed a partnership agreement with the Fondación San Ignacio del Huinay with the aim of developing joint projects involving research, analysis and scientific studies.
Growth Accelerators
Innovation, the circular economy, digitalization, and sustainable finance are Enel’s sustainability strategy accelerators of growth, embracing and enhancing all strategic themes across the board. We constantly strive to find innovative solutions, reduce material consumption along the entire value chain, and develop business models and new digital media.
How we performed in 2022
*The circularity improvement index measures lower material and fuel consumption of the Group’s plants throughout their life cycle compared to 2015, in relation to the energy produced.
Our goals
*The circularity improvement index measures lower material and fuel consumption of the Group’s plants throughout their life cycle compared to 2015, in relation to the energy produced.
Discover more in the “Innovation,” “Digitalization” and “Circular Economy” chapters in the 2022 Sustainability Report
Projects
Innovation of the power grid to mitigate the environmental impact and improve its resilience
Enel’s Net-Zero strategy for the power grid sector is focused on reducing CO2 emissions from activities, minimizing grid losses, and adopting circular, low-emission materials and components. In fact, a notable area of innovation within Enel Grids is Sustainable Design and Resilience, which aims to mitigate environmental impact and improve grid resilience through new technologies and sustainable materials, rethinking both systems and components.
“Wind New Life”
The project aims to establish two plants in Italy and Spain to develop a circular value chain for managing the end-of-life of wind turbine blades.
PLATFORMS: rapid and effective response to continuous change
Digital platforms are one of the pillars of Enel’s strategy, and together with ecosystems, they serve as tools for maximum information sharing and mutual trust. Embracing a platform-oriented approach enables us to create a competitive advantage, as digital platforms facilitate the emergence of new operational and business models, such as the sharing economy.
Human Rights
Our commitment to human rights is reflected in an integrated, across-the-board approach that considers the needs of our stakeholders throughout the entire value chain. By doing so, we aim to raise awareness and foster constructive dialogue that can effectively address the challenges associated with the social impact of a decarbonized economy.
Protecting the health and safety of all those who work with and for us is a shared responsibility at every level. This is achieved through the integration of safety processes and training, effective collaboration with contractors, thorough management and analysis of accidents, and continuous quality controls.
A sound governance framework underpins all our business processes and activities, ensuring the application of principles such as transparency, fairness, and integrity to support our business model and its daily implementation. This framework also supports the implementation of our entire sustainability strategy, providing reassurance to our stakeholders.
How we performed in 2022
*The index is calculated by establishing the ratio between the number of injuries (all injuries, also those with 3 days of absence or less) and hours worked/1,000,000.
Our goals
*The index is calculated by establishing the ratio between the number of injuries (all injuries, also those with 3 days of absence or less) and hours worked/1,000,000.
Discover more in the : “Managing human rights”, “Occupational health and safety” and “Sound governance” chapters in the 2022 Sustainability Report
Our commitment to sustainable progress
The main global sustainability organizations we are part of
Consult the Sustainability section on the Enel.com website
The Circular Economy Webinar
When it comes to our approach to the circular economy, we don’t only look at business activity; we also focus on the development and spread of knowledge. For this reason in 2023, as in previous years, we are organizing a series of training and information sessions related to the circular economy.