General Disclosures

Alpiq has divided the stakeholders identified in an evaluation in accordance with GRI 102-42 into four groups:

In Switzerland, no employees are covered by collective bargaining. On the other hand, collective bargaining exists in Italy, affecting 3 % of employees at the Alpiq Group.

In the previous year, the internal and external stakeholders were defined in a workshop consisting of a team of experts from the whole Alpiq Group. In a first step, the significance of the impact of Alpiq’s activities on stakeholders and their influence on the Group were determined. This assessment formed the basis for the selection of the most relevant stakeholder groups. These individual stakeholders were reviewed in the reporting year 2021 and classified into the four groups according to GRI 102-40 for this Sustainability Report.

Alpiq is in direct exchange with the various stakeholders. The regularity of these dialogues as well as the channels used for them vary depending on the stakeholder group. There are various channels and platforms for informal and formal direct dialogue with and amongst employees. A dialogue is maintained with the shareholders via the General Secretariat and the Annual General Assembly or through contact with the Board of Directors. Exchange with the other stakeholder groups takes place with varying intensity and is highly dependent on the situation; it is particularly ensured via the specialist departments in the business units, Public Relations or Investor Relations.

Alpiq started its journey to becoming a more sustainable company in 2020. As a first step, Alpiq defined and sharpened its corporate purpose: ‘With our sustainable energy business, we contribute to a better climate and greater security of supply.’ Then Alpiq identified five goals from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are relevant to the company. Starting in Switzerland, the Group-wide implementation is now underway with the development of the ESG strategy, including specific tasks and target values (KPIs) for the coming years. At the same time, Alpiq is implementing short-term measures such as reducing disposable items, increasing waste separation and recycling, as well as optimising heating and air-conditioning in its office buildings.

In the reporting year, Alpiq had itself assessed for sustainability by an independent rating agency. This cooperation and the associated exchange revealed a need for action in two areas in particular: Documentation of Alpiq’s commitment to sustainability and communication of sustainability activities. An international team of Alpiq employees analyses the rating results in detail and develops appropriate measures. These measures are based on the ESG framework set by Alpiq and ultimately aim to improve the points mentioned above. The sustainability report reflects the current status in each case.

On its journey of sustainability described above, Alpiq is supported by several associations, for example by Swisscleantech and Advance. Alpiq also plays a constructive role in shaping federal energy policy, for example by supporting the CO₂ Act in the reporting year.

Employees significantly contribute to the success of Alpiq, which is why Alpiq takes their concerns seriously and allows different opinions to be taken into account when making corporate decisions. For example, concerns from the 2020 employee survey were addressed in the reporting year and implemented through an action plan. Further information on this is provided under ‘Corporate culture’.

On the customer side, there is a growing demand and need for sustainable services and products in the areas of electricity procurement and energy marketing. With the supply of climate-friendly electricity from carbon-free Swiss hydropower or wind farms and photovoltaic installations in various European countries, Alpiq supports customers in achieving the set climate goals (e.g. carbon neutrality or reduction in the share of fossil fuels) and supports them during the switchover process.