DESFA is taking steady steps towards a clean energy future through the continuous development of its infrastructure and the reduction of the environmental footprint of its operations, as indicated in DESFA’s ESG Report for the year 2022. The Operator has proceeded with the publication of its first ESG Report, which demonstrates the Company’s performance, strategy and initiatives in the areas of Environment, Society and Corporate Governance, in accordance with the official Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN SDGs).
DESFA has adopted a holistic approach to the environment, with a commitment not only to fight climate change but also to adopt best practices for the conservation and development of the areas where the existing infrastructure operates, mitigating the environmental impacts. In 2022, the Operator developed its long-term strategy towards the introduction of green and renewable gases such as hydrogen and biomethane, into the country’s energy mix, firmly positioning the Company as a key player in Greece’s energy transition. In line with the Company’s strategy, all new infrastructures are designed and built to ensure the progressive integration of green gases, with the West Macedonia pipeline project being the first 100% compatible pipeline for the transport of hydrogen in Greece.
Respect for society as a whole is at the core of DESFA’s corporate culture. Furthermore, safety and service quality are regarded as priority objectives for sustainable development, with the application and continuous improvement of initiatives that positively impact various stakeholders. DESFA, committed to the protection and promotion of human rights, is constantly caring to safeguard the Health & Safety of its employees, contractors, sub-contractors and the local communities DESFA interacts with, where the Operator is continuously engaging to build and retain constructive relationships. In 2022, DESFA continued its extensive training program for all employees with a special dedication to the HSE Personnel Competence Management System in which training and actions are accompanied by a corresponding evaluation of the participating employees and subsequently their professional adequacy.
At the same time, a significant emphasis is given to achieving good governance within the company, with particular emphasis on reliability, compliance, ethics, and efficiency of services, as well as the development of a risk management system that will ensure the business continuity of the company. DESFA developed an anti-corruption model with continuous monitoring, while strengthening its actions on the Data Protection Framework.
Taking into account the aforementioned guidelines, DESFA’s key performances for 2022 are summarised below:
- Promote the development of the Natural Gas Transmission System in areas previously inaccessible, allowing for an increase in the share of natural gas in the country’s overall energy mix.
- Minimization of DESFA’s carbon footprint and the direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions emanating from all corporate facilities.
- Adopting the strategical approach of the ‘Net Zero Plan’, which was adopted in 2023 and envisages a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
- Accelerate the construction of the Western Macedonia High-Pressure Pipeline, one of the first in Europe to be certified to transport up to 100% hydrogen.
- Increase the number of women in management positions by 30% compared to 2019.
- Carrying out multiple initiatives to enhance employee protection and training in occupational health and safety.
- Implementation of numerous volunteer actions aimed at enhancing DESFA’s positive footprint in the local communities where it operates.
The CEO of DESFA, Maria Rita Galli, commenting on the release of the ESG Report for 2022, stated: “With the publication of our first ESG Report, we have the opportunity to present our philosophy, current performance as well as our future ESG objectives. In 2022 we have undertaken a number of initiatives to protect the environment, support society and achieve good governance. We are committed to continuing in the same direction, creating value for all interested stakeholders and advancing our operations. DESFA is laying the foundations for the energy of tomorrow by investing in people, innovation and infrastructure ready to meet future needs, facilitating more sustainable energy alternatives and paving the way towards a zero-carbon future.”
The scope of this report is limited to DESFA activities and does not include information regarding any other affiliated Company. It has been prepared in accordance with the new GRI Standards 2021 and GRI 11 Oil and Gas Sector 2021, the updated Athens Stock Exchange ESG Reporting Guide 2022 and the SASB Standard «Oil and Gas – Midstream 2018». The report also partly covers the TCFD recommendations on climate-related financial disclosures and presents the impacts of the Company in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN SDGs).
The complete DESFA ESG Report for 2022 is available here and it was prepared with consulting support from the Climate Change and Sustainability Services Department of EY Greece.