ELECNOR, top marks in sustainability

For the fourth year running, the Spanish multinational has secured the score of A- on the worldwide CDP scale, thanks to its commitment to the environment and decarbonisation.

There are few issues on which there is such widespread consensus around the world as the need to fight climate change and foster actions that promote environmental sustainability.

An international commitment that requires synchronised, joint responses from everyone: societies, economic sectors, public authorities, private companies... It is in this context that the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), one of the worldwide benchmark indices that evaluates organisations’ performance in terms of the environment and sustainability, plays a fundamental role in driving actions related to climate change.

Those who join this initiative do so because they are convinced that safeguarding our surroundings is not only necessary but also an obligation, both in the present and the future.

Within this committed community is the Spanish multinational Elecnor, a clear international leader in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure projects and essential services for the energy transition and the digitalisation of cities. In fact, in 2023, the Group has again scored “A-” on the CDP global list of companies, a score that puts it at the highest level in terms of sustainability, adaptation and mitigation in the fight against climate change.

Participation in this international list is voluntary and, including this latest list, the Spanish company has been involved for six years running. The importance of the CDP lies in the measurement, management and disclosure of environmental impacts, data that help to guide the work of reducing emissions.

The CDP list uses a scientific methodology based on the collection of data about the environmental actions of the participating entities, to classify them with a score from A to D. This measurement analyses aspects such as exhaustivity of disclosure, knowledge and environmental risks management or the launching of practices that are associated with environmental leadership, such as setting ambitious and significant objectives, among others.

Elecnor Group photovoltaic power plant

The fact that agents around the world freely share their data contributes not only to providing knowledge of their actions, but it is also a source of ideas to implement on the way to achieving a transition to a low-carbon economy.

Lasting commitment

A company’s environmental awareness is not measured by its current commitment alone. For this reason, it is important to highlight that this responsibility should not appear fortuitously but should rather be at the very core of the company.

This is the case with Elecnor, which works to help fight climate change. In fact, for over a decade now it has been implementing active policies to calculate its carbon footprint and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG).

In 2021, Elecnor updated its strategy in this area, by setting even more ambitious goals for reducing emissions, based on the science validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Thus, the multinational’s objective for 2035 is to achieve a 38% decrease in absolute emissions that are scope 1 (direct) and scope 2 (indirect resulting from the consumption or purchase of electricity), a goal that is in line with the Paris Agreement. Regarding the scope 3 indirect emissions (those arising from the company’s value chain), the Group’s commitment is to reduce its emissions by 18%.

Elecnor has charted a clear path towards sustainability and the fight against climate change over the years. In 2014, it certified its carbon footprint for the first time, in collaboration with AENOR, which represented a landmark in its commitment to the reduction of GHG emissions. Since then, the company has certified its carbon footprint every year and has worked tirelessly to reduce emissions and promote sustainability in all its operations. Likewise, each year it has been awarded the seal ‘Calculo y reduzco’ (I calculate and reduce) issued by the Spanish Climate Change Office, as part of the process of registering and reducing the carbon footprint.

If it is measurable, it is manageable. The CDP states this and it is the most effective expression when it comes to fighting climate change in any economic activity. Because before taking the first step, it is essential to know where we are and, after analysing the situation, develop the best possible strategy.

Elecnor, with its proven track record of commitment to sustainability and climate action, stands out as a company that is leading the way to a more sustainable future, one that is lower in carbon emissions, in line with European regulations and international standards. Its sustainable course may serve as an example for the business world and society in general.