GEK TERNA Group: Responsible business practices aimed at protecting the environment

Guided by a series of material issues pointed out by its stakeholders, the Group carries out its business activities by taking measures that lead to the reduction of the adverse environmental impacts of its activities, focusing on several areas.

Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Having as a strategic priority the reduction of its carbon footprint and the implementation of best practices for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from its business activities, the Group records its direct and indirect CO2 emissions since 2014, which are calculated based on ISO 14064:2018 and the GHG Protocol Standard. Specifically, in 2023, the Group achieved the reduction of direct CO2 emissions (Scope 1) by approximately 310,000tn while in terms of Scope 2 emissions (indirect CO2 emissions resulting from the consumption of electricity), it ensured green electricity, through guarantees of origin, for 49% of its total consumption.
 

Renewable Energy Sources (RES)

Through its activity in the production and storage of clean energy, the Group contributes to the goal of increasing the percentage of RES in the national energy mix and to strengthening the stability and reliability of the energy system. At the same time, through specific products and services, such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), it further contributes to decarbonisation and the reduction of energy consumption.

Energy Efficiency

The Group improves its energy footprint through targeted actions, such as the renewal and maintenance of its machines with the aim of increasing their useful life and improving their energy efficiency.

Waste management and promotion of the circular economy

By adopting strategies to minimize waste generation, through recycling and safe waste management. Promoting circular economy practices that include the reuse of materials and the reduction of resources consumed in production processes.

 

Biodiversity Protection & Environmental Monitoring

Considering that a large part of the Group's activities (construction of motorways, development of wind farms, infrastructure development,) that take place within areas of high biodiversity value, the Group implements a management system that ensures the enhancement of the positive and the limitation of the negative impacts that creates or its operation can create.
Specifically, during the construction and operation of its projects, the Group conducts Environmental Impact Assessment studies (EIA), Appropriate Assessments (Special Ecological Assessments in Greek -SEA), Special Ornithological Studies (SEO), as well as Environmental Monitoring Programs in collaboration with specialized experts and institutions. The objective of these activities is to acquire the necessary information to ensure the protection of local ecosystems by investigating and implementing appropriate mitigation and restoration measures.
A representative example is the E65 motorway, operating in areas of high biodiversity value, as it crosses critical habitats for the wolf and brown bear, in its south and north sections respectively. Hence, from the initial project planning phase, wildlife monitoring programs were developed in collaboration with the NGO Callisto in both motorway sections. The outcomes of these programs resulted in the final motorway design which includes specialized fencing, suitable lighting, exit passes and approximately 50 upper and lower fauna passes. It should be noted that the northern section of the motorway is the most critical habitat for four species of wild mammals (Bear, Wolf, Roe Deer, Wild Boar), thus a special study was conducted to ensure that both the construction and operation of the motorway would have as minimum impact as possible on the wider area’s wildlife.
In addition, the Group installs monitoring and control systems for the continuous evaluation of environmental performance and the immediate treatment of any problems that may occur in the areas of operation.

Transparency and Reports

The Group publishes its environmental performance and initiatives on a regular basis, promoting transparency and accountability towards shareholders and society. In addition, the smooth adaptation of the Group to the new regulatory requirements for the disclosure of data in the fields of Environment, Society and Governance requires strengthening the corporate culture towards sustainable development. In this context, it carries out informative and awareness programs for its employees and suppliers regarding the environmental practices it applies and the importance of sustainability in the wider value chain.