Author: Apostol Alexia -Diandra
Introduction
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a business model in which companies integrate social and environmental concerns into their operations and are held socially accountable by the public, the stakeholders and themselves. Its basis is the idea that business should go beyond just the idea of making a profit by actively contributing positively to society and the environment. CSR includes a wide range of responsibilities, such as being environmentally sustainable by reducing their carbon footprints, minimizing waste and adopting an efficient way of using their resources. A second responsibility would be for companies to be socially equitable, by ensuring a fair treatment of their employees and customers and promoting diversity and guaranteeing fair labor standards. A company must also be ethically responsible by being transparent with its business practices and respecting human rights or to only engage in transactions with clients or suppliers that align with their views. A fourth duty of a business is to have a sense of philanthropic responsibility, namely to donate a part of their profit to charities and to offer sponsorship to fundraising events. A final CSR responsibility would be to follow through financially with the aforementioned plans. A company should strongly consider engaging in CSR because a few positive outcomes that they can expect are as follows: a way to better plan their long-term investments, better operational performance such as better costs after optimizing their use of resources and electric power, longer-term employees, new business opportunities, breaching new markets where sustainable services and goods are crucial, ensuring a better reputation, creating a more loyal clientele, a better place on the market, better access to capital, attracting more international long-term investors, more favorable financing terms and conditions, a better understanding of the needs that the stakeholders have, a more improved relationship with investors and making more likely the support of the stakeholders during difficult times. If companies do not put into practice CSR activities, they risk having their operating license annulled or to be fined for not respecting the legislation, higher costs due to inefficient operation, the risk of losing employees, a lower placement in the market compared to competitors that show a good sense of corporate social responsibility, the risk of losing clients, not being able to attract new employees, facing backlash from NGOs, losing funding, higher financing costs due to ESG risk premiums, investors being less likely to be involved with the business.
The aim of this paper is to create a thorough comparative analysis of the CSR practices of ten companies performing business activities in Romania. The reasoning behind conducting such an analysis is the fact that uncovering the way that each business carries out its CSR practices is beneficial in understanding successful CSR strategies, providing transparency to potential customers, becoming more aware of current global issues such as social inequality, climate change and the importance for sustainable practices.
The companies chosen for comparison for this analysis are listed as follows in alphabetical order: Apa Nova, Aquila, Auchan, Coca-Cola, eMag, E.ON, IKEA, Orange, Regina Maria, TeraPlast. These particular businesses were chosen for this analysis because of their significant presence in their respective fields, the vastly different fields that each of them operates in and the sizes of the companies themselves. A crucial similarity that the companies were required to have in order to be selected for this analysis was to have one of its business practices in Romania.
Methodology
The data for this comparative analysis has been collected from the annual sustainability report that each company has made available on their respective websites. All the reports are originally written in Romanian, the data being required to be translated into English. All the reports are in compliance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) in order to ensure that all the data is consistent and comparable. The reports were selected to be the most recently available ones, most of them being from the year 2022. As mentioned before, the companies were chosen in such a way to ensure they belong in diverse fields from the Romanian market.
Company Profiles
The following part will present a small overview of the companies in this analysis and their respective CSR strategies and mission statements. Firstly, the Aquila Group is one of the top companies in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, operating in the distribution and logistics field, meeting the needs of over 67.000 points of sale in the entire country, representing over 90% of the consumer goods market from Romania. Their business model is built on 3 key directions: distribution, logistics, and transport, the distribution part representing their main line of business, with over 67.000 points of sale as mentioned previously, 58.000 of them being a part of the Traditional Trade channel, over 4.500 in the Organized Trade channel and 5.000 in the HoReCa channel. Aquila’s logistical activity is a complementary component of their distribution of large consumer goods, offering services of depositing, packing or repacking and internal transport. The following tables will show Aquila’s Corporate Governance, their Shareholding and the Organizational Chart:
Aquila’s Corporate Governance table:
Aquila’s Shareholding table:
Aquila’s Organizational Chart:
Aquila’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy was first revealed in 2021, consisting of a five-year plan. Their focus for this strategy was split into three directions: environment and climate change, human capital and communities, and lastly, ethics and governance. The period in which the company wishes to fulfill the plan is 2022 to 2026, and their objectives are split into the three aforementioned categories as follows: twelve actions for environment and climate change, eighteen actions for human capital and communities and nine actions for ethics and governance.
The next company in the paper is Apa Nova Bucuresti, one of the most important companies in Romania that offers water supply and sewerage services in Bucharest and the surrounding areas. The company is part of the Veolia Group, a world leader in the field of managing water resources and the protection of the environment. Apa Nova has the capacity to collect untreated water, the treatment and distribution of drinking water and collection and treatment of waste water. Apa Nova own thirteen contracts with the surrounding areas of Bucharest for the sale of drinking water and disposal of waste water.
The Organizational Chart of Apa Nova:
The Veolia Group came up with a CSR strategy that should come to fruition until 2030, their objective is defined by contributing to human progress and durable development, with a clear alignment with the durable development objectives of ONU. Their fifteen-year plan consists of eradicating extreme poverty, combating inequalities and injustice and protecting the planet until the year 2023. In order to implement this, Apa Nova has come up with their own objectives for the year 2023, a strategy named “Impact Strategy 2023 – Apa Nova Bucuresti” (“Strategia Imapct 2023 – Apa Nova Bucuresti”). The strategy is split into five dimensions, the first one is environmental performance, having the objective of protecting the environment and biodiversity and the durable management of water resources. Performance of human resources comes in second, having the objective of ensuring safety at the workplace. Thirdly, commercial performance has the target of offering satisfaction to clients and consumers. In the fourth place comes economic and financial performance, with the objective of constantly investing in the future. Lastly, social performance, they commit to be ethical and compliant through responsible methods.
The third company is Auchan, a well-known retail store, founded in France. In their 2022, they reported that there are 438 Auchan stores in Romania, including the 300 stores within the Petrom gas stations, thirty-three hypermarkets, six supermarkets, and nine My Auchan-type stores. From 2021 to 2022, Auchan’s number of stores in Romania grew from 139 to 438 units.
The following two diagrams will showcase Auchan’s Corporate Governance:
Auchan’s CSR strategy aims to showcase the importance of durable development, adopting an ample strategy that has the objective of directing their efforts both locally and at a group level. Their strategy is based on four key pillars with the aim to bring positive change in the communities that they are a part of. The four pillars are as follows: promoting a healthy diet and fighting against food waste, fighting against pollution due to using plastic, the reduction of the carbon footprint, social and societal commitments.
The fourth company is Coca-Cola, a multinational company that is the largest company in the beverage industry, their activity consists of producing locally and distributing in Romania and other ten countries in the region, beverages from their portfolio, which includes their own drink Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite, fruit juices like Cappy Pulpy, the bottled water Dona and Poiana Negri and the cold teas Fuzetea.
The following list represents the team composition of the Senior Management:
Coca-Cola’s main CSR strategy is to reduce down to zero greenhouse gas emissions from direct operations, but also the emissions generated along the value chain until 2040. The rest of their strategy focuses on contributing to the solving of the global crises regarding packaging waste, to reduce the consumption of water, sustainable procurement of ingredients, expanding their drink portfolio to offer sugar-free drinks wand with a low-calorie content and to offer a safe and inclusive work-space.
The fifth company that will be found in this analysis is eMag, the leader of the e-commerce companies in the Romanian market. Emag is an online store that offers millions of products from tens of categories, such as fashion, electronics, toys, cosmetic products, etc. In 2018, they introduced the delivery company Sameday, which allows clients to pick up their packages at any hour in the day from some specialized secure boxes called easybox. Their CSR strategy consists of promoting their commitment to protecting the environment, monitoring and lowering their emissions, promoting a circular economy and extending the life cycle of their products, strengthening their partnership with the Foundation “Conservation Carpathia“ (Fundatia “Conservation Carpathia”) for protecting and conserving forests and natural habitats, facilitating the access of their partners to regional markets, promoting solutions of sustainable packaging and educating their clients on recycling and lastly, creating opportunities of a proper environment for achieving universal access to education.
Another company in this paper is E.ON, the first integrated supplier of electricity and natural gases in Romania. Currently, the group E.ON is present in twenty counties from the regions Transilvania, Moldova, Maramures, and Banat, ensuring the supply of reliable, innovative and sustainable energy services. At the end of the year 2022, the Executive Committee of E.ON was formed from one woman and three men, the position of CEO belonging to Volker Raffel, and the other three positions of deputy general manager to Claudia Griech, Mirko Strube and Cristian Nicolae Secosan. Their CSR objectives consist of reducing Scope 1 and 2 type greenhouse gas emissions by 71% until 2030, a reduction of Scope 3 type gas emissions with 21% until 2030, installing 240 charging stations for electric car.
IKEA is the seventh company in this analysis, a chain of retail stores that focuses on the sale of furniture and household use items. Other than the sales of the items, the company offers a variety of other services such as delivery, click and collect, the assembly of the furniture, financing services, buy-back and the option to purchase second-hand items. The following figure will show the way the leadership team is organized in Romania:
IKEA’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy is made up of three pillars, all of them having the main objective of creating a better day-to-day life for as many people as possible, by living a sustainable lifestyle. The pillars should all be accomplished by 2030 and are described as follows, the first one is in regards to living a healthy and more sustainable lifestyle, IKEA’s commitments for that are to create a movement to inspire people to lead a better lifestyle and promote circular consumption. The second pillar is to craft a positive influence regarding the climate and the regeneration of resources, by transforming into a circular business, substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving biodiversity. The third pillar consists of contributing to a more equally fair society through respecting human rights and creating a positive impact on the people in their value chain, the company managing to do this by supplying decent jobs in IKEA’s value chain and developing a business based on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The next company that will be discussed is Orange, the leading company in the telecommunications operators and digital service providers field in Romania. Nowadays, Orange offers a wide array of services such as comprehensive voice services, fixed and mobile data, TV services, smart home, as well as complex IT&C solutions through Orange Business Services. Orange was one of the first providers to introduce the 4G technology in Romania and played a key role in developing this service. Their CSR strategy named “Engage2025” has the aim of offering access to everyone to a responsible digital world. The strategy was adopted in 2020 and has at its basis three objectives along with three respective commitments. The first pair of objectives-commitments is to develop integrated solutions with value throughout the entire process with the commitment to grow the trust of their clients. The second pair is to develop their capacity to integrate and offer services, with the commitment to invest in their employees. The third and final pair is to reinvent with the aim to be prepared for the new wave of digital evolution, with the commitment to promote sustainability in their business.
The second to last company discussed will be Regina Maria, a private healthcare network founded in Romania. The private provider of medical services has obtained sixteen international accreditations for the quality and safety of their services and the fastest adoption rate when it comes to digital instruments and the use of artificial intelligence in medicine. Their CSR objectives have been unified in one strategy in the year 2022, the objectives being to grow access to modern medical services, develop human resources, show responsibility towards the environment, and showcase ethics and integrity during their activity.
The final company that will have a report in this analysis is TeraPlast, the biggest polymer processor from Central and Est Europe. During 2021 their activities were held in eight factories located in Saratel, Bistrita and Nasaud. Other than their own deposits, TeraPlast has an extensive network of distributors at national and international levels. The following figure shows Teraplast’s Board of Directors:
TeraPlast’s Corporate Social Responsibility objectives are split into 3 dimensions: the environment, people and ethics and governance. The objectives of the first medium are to reduce their carbon footprint even more than they had so far, to invest in producing biodegradable packaging, to develop products that influence minimalizing the use of carbon emissions and to increase the use of renewable energy. The second medium has the aims to improve the work conditions of their personnel, to offer diverse professional and personal development programs. The final medium regards ethics and governance, having the objectives of implementing a way in which anyone can submit complaints regarding human rights, anti-corruption, the environment, GDPR through a Whistleblower (Avertizor de integritate) .
Key CSR Areas
In the following part, each company will have a description of their most important CSR objectives that have been described in their sustainability reports.
Aquila
Fleet fuel consumption
| 2021 | 2022 | |
| Total consumption | 180.45 | 166.91 |
This resulted in a decrease of -7.5% in fleet fuel consumption compared to 2021.
The company implemented a route management system (TMS), resulting in a 2.02% reduction in kilometers traveled. Additionally, they invested in renewing their fleet by acquiring vehicles with less polluting engines, complying with current pollution standards. This, combined with the TMS implementation, led to an 8.4% decrease in diesel consumption and a 4.3% decrease in gasoline consumption in 2022 compared to the previous year.
Electricity and natural gas consumption:
| 2021 | 2022 | |
| Total Consumption | 58,798.60 | 56,971.20 |
This resulted in a decrease of -3.1% in electricity and natural gas consumption compared to 2021.
The variation in energy consumption for heating/cooling during the period was influenced by two main factors. Firstly, a 12.7% reduction in natural gas consumption compared to the previous period was observed, attributed to the company’s optimization initiatives in response to escalating international natural gas prices. Secondly, higher temperatures recorded during the period led to a decreased usage of heating systems, further contributing to the overall decline in energy consumption for heating/cooling.At the group level, the percentage of electricity from renewable sources was 52%.
The company has committed to reducing its carbon footprint by focusing efforts on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as outlined in the Sustainability Strategy adopted at the Group level for the period 2022 – 2026.
GHG emissions – market-based (tons CO2e)
| 2021 | 2022 | Evolution | |
| Total Scope 1+2+3 (based on location) | 39.532,1 | 37.326,6 | -5,6% |
The discrepancy in the reduction of the carbon footprint between the location-based and market-based methods is attributed to Scope 2 emissions. In 2022, Scope 2 emissions calculated using the market-based method were higher than those in 2021.
In 2022, Aquila implemented measures to efficiently manage waste and reduce environmental impact. They increased the use of roll containers by 60% and reduced the use of pallets in deliveries to partners, leading to minimized waste generation. This contributed to avoiding packaging waste and optimizing resources, promoting circularity in Aquila’s value chain. Additionally, 8,000 roll containers were implemented for deliveries to partners from fuel stations, resulting in a 99% reduction in pallet usage.
The implementation of the WMS system has enabled complete product traceability, facilitating efficient management and identification of potential optimization points. Additionally, the system has significantly reduced paper usage in the company’s distribution centers by 99%.
Regarding the use of paper in offices, Aquila has a policy of predominantly using recycled paper. In 2022, 75% of the 20,344 reams of office paper purchased by Aquila originated from recycled paper sources.
In 2022, Aquila implemented waste management measures that led to a 19% reduction in the quantity of waste generated. To further improve waste management, Aquila plans to implement additional measures, including efficient management of paper and cardboard, better inventory control, development of efficient methods for managing waste from electrical and electronic equipment, and ongoing employee training on waste prevention and selective waste collection.
As part of their sustainability strategy, Aquila aims to calculate and monitor water consumption to optimize internal processes. Drinking water consumption increased by 2% in 2022 due to business growth and increased office presence. Water is used for sanitation, fire prevention, and staff needs, sourced from centralized utility networks. Wastewater decreased by 5% in 2022, attributed to the closure of the Aricestii Rahtivani landfill, with wastewater discharged into centralized sewage networks.
As of December 31, 2022, the company’s human capital figures reflect a workforce of 2,887 individuals. Among them, female employees constitute 39%, indicating a diverse gender representation within the organization. Additionally, the vast majority of employees, accounting for 99%, are engaged in full-time positions. These statistics underscore the company’s commitment to maintaining a robust and inclusive workforce, comprised predominantly of full-time employees with a significant representation of women.
At the end of 2022, the Aquila Group experienced a slight decrease of 1.90% in the total number of employees compared to 2021, attributed mainly to operational efficiencies. This reduction was facilitated by the implementation of new activity management systems aimed at streamlining processes related to storage, handling, and shipping of goods. These initiatives resulted in increased labor productivity, leading to a reduction in the human workforce in certain areas.
The Diversity Policy commits to promoting and supporting diversity among employees, aiming to create an organizational culture that ensures equal opportunities and fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment. The policy emphasizes treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or any other form of social discrimination. In 2022, there was an increase in the proportion of women within the Group, reaching 39% compared to 38% in 2021. This reflects the firm commitment to promoting diversity and gender equality. In 2022, within Aquila company, no incidents of discrimination were recorded.
In 2022, Aquila carried out various community support initiatives, including donating school bags with stationery and sweets to 124 children from vulnerable families in the Republic of Moldova, and providing 100 packages to children from the Municipal Sports Club Ploiești in Romania for Christmas. Additionally, Aquila actively participated in the construction of a quadruplex house for four vulnerable families in the commune of Berceni, Prahova County, through its partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
Apa Nova
During the reporting period, the company employed a total of 1,964 individuals, with 536 of them being women. The average age of the company’s employees is 46 years old. Out of the total employees, 143 had fixed-term contracts, and 12 had part-time contracts.
The company offers an annual training plan that includes a variety of course types such as classroom, online, or hybrid courses, e-learning courses, both internal and external, facilitated by internal or external instructors. The courses cover technical, non-technical, and Health and Safety at Work topics. During the reporting period, Apa Nova Bucharest recorded 94,017 hours of professional training, including 7,482 e-learning hours, with a total of 1,964 unique participants. This exceeded the average number of training hours per employee targeted by the strategic objective, indicating that all employees received training in 2022.
One of the objectives embraced by the Veolia Group, including Apa Nova Bucharest, is to foster an inclusive culture where all employees are treated with respect, fairness, and without discrimination. They are recognized for their uniqueness and are considered full members of the corporate community. In 2022, Apa Nova Bucharest employed 17 individuals with declared disabilities as part of its commitment to providing equal opportunities and treatment for all personnel, including those with disabilities. In 2022, within Apa Nova, no incidents of discrimination were recorded.
Apa Nova Bucharest is committed to reducing the exploitation and use of depletable natural resources. This commitment is reflected in investment programs and decreasing consumption across various processes, including water capture, production, transport, distribution of drinking water, as well as the collection, transport, and treatment of wastewater and stormwater. The raw water required to be collected that is captured undergoes a process of desanding before being transported to the three water treatment plants: Roșu, Arcuda, and Crivina, where it goes to some complex processes in order to be treated.
In 2022, there was a significant reduction in the quantity of raw water extracted and consumed compared to 2001, with a decrease of approximately 69.1%. The total amount of untreated water taken from natural sources in 2022 was 185.004 million cubic meters.
The Veolia Group, that Apa Nova belongs too, has implemented a proactive policy for biodiversity protection, focusing on three main areas: raising awareness of biodiversity issues and assessing its impact, adopting measures for biodiversity conservation, and conducting information, training, and awareness initiatives for employees and customers. In 2022, key measures were taken to reduce biodiversity footprint, including improving the quality of life for species disturbed by artificial light and avoiding the installation of invasive species or controlling their populations.
In 2022, electricity consumption decreased, reaching approximately 80.5% of the value recorded in 2001.
Electricity and thermal energy consumption in 2022:
- Thermal energy consumption: 115,950.38 MWh
- Electricity consumption: 47,457 MWh
Fuel consumption in 2022:
- Gasoline consumption: 204.80 m3
- Diesel consumption: 927.94 m3
In 2022, Apa Nova București’s total GHG emissions amounted to 48,762 tons of CO2 equivalent, representing a decrease of approximately 2.04% compared to 2021.
Some initiatives implemented at the company level include:
- Efficient paper and cardboard management: Minimizing paper usage, placing selective collection bins, educating employees on recycling, and reusing materials like cardboard boxes.
- Reducing plastic waste: Diminishing single-use plastic cups, encouraging reusable containers, and opting for products with minimal or no excessive packaging.
In 2022 Apa Nova generated a total quantity of 113.275,53 tons of waste.
In 2022, Apa Nova București allocated approximately 4.8 million lei for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The funds were directed towards various areas including education, healthcare, environment, culture, sports, and humanitarian actions. The campaigns conducted by Apa Nova București in 2022 aimed at promoting corporate social responsibility and informing the community about key initiatives. These campaigns included „City Heroes” to showcase the importance of company activities, „Your City, Our Responsibility” to raise awareness about infrastructure investments, „A Step into the Future, Just One Step Away from You” regarding the relocation of the Customer Relations Center, and „Enroll at UTCB” to attract young talents in hydraulic engineering.
Auchan
Auchan prioritizes sustainability by sourcing raw materials responsibly, banning palm oil and shark meat from their recipes, and eliminating pangasius fish from their product portfolio since 2021.
The strategic quality objectives for 2022-2026 align with sustainability goals and focus on reducing carbon footprint, food waste, and plastic packaging. Auchan aims to promote quality through control rules and procedures, upgrading laboratories, and enhancing product traceability. Key actions include developing exclusive product lines, auditing suppliers, defining roles and responsibilities, and implementing training programs. Auchan prioritizes customer needs, high-quality products, and partner selection while emphasizing the organization’s responsibility for product lifecycle and customer safety. The objectives also aim to reduce penalties, improve operations, and ensure continuous improvement.
Auchan Romania has forged partnerships with over 100 local suppliers, aiming to simplify the listing process for new ones through a collaboration protocol with the Product Department. Their „Filiere” program focuses on building long-term partnerships with carefully selected local producers to ensure quality, safety, diversity, and freshness of products while offering competitive prices and innovation. This initiative spans various categories like fruits, vegetables, and fresh products, prioritizing responsibility and attention to detail, and providing customers with transparent production processes.
Auchan Romania aims to educate customers about plant-based consumption, promoting environmental care and health. They have started working on Animal Welfare and Sustainable Fishing policies in 2022, set to be implemented in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, they have expanded their product range to include 323 vegan and vegetarian products, including own-brand vegan yogurts.
As part of their effort to combat food waste, Auchan Romania established a sustainable partnership with the Federation of Food Banks in Romania in 2021. This partnership involves donating food products close to their expiration date or surplus from both stores and warehouses to help provide food for those in need through the network of 9 regional food banks. Another significant project implemented in their stores since 2021 is called „Zero Waste”. A key aspect of this project was the introduction of an artificial intelligence algorithm that analyzes each store’s behavior separately regarding sales rates, value retention, and volume changes in recent weeks, proposing appropriate discounts for each situation. The „Zero Waste” project has yielded significant results, including the saving of 55 million products and 4.2 million meals. Additionally, the project contributed to avoiding approximately 5,331 tons of CO2 emissions.
During the reporting period, Auchan implemented permanent recycling solutions in their stores and warehouses, focusing on secondary and tertiary packaging waste, resulting in over 800 tons of plastic recycled. Additionally, they partnered with Coca-Cola HBC Romania and GreenPoint Management to launch the „PETcolectezi și câștigi” campaign, aimed at increasing consumer awareness about the importance of separate collection of PET packaging. Special collection zones were set up in all Auchan hypermarkets and supermarkets nationwide as part of this initiative.
In 2022, Auchan Romania’s national CO2 emissions decreased by 7% compared to the previous year, totaling 83,323 tons equivalent. In 2022, Auchan achieved a notable 10% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the previous year, totaling 15,907.24 tons from gas and refrigerant consumption. Auchan experienced a 3% decrease in emissions from electricity and heating consumption compared to the previous year, amounting to a total of 48,376.91 tons of CO2.
Auchan made a significant contribution to reducing its carbon footprint by optimizing its transportation system. In 2022, they recorded a 22.36% increase in delivered parcels compared to the previous year (2021-2022), while simultaneously reducing the number of trucks used by 12%.
Consumption
| 2022 | 2021 | |
| Electricity(kWh) | 120.997.508 | 125.984.595 |
| Gas(kWh) | 23.828.510 | 26.463.468 |
| Water(m3) | 468.131 | 502.721 |
In 2022, Auchan’s electricity consumption went down by 4.12%, the gas consumption by 11.06% and the water consumption by 7.39%.
Auchan has implemented various efficiency measures in the short term, including adjusting lighting schedules based on outdoor conditions, reducing lighting in certain areas during off-hours, and conducting audits to identify energy-saving opportunities. Additionally, they have initiated a project to install photovoltaic panels on their Logistic Warehouse, aiming to generate renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint.
Efficient waste reduction and traceability mechanisms have been successfully implemented to ensure effective management across all operational stages. In 2022, Auchan stores recycled or energetically recovered 11,972 tons of waste, marking a 13% decrease compared to the previous year, with a total waste generation of 26,000 tons at store level.
In 2021, Auchan became the first local retailer to launch a circular economy initiative for clothing, focusing on reduction, reuse, and recycling principles. Special zones were created in Auchan stores dedicated to selling second-hand textile products. The initiative continued successfully in 2022, with a total of 430,000 items sold, double compared to the previous year, representing 287 tons of textile material. This initiative led to savings equivalent to 1,033 tons of CO2, contributing to reducing environmental impact.
Auchan, in collaboration with Can Pack Recycling and the Alucro Association, has been running the „Even Mom Recycles” campaign since 2016. The project aims to encourage customers to recycle aluminum cans. The initiative has been implemented in 21 Auchan stores for over 5 years, and to date, 7.1 million cans (89 tons of recycled aluminum) have been collected. During the reporting period, 1.4 million cans (17 tons of recycled aluminum) were collected.
Auchan collaborates with Recommerce Group to sell refurbished smartphones in 30 Auchan hypermarkets across Romania and online. These phones are priced up to 50% lower than new ones, come with a 12-month warranty, and are fully functional and aesthetically perfect. Auchan was the first retailer to offer refurbished smartphones in Romania, partnering with Fenix, a Romanian startup specializing in smartphone refurbishment, in 2020.
Auchan has a number of 7.806 employees, 7150 of them being employed full time and 656 part time. Of those total employees, 45% are women and 55% are men. Moreover, 111 of their employees are people with disabilities. During the reporting period, there have been no incidents of discrimination recorded.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola HBC recognizes its responsibility to address the global packaging waste crisis. In 2021, the company invested 2 million euros in its Timisoara plant to introduce Keel Clip technology in Romania. This innovation replaces the plastic wrap used for can packs with a biodegradable and recyclable cardboard alternative.
Aware of the need to change the approach to packaging waste, Coca-Cola HBC has set ambitious goals that reflect its commitment to global sustainability efforts. The company strives to integrate beverage packaging into the circular economy, believing that packaging materials have value and should not become waste at the end of their lifecycle.
Coca-Cola HBC is committed to reducing its impact on climate change by improving processes and optimizing consumption. By 2025, the company aims to lower emissions and energy consumption per liter of beverage produced. By 2030, Coca-Cola HBC plans to reduce emissions across its value chain by 25% and achieve a further 50% reduction in the following decade. The company will expand partnerships with suppliers to address 90% of third-party emissions and invest in additional environmental protection measures if necessary.
Water is a crucial resource for beverage manufacturing, and the company’s 2025 commitments include specific targets to reduce water consumption, especially in factories located in areas at risk of drought.
The focus on sustainable sourcing extends beyond internal operations to include suppliers, emphasizing the importance of implementing best practices across the entire value chain. The commitment for 2025 entails sourcing 100% certified basic agricultural ingredients in line with The Coca-Cola Company’s sustainable agriculture principles.
The focus remains on enhancing and broadening the range of sugar-free or low-calorie beverages while ensuring transparent disclosure of their nutritional value. Commitments have been made to decrease the calorie content per 100 ml of carbonated drinks by 25% by 2025 compared to 2015.
| Global commitment 2025 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Reduction with 30% of the Carbon emission rate | -14% reduction compared with 2017 | -29.6% reduction compared with 2017 |
| 50% of the fridges placed in client’s locations, energy efficient | 42% | 48.4% |
| 50% of the energy used in factories comes from renewable and clean sources | 81% | 81.1% |
| 100% of the total electricity used in factories in the EU and Switzerland comes from renewable and clean sources | 100% | 100% |
The global commitment for 2025 includes reducing water consumption by 20% in factories located in drought-prone areas and ensuring water availability for communities in these areas. However, factories in Romania are not situated in drought-prone regions, so this commitment doesn’t directly apply to them.
| Global commitment 2025 | 2021 | 2022 |
| 100% of packaging recyclable | 100% | 100% |
| 35% of al PET used to be recycled or sourced from renewable sources | 15.8% | 22.6% |
| Support in collecting of an amount equivalent to 75% of our primary packaging placed on the market | 66.5% | 70.8% |
The commitment is to supply 100% of basic agricultural ingredients certified in accordance with sustainable agriculture principles by 2025. In 2021, the achievement was 80%, and in 2022, it reached 78.29%.
The global commitment for 2025 is to reduce the number of calories per 100 ml of carbonated soft drinks by 25%. In 2021, there was a reduction of 10.8% compared to 2015, and in 2022, it was reduced by 11.7% compared to 2015.
In the „People and Communities” area, the global commitment for 2025 includes achieving zero fatalities and reducing the accident rate by 50%. In 2021 and 2022, there were zero fatalities recorded. Additionally, the commitment aims for 50% of management positions to be held by women by 2025. In 2021, 47% of management positions were held by women, and in 2022, it increased to 50.2%.
In 2022, Coca-Cola had a total of 1.469 employees, all of them having full time contracts, 1.425 of them on undetermined period, while 44 were on determined ones. Out of the total number of employees, 1.052 are men and 417 are women.
The company is committed to fostering diversity and ensuring equal opportunities, rejecting all forms of discrimination and harassment. They aim to maintain an inclusive workplace environment where individuals are valued for their contributions regardless of race, sex, religion, or other protected statuses. At the end of the recorded period, the company had 4 employees that were people with disabilities. In 2022, there were no incidents of discrimination or reports regarding violations of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity policies.
In 2022, Coca-Cola HBC launched a global program called „Women In Leadership,” involving 80 female employees, including 10 from Romania. The program aims to foster inclusivity and achieve a strategic goal of having 50% female managers by 2025. It addresses leadership issues and career barriers for women, offering them opportunities to advance, unlock potential, and build strategic perspectives. Participants can enhance influence, make an impact, and build a strong network of female leaders within the organization.
In the year 2022, 18.947.521 kg of glass were used in their operations, resulting in an increase of 9.22% compared to the previous year. During the year 2022, there has been an increase in the use of other materials compared to the year 2021, such as PET, aluminum, steel, plastic labels and cardboard. The year 2022 showcases the first record of the usage of paper labels.
During the year 2022, Coca-Cola generated 7.240 tons of waste, an increase of 9.22% compared to 2021.
In 2022, there was a significant increase (6%) in water consumption intensity compared to the previous year due to investments in production units.
In the year 2022, Coca-Cola suffered an increase in the total consumption of conventional fuel for the car fleet by 2.02% compared with the previous year, 2022 recording 47.834 GJ compared with 46.884 in 2021.
The year 2022 recorded a small increase in the total consumption of conventional fuel for their factories by 0.49% compared with 2021.
The intensity of emissions related to Scope 1 and 2 decreased by 18.2% compared to 2021.
eMag
eMag’s carbon emissions are categorized into two scopes: Scope 1 and Scope 2. The first scope includes direct emissions from fuel and natural gas consumption across all locations, totaling 12,975 tons of CO2e. Scope 2 consists of indirect emissions from electricity consumption, but excludes emissions from green electricity, which constitutes 18.8% of total energy usage. Consequently, the carbon emissions for Scope 2 amount to 4,417 tons of CO2e. At the end of the reported period, the company had a total consumption of 17.393 tons of CO2e.
The company has increased its commitment to environmental conservation by expanding its partnership with the Conservation Carpathia Foundation, a Romanian NGO dedicated to preserving and restoring the natural ecosystem of the Carpathian Mountains. This collaboration aims to protect forests and meadows, benefiting both biodiversity and local communities.
At the end of the reported period, eMag has declared 6.038 employees in total from the three contries that it operates in, namely Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. Annually, an average of 7 million lei is allocated towards employee training and education initiatives within the organization. During the reporting period, 4,466 employees participated in learning programs, completing a total of 10,550 courses and accumulating 67,940 learning hours. Currently, the organization maintains 13 active learning programs designed to cater to various fields of activity and levels of experience.
The eMAG Group comprises several companies, including Tazz, a home delivery platform, Fashion Days, an online fashion retailer, Freshful, an online hypermarket, Sameday Delivery, an express courier and Depanero, a repair workshop.
The „Fashion Days” campaign reached 13 million accounts, addressing prejudices and stereotypes, their sustainable products comprised 15.2% of total sales and the products meeting sustainability criteria constituted 11.1% of the total product offerings. Their objectives were to encourage responsible behavior and consumption through the sustainability filter and informational campaigns, to promote fairly manufactured products and to address social issues and to raise awareness about the importance of equality, tolerance, and inclusion.
In 2022, Freshful made significant strides in sustainability and community support. They recycled an average of 17,200 kg of paper bags and donated 203,487 products to vulnerable communities. Additionally, they saved 120,398 products from destruction through the „Save me” category and sourced local products from 350 producers, offering 43 types of vegetables and fruits under their „Din grădina by Freshful” (“From the garden by Freshful”) and „Din livada by Freshful” (“From the orchard by Freshful”) labels.
The locker delivery service Easybox operates 4,519 lockers in Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria. Over 35% of orders are delivered to these lockers, avoiding 5,060 tons of carbon emissions. Additionally, 31 lockers are powered by solar energy. A typical courier delivery to any specified address produces an average carbon footprint of 300 grams of CO2, influenced by factors like distance traveled, vehicle load, and delivery attempts. In contrast, delivering a package to an easybox generates only 14 grams of CO2, making it an innovative and eco-friendly solution.
E.ON
At the end of 2022, the E.ON Group had 6,855 employees (full-time equivalent), only 0.5% less than at the end of 2021. The proportion of women within E.ON has steadily risen in recent years, with a 1.2% increase in 2022 despite a 0.5% decrease in total employees. In management roles, the percentage of women reached 36.7% by the end of 2022, surpassing the 35% target set by E.ON SE Group for the secondary management level by June 30, 2022. Out of its total of 6.855 employees, 98.6% work full time and 96.9% are on indefinite contracts.
E.ON aligns with the promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace way of thinking, No matter the nationality, age, sex, religion, gender identity, ethnic origin, political opinion, social status, medical conditions, family circumstances, or union activity. At the conclusion of 2022, the E.ON Group employed 14 individuals classified as belonging to vulnerable categories according to Romanian legislation. Over the past two years (2021-2022), E.ON has rigorously selected its personnel during recruitment and consistently reinforced its values and principles through internal training sessions. As a result, there have been no reports of discrimination incidents within the company during this period.
The majority of the E.ON Group’s carbon footprint comes from Scope 3 emissions, mainly from electricity production and natural gas usage associated with the company’s operations. The following table showcases the quantity of energy for the consumption of own building:
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| Natural Gas Consumption for Heating Buildings (GWh) | 23.3 | 23.4 | 24.2 |
| Electricity Purchased for Administrative Buildings (GWh) | 8.6 | 8.8 | 8.1 |
| Electricity Purchased for Technical Buildings (GWh) | 9.7 | 10.4 | 10.9 |
The year 2022 registered an increase by 3.4% in their natural gas consumption, a 4.8% increase in the electricity purchased and decreased by 7.95% compared to the previous year, despite their energy efficiency and environmental protection measures applied to administrative buildings.
E.ON Romania has embarked on a journey to electrify its fleet by 2030, in alignment with the broader commitment of E.ON SE Group. The aim is to have 100% of standard vehicles and 35% of the entire fleet electrified by this target year. As of the end of 2022, the company had made significant progress, with 27 electric vehicles and 7 hybrid vehicles already incorporated into its fleet through leasing arrangements.
In 2022, E.ON achieved a remarkable recycling rate of 99.9% for total waste generated and 100% for non-hazardous waste through its internal policies and procedures. In 2022, while E.ON experienced a 10% increase in total waste generation, there was a significant reduction of over 47% in the amount of hazardous waste produced during the same period.
IKEA
Each year, alongside the goals outlined in the Group Sustainability Strategy, IKEA establishes specific performance objectives for reducing consumption. These objectives include reducing the energy index (kWh/m2) by 2% annually compared to the previous year.
They implement various energy-saving measures in their stores to create an optimal working environment and reduce energy consumption. These include promoting natural lighting, using LED lighting, employing heat recovery units for air purification and energy savings, and supporting alternative energy sources like geothermal and photovoltaic energy.
The following table showcases the Consumed Thermal Energy:
| 2021 | 2022 | |
| Natural gas (kWh) | 1.420.678 | 1.148.389 |
| Petrol for company fleet (litres) | 1.555,54 | 887,21 |
| Diesel for company fleet (litres) | 11.301,04 | 11.146,19 |
The next table represents the Consumed Electrical Energy:
| 2021 | 2022 | |
| Total electrical energy consumed(kWh) | 7.630,96 | 8.040,91 |
| Of which energy from renewable sources (kWh) | 100 | 100 |
Thus, by aggregating energy consumption and reporting this value against the total retail area, an energy intensity of 2.6 kWh/m2 was recorded in the financial year 2022, compared to 2.1 kWh/m2 in the financial year 2021. Therefore, during the reporting period, they reduced energy consumption by 19%.
The number of kilometers traveled by IKEA employees by plane for business purposes was 13,250 in 2021 and 420,216 in 2022. This sudden change was caused by the shift in travel pattern after the end of the pandemic period.
For them, sustainability entails safeguarding natural resources and biodiversity in their commercial operations. They prioritize protecting biodiversity across their supply chain by adhering to the IWAY standard, which mandates criteria for suppliers, including avoiding activities in conservation areas unless certified by recognized IKEA standards and implementing biodiversity support initiatives.
The Sustainability Strategy adopted at the group level sets forth the objective of transitioning to a business driven by clean, renewable energy and resources by 2030, with the ultimate aim of eliminating the use of virgin fossil fuels. This strategy is fueled by a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aiding in limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C by the end of the century.
The following table shows the Emissions (metric tons CO2e) – carbon footprint:
| 2021 | 2022 | |
| Scope 1 and Scope 2 | 225 | 118 |
| Water consumption | 32 | 35 |
| Waste treatment | 117 | 198 |
In the fiscal year 2022, the carbon footprint of refrigerant use in the Food facilities of the two stores amounted to 0.18 tons of CO2e, included in Scopes 1 & 2. With increased activity, the carbon footprint related to waste treatment operations rose by 69% compared to the previous fiscal year, leading to a 5% increase in the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from 8.8 kg CO2e/m2 to 9.2 kg CO2e/m2.
In pursuit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, their goal is to transition all product deliveries to zero-emission vehicles by 2025. By the end of fiscal year 2022, 75% of their fleet comprising 24 vehicles are electric cars. Additionally, as part of IKEA’s strategy, they aim to cut transportation-related carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to fiscal year 2016.
They aim to reduce potable water consumption in their stores by 30% by 2030 compared to the fiscal year 2020. To monitor progress, they rely on the Building Management System (BMS), which enables them to track daily water consumption, set alerts for higher-than-usual consumption in specific areas, and detect leaks or accidental water losses.
Water consumption depending on the source(m3)
| 2021 | 2022 | |
| Water from the centralized distribution network | 24.447,00 | 27.009,00 |
| Water extracted from own drilling | 3.109,95 | 17.428,31 |
| Total water consumption | 27.556,95 | 44.437,31 |
To avoid increasing water consumption, IKEA recycled 100% of the household hot water so that it is immediately available at the tap.
| Type of employment contract | Total employees | Female | Male | |
| 2021 | Indefinite Duration | 1258 | 594 | 664 |
| 2022 | Indefinite Duration | 1260 | 663 | 597 |
| 2021 | Full-time | 1367 | 686 | 681 |
| 2022 | Full-time | 1321 | 653 | 668 |
| 2021 | Fixed-term | 183 | 108 | 75 |
| 2022 | Fixed-term | 125 | 64 | 61 |
| 2021 | Part-time | 74 | 16 | 58 |
| 2022 | Part-time | 64 | 8 | 56 |
In 2022 IKEA had 28 employees with disabilities, 18 being male and 10 female.
In the financial years 2021 and 2022, they did not record any incidents of discrimination within the company.
Orange
The Orange Group has set a challenging target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Both ORO and OROC are actively contributing to this goal by enhancing energy efficiency in networks and buildings, reducing the internal combustion vehicle fleet, and increasing the use of green energy in their operations.
Orange Group’s strategic plan, Engage 2025, prioritizes social and environmental responsibility. The company aims to decrease CO2 emissions from its business activities by over 30% by 2025, compared to 2015 levels.
Carbon emissions
| Indicator | Unit of measure | Orange Romania | Orange Communications |
| Total CO2 emissions Scope 1 and 2 | [t CO2eq] | 40,043 | 13,745 |
| Total CO2 emissions IT Network Scope 1 and 2 | [t CO2eq] | 34,542 | 3,115 |
| Total CO2 emissions related to network usage | [t CO2eq] | 8,498,872 | 7,750,578 |
| Total CO2 emissions associated with burning any fuel (gasoline, diesel, gas, and coal) in our units (excluding vehicles) | [t CO2eq] | 898 | 2,523 |
| Total emissions of third parties without electricity | [t CO2eq] | 595 | 2,523 |
CO2 emissions related to the use of their own fleet of vehicles
| Indicator | Unit of measure | Orange Romania | Orange Communications |
| Total CO2 emissions related to the use of our own fleet of vehicles, purchased or leased | [t CO2eq] | 2,104 | 5,536 |
In 2022, Orange Romania took several steps to decrease its electricity usage. This included installing solar panels on two telephone exchanges and 81 telecom sites, swapping out older direct current sources with newer, more efficient models, and shifting from compressor-based cooling systems to free-cooling setups in data center technical spaces. Additionally, they phased out obsolete IT and network equipment in favor of newer, multifunctional, energy-efficient replacements. They also introduced energy-saving functionalities on radio equipment based on technology and traffic patterns, and retired radio capacities of older technologies that were replicated by newer ones. These efforts culminated in a total reduction of energy consumption by 3.96 GWh in 2022, compared to the overall network consumption.
Since 2015, Orange Romania has integrated electric vehicles into its fleet for employee business travel in Bucharest. Management is revising vehicle distribution policies with plans to streamline operations by reducing fleet size. The company aims to maintain fuel consumption below 70,000 liters per month for the entire fleet, a target achieved in 2022 with an average of 65,000 liters per month.
In 2022, Orange Romania Communications took steps to optimize transportation, including limiting monthly fuel consumption to 180,000 liters, optimizing fleet activity through carpooling and car-sharing, resulting in a 3% reduction in vehicles. Additionally, 65 diesel vehicles were replaced with petrol alternatives, and there was exploration into replacing diesel vans with petrol/hybrid cars at RFI.
The Orange Group aims to achieve a 29% collection rate through the buy-back program by the end of 2025. In 2022, Romania attained a collection rate of 25.8%. Both companies have implemented ISO 14001 environmental management systems, ensuring adherence to national and European environmental regulations. They prioritize selective waste collection and provide employee training to raise awareness about its importance. Monthly, various waste categories including electrical equipment, printer toners, batteries, paper, cardboard, and plastics are sent to recycling centers. Recovery targets for WEEE, batteries, accumulators, and packaging are consistently met. Additionally, authorized collection companies handle other recyclable waste types.
The total budget allocated to Orange’s social responsibility projects in 2022 was 1,293,000 euros. In 2022, Orange Romania actively supported several flagship programs aimed at fostering innovation and education. SuperCoders, a digital education initiative, targeted children aged 10 to 14, focusing on cultivating programming skills. The Orange Fab Romania program provided valuable support to entrepreneurs, facilitating the development and distribution of innovative products on both local and international scales. Additionally, through the Orange Educational Program (OEP), Orange Romania collaborated with academic institutions to promote technology education, social responsibility, and collaborative research efforts, furthering the company’s commitment to driving positive change and innovation within the community.
The following table breaks down the distribution by gender and types of employment contracts for the year 2022:
| Company | Total Employees | Determinate (%) | Indeterminate (%) | Male Employees | Female Employees |
| Orange Romania | 2,306 | 147 (6%) | 2,159 (94%) | 1,110 (%) | 1,196 (%) |
| Orange Romania Communication | 2,825 | 80 (3%) | 2,745 (97%) | 1,860 (%) | 965 (%) |
In 2022, alongside their direct workforce, Orange Romania employed 229 individuals through leasing contracts, while Orange Romania Communications had 1,192 leased employees spread across various departments.
During the reporting period, women occupied 43% of leadership positions in Orange Romania and 35% in Orange Romania Communications, reflecting the companies’ commitment to gender diversity in leadership roles.
In 2022, Orange Romania implemented a range of training programs aimed at improving employee skills across various areas such as leadership, digital competencies, personal development, and teamwork. These programs include ATOM for leadership development, Lead Yourself for individual contributors, ICT Academy for digital skills enhancement in sales teams, I, Digital for organizational transformation, coaching initiatives like Coach@me, career counseling services, and the Learning Expert Community (LeCO) for continuous learning. These efforts reflect Orange Romania’s commitment to fostering employee growth and development.
As part of strategic goals, ORO targets 20 training hours per employee, while OROC aims for 10 hours. Orange Romania averages 22.8 training hours, while Orange Romania Communications averages 8.25 hours. Additionally, gender equality promotion and fostering an inclusive learning environment are top priorities.
REGINA MARIA
The REGINA MARIA Network prioritizes environmental responsibility through a robust governance framework. Clear policies and commitments focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability. Management oversees strategic objectives and implementation, fostering employee awareness and accountability. Environmental responsibility is integrated into all operations, emphasizing energy efficiency and waste reduction. Transparent monitoring enables ongoing improvement, while educational initiatives cultivate a culture of sustainability. Collaborative partnerships with stakeholders enhance environmental efforts.
At REGINA MARIA, the primary environmental concerns revolve around three main areas, which also have the most significant potential impact on the environment: energy usage for building operations and medical equipment, water usage, particularly wastewater treatment, and waste management, especially concerning medical waste.
In 2022, REGINA MARIA initiated its first carbon footprint calculation project for all its activities, aiming to assess emissions starting from 2021 and identify reduction measures. This complex endeavor involved collecting data from over 250 REGINA MARIA workplaces. Carbon footprint calculations followed the Greenhouse Gas Protocol standard, adopting an operational control-based approach. Assumptions and estimates were utilized to determine emissions, either through EEIO expenditure-based methodology or by applying emission factors from the Ecoinvent database.
The following table showcases the Greenhouse Gas Emissions of REGINA MARIA in 2021:
| Emission Type | CO2 (t) | % of Total |
| Scope 1 | ||
| – Stationary Emissions | 2,647 | 13.4% |
| – Mobile Emissions | 909 | 4.6% |
| Scope 2 | ||
| – Electric Energy | 7,210 | 36.6% |
| Scope 3 | ||
| – Purchased Goods and Services | 3,632 | 18.4% |
| – Capital Goods | 1,261 | 6.4% |
| – Fuel and Energy-Related Activities not included in Scope 2 | 4,023 | 20.4% |
| – Waste | 7 | 0.0% |
| – Employee Commuting | 4 | 0.0% |
| Total | 100% |
REGINA MARIA is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint while meeting patient needs. New features in the REGINA MARIA app allow instant access to medical records, cutting paper usage. Recycled paper has been exclusively used since January 2021, minimizing environmental impact by reducing energy and water usage and carbon emissions. Management accepts the additional cost for this eco-friendly choice. In 2021, 109 tonnes of recycled paper was used for printers and copiers, and 52.5 tonnes of regular paper used for medical forms.
| Type of Energy | 2021 (MWh) | 2022 (MWh) |
| Electric Energy | 20,369 | 19,431 |
| Heating | 14,449 | 10,999 |
| Fuel | 7,716* | 3,548 |
| Total | 33,978 | 33,978 |
Given that most of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by REGINA MARIA’s activities stem from electricity use, by the end of 2022, an inventory of energy-consuming equipment still in operation was conducted to initiate a sustained investment program. This program aims to replace all inefficient equipment, particularly those within building air conditioning systems. For 2023, energy audits for the owned buildings are planned to establish energy efficiency enhancement strategies. Additionally, a solar panel pilot project on a hospital’s roof is scheduled, with potential expansion based on its outcome. Strategic directions for better energy consumption management include employee awareness campaigns, customized energy reduction plans per hospital, implementing energy-saving measures, and optimizing air conditioning settings.
Their efforts to reduce water consumption in operations have shown positive outcomes, with REGINA MARIA achieving a reduction of approximately 37% in 2021 and around 19% in 2022 compared to the previous year.
REGINA MARIA Health Network prioritizes effective hazardous waste management, aiming to implement selective waste collection across all facilities by 2023. Procedures are in place for waste handling, overseen by designated staff and supported by regular training. Annual plans address waste reduction and compliance with regulations, ensuring safe disposal and traceability. Internal audits maintain adherence to waste management standards.
In 2022, the business saw a decrease in their waste by 8.08% when it comes to hazardous waste and a 36.99% decrease in non-hazardous waste.
At the close of 2022, REGINA MARIA boasted a workforce of over 8,100 employees and collaborators. This figure represents a notable 9% increase from the preceding year, indicating steady growth in personnel for the organization. The majority share of women in REGINA MARIA is maintained even at the leadership level, with women occupying 75% of management positions within REGINA MARIA by the end of 2022. During the reported period, there were no reports of discrimination or harassment incidents.
TeraPlast
The photovoltaic plant inaugurated in June 2020 at TeraPlast was the largest rooftop installation of its kind in Romania, comprised of over 7,000 modules. With a maximum nominal power of 1,936 kWp installed DC power and 1,600 kW installed AC power, it contributed significantly to the industrial park’s energy consumption. Plans for 2022 include further investment in renewable energy, aligning with environmental objectives. Environmental considerations were paramount in expanding the industrial park, ensuring minimal impact on protected species and complying with regulations.
In 2021, they secured a €12.7 million green financing package for constructing and equipping a production unit to manufacture biodegradable packaging, bags, and sacks, in line with waste management regulations. The project, funded through a mix of shareholder contributions, bank loans following green financing principles, and state aid covering half of eligible costs, also involved assessing the carbon footprint of the biodegradable packaging technology. Results showed a over 95% reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional technology, indicating biodegradable materials as key to achieving CO2 emission neutrality.
The total carbon footprint of the TeraPlast Group in 2021 was 25,163.577 tons CO2eq (Scope 1 and Scope 2 market-based). The main source of emissions is the electricity procured and used in operational activities, accounting for over 80% of the entire TeraPlast Group’s carbon footprint.
TeraPlast Group prioritizes waste management, emphasizing recycling and environmental responsibility. With dedicated specialists, they ensure efficient waste collection and recycling practices. Their commitment to a circular economy and civic duty drives ongoing efforts to minimize negative environmental impacts through effective waste management.
In the pursuit of a circular economy, the company has undertaken various initiatives over the past five years to reintegrate materials into new products. Their business model prioritizes ethical standards and aims to minimize environmental impact. Waste management is regularly monitored, with approximately 100kg of electronic waste collected and delivered to ROREC(Romanian Association for Recycling) in 2021.
In 2021, compared to 2020, the total number of employees increased by 17% within the TeraPlast Group. Additionally, while the personnel structure remained similar for other companies, there was a notable increase in the proportion of women at the Group level.
Throughout 2021, the integrity whistleblower recorded 1 report that led to the immediate resolution of the reported situation. During the same period, there were no incidents of discrimination reported.
Conclusions
In 2022, Aquila made significant strides in sustainability. GHG emissions decreased by 5.6%, thanks to efficient fuel use, renewable energy adoption, and waste reduction measures. Aquila optimized fuel consumption, energy usage, and waste generation through route management, renewable energy adoption, and waste reduction technologies. Initiatives like increased roll container use and reduced pallet usage demonstrate Aquila’s commitment to circularity in its value chain. The company maintains a diverse workforce with equal opportunities, reflecting its commitment to inclusion and employee well-being. Aquila actively engages in community initiatives, supporting vulnerable families and participating in housing projects, showcasing its corporate social responsibility. These efforts align with Aquila’s sustainability strategy, fostering environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical business practices for long-term value creation.
In 2022, Apa Nova Bucharest focused on employee development, inclusivity, and sustainability. They provided extensive training to all employees, promoted inclusivity by hiring individuals with disabilities, and reduced their environmental footprint by decreasing water and energy consumption. Initiatives included biodiversity protection, waste management, and substantial investment in corporate social responsibility, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
Auchan Romania prioritizes sustainability through responsible sourcing, reducing carbon emissions, and combating food waste. Their partnerships with over 100 local suppliers ensure quality and diversity in products. Auchan educates customers on sustainable practices and offers a wide range of vegan and vegetarian products. They actively engage in environmental initiatives such as recycling programs and reducing plastic waste. Auchan also focuses on employee welfare, employing individuals with disabilities and maintaining a discrimination-free workplace. Overall, Auchan’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and employee well-being.
Coca-Cola HBC is committed to sustainability through innovative packaging, ambitious emissions reduction targets, and circular economy principles. They prioritize diversity, inclusion, and employee development, exemplified by initiatives like the „Women In Leadership” program. Despite some resource consumption increases, the company shows progress in key areas such as carbon emissions intensity reduction. With a focus on community engagement and safety, Coca-Cola HBC strives to drive positive change in the beverage industry.
eMag is dedicated to sustainability and employee development. Their carbon emissions reduction efforts, along with partnerships like the Conservation Carpathia Foundation, demonstrate a commitment to environmental conservation. With extensive employee training initiatives and a diverse portfolio of platforms, including Tazz, Fashion Days, and Freshful, they address social and environmental issues comprehensively. Campaigns like „Fashion Days” promote responsible consumption, while Freshful’s sustainability initiatives and Easybox locker delivery service showcase tangible actions towards reducing carbon emissions. eMag’s approach reflects a holistic commitment to corporate social responsibility, integrating environmental stewardship, employee development, and community support.
E.ON prioritizes diversity and inclusivity, with increasing numbers of women in both total and management roles. Despite challenges in emissions, they implement energy efficiency measures and aim to electrify their fleet. Their waste management efforts are commendable, with high recycling rates and reductions in hazardous waste generation. Overall, E.ON demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.
IKEA demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, aiming to reduce energy consumption, transition to renewable energy sources, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Their focus on biodiversity conservation and water conservation is evident, as is their commitment to diversity in the workplace. With initiatives to transition to zero-emission vehicles and reduce transportation-related emissions, IKEA showcases a holistic approach to sustainability and responsible business practices.
Orange is dedicated to sustainability, aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2040. They focus on energy efficiency, integrating renewable sources and optimizing transportation. Socially, they invest in education and innovation. Their commitment to diversity is evident in their workforce and comprehensive training programs. Orange’s goals align with environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and fostering a supportive workplace.
REGINA MARIA prioritizes environmental responsibility and sustainability through policies, strategic objectives, and employee awareness. They aim to reduce their carbon footprint by assessing emissions and implementing reduction measures. Initiatives include using recycled paper, replacing inefficient equipment, and optimizing energy consumption. Effective hazardous waste management and selective waste collection are also emphasized. With steady workforce growth and a commitment to gender diversity, REGINA MARIA fosters an inclusive workplace culture while promoting environmental control.
TeraPlast is dedicated to environmental sustainability, evident in initiatives like their large-scale photovoltaic plant and development of biodegradable packaging technology. Waste management and recycling efforts contribute to a circular economy. With a growing workforce and emphasis on gender diversity, they foster a positive workplace culture. Their responsiveness to integrity reports underscores their commitment to ethical standards.
References
https://bvb.ro/info/Rapoarte/Ghiduri/Ghid_privind_raportarea_ESG.pdf
https://www.ikea.com/ro/ro/files/pdf/a3/ea/a3ea6989/raport-sustenabilitate-ikea-fy21-fy22.pdf
https://bvb.ro/infocont/infocont23/AQ_20230630194614_Aquila-raport-sustenabilitate-2022-RO.pdf
https://responsabilitate-sociala.orange.ro/content/files/2024/03/raport-sustenabilitate-2022.pdf
https://www.apanovabucuresti.ro/assets/pdf/Raport-de-Sustenabilitate-2022-ANB.pdf
https://www.reginamaria.ro/sites/default/files/2023-09/Regina_Maria_Raport_Sustenabilitate_2022.pdf
https://about.emag.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Raport_de_sustenabilitate_grupul_eMAG.pdf
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