Consistent focus on sustainability
There are people that are skeptical about the use of coal. The reality is that coal plays a key role in many parts of the world as a reliable and affordable energy source, especially in the economic development of emerging countries. As we continue to reduce our carbon footprint through the use of technology and best practices, it is our responsibility to ensure that this demand can continue to be met in a responsible manner.
Michael Hogan, Chairman of the HSE Committee
We contribute to the sustainable social and economic development of our regions in order to improve the living standards of present and future generations.
Our approach
SUEK supplies heat and electricity to millions of people, provides thousands of jobs in 14 regions of Russia and delivers products to dozens of countries around the world. We understand our responsibility and do our best to maintain the sustainability of our business at any stage of the market cycle.
We also recognise that our work should contribute to broader public goals, including those set out in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). We seek to minimise our impact on the environment while maximising our positive impact on society. SUEK reaffirms its commitments to human rights, fair labour relations, business integrity and anti-corruption.
Some of the UN SDGs are especially important to us, since they are most relevant to the sectoral orientation and strategy of the company, along with the interests of SUEK’s stakeholders. They are affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, good health and well-being of employees and local citizens, decent work and economic growth of the regions in which we operate, sustainable development of cities and communities and strengthening partnerships to achieve it.
We promote sustainability awareness among our employees in all business processes. All our investment projects go through risk assessment procedures in the field of industrial safety, environmental protection, development of the necessary personnel competencies, coordination with local regulatory authorities and public consultations.
We focus on the best available techniques, including the introduction of advanced digital analytic tools, to create the safest workflow for our employees, the environment and communities. SUEK’s educational and social programmes contribute to developing and fulfilling the potential of our employees and residents of the regions where we operate. They are aimed at eliminating inequality and developing urban and social infrastructure.
Sustainability management
SUEK’s top executives are actively involved in the strategic management of SUEK’s sustainable development. The Board of Directors and management regularly review ESG issues at Board meetings.
Board Committees oversee assessment of the sustainable development strategy in health, safety and environment, climate issues, energy efficiency and ethics risks while taking strategic decisions, remunerating top management and reporting to external audiences. In February 2021, SUEK’s Board established a dedicated HSE Committee and the position of HSE Officer. The main responsibility rests with the CEO. The HSE Officer supports the CEO through supervising the strategy implementation, development and introduction of policies and standards, mitigation of key sustainability risks, and ensuring cross-functional communication between top managers and experts.
SUEK’s dedicated departments in the regions implement and improve our sustainable development activities.
Risk management, compliance with internal and external regulations and stakeholder engagement are integral to SUEK’s sustainability strategy. Risk management contributes to the achievement of strategic goals and guarantees sustainable growth in the long term. Compliance and open dialogue help us to find effective solutions that take into account the interests of each stakeholder.
Sustainability risk management
SUEK runs a risk management system aimed at minimising risks and achieving strategic goals across all business areas. Sustainability risk management is a part of the company-wide risk management system. The most significant risks are those related to the health and safety of our employees, environmental safety, influence recruitment and retention of qualified personnel.
We also pay attention to the climate agenda, which could have an impact on our operations or business reputation. SUEK’s projects are intended to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, including optimisation of fuel use and electricity consumption and forestry projects. We plan to enhance monitoring of our product flow in the supply chain and assess indirect emissions.
SUEK is continuously introducing technologies for low-emission production and use of coal, including methane utilisation, new coal processing technologies, improving the energy efficiency of our power generating and heat supply facilities, mining and transportation companies. SUEK’s Energy Management System was developed in compliance with ISO 50001 International standards. Our units approve its annual Energy Saving Programme oriented to reducing and optimising energy consumption.
When implementing its sustainable development strategy, SUEK adheres to the best international practices and strict industrial and environmental safety standards. The integration of our businesses allows us to control industrial and environmental safety at all stages of the operational cycle and exchange experience and best practices.
Oleg Nikolaenko, HSE Director