Sustainable development

The company is aware of its economic, social and environmental responsibility as a producer of electricity necessary for the society. The sustainable development of a business is an important asset and is reflected in the mission and strategic objectives of RusHydro Group.

Ensuring reliable and safe functioning of the facilities for the society and the environment, taking into account the economic feasibility of the funds directed at minimising risks and reducing possible damages, is one of the strategic objectives of RusHydro Group.

The Company makes every effort to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the country's energy balance. The Group achieves this goal by introducing new generating capacities as well as increasing the generation of clean energy produced at the existing facilities of the Company while increasing energy efficiency.

A significant part of RusHydro Group's activities is contribution to the development of the regions of its presence. RusHydro Group contributes to the growth of well-being not only by creating jobs at its enterprises, but also by a number of positive indirect effects from the energy infrastructure (the connection of new consumers to networks, domestic and drinking water supply, etc.). Cities of the Group’s presence witness the Company’s support in areas such as the development of education, protection of the environment, and assistance to socially unprotected categories of the population.

A comprehensive approach to overcoming the challenges facing RusHydro in the field of sustainable development (further - SD) ensures the most effective transition to low-carbon development with minimal damage to the environment, as well as compliance with all health and safety standards of workers and the public.

Sustainable Development Management

Key issues of sustainable development are considered at meetings of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Company.

An important role in the management of sustainable development issues of RusHydro Group is played by the Committee on Reliability, Energy Efficiency and Innovation under the Board of Directors PJSC RusHydro, which considers issues of long-term planning of hydropower and energy development based on other renewable energy sources (hereinafter referred to as RES), the development of functional policies, (technical, environmental, and energy efficiency) and corporate standards in the field of technical regulation, etc.

The Company adopted a number of corporate documents that fix the approach and regulate activities in the field of Sustainable development and corporate social responsibility (hereinafter - CSR).

The relevance of the Group's activities to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals

In 2017, PJSC RusHydro joined the UN Global Compact as the largest business initiative in the field of sustainable development. The company shares ten principles in the field of human rights, labour relations, anti-corruption and environmental protection, and seeks to ensure development that meets the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The company adheres to the corporate social responsibility outlined in the ISO 26000 standard. According to it, social responsibility is the responsibility of the organisation for the impact of its decisions and activities on society and the environment, transparent, and ethical behaviour that:

• promotes sustainable development, including public health and well-being;
• takes into account the expectations of stakeholders;
• complies with the applicable legislation and is consistent with international standards of conduct;
• is integrated into the activities of the whole organisation and applied in its relations.

The activities of RusHydro Group in the field of SD are aimed at achieving a number of sustainable development goals adopted by the UN in September 2015. The Company allocated 13 sustainable development goals, especially significant for its activities. RusHydro Group also concurs with other goals and contributes to its achievement.

Implementation of activity in the field of sustainable development is carried out by profile blocks in the zone of their functional responsibility:

• social responsibility - Personnel management block, Corporate Communications Department;
• interaction with authorities in the regions of presence and creation of a favorable social climate for effective development of the Company - Corporate Communications Department;
• economic responsibility - Block of economic planning and investments, Block of production activity, Block of capital construction, Block of financial and corporate law management;
• electricity generation, energy efficiency and environmental responsibility - a Block of production activities.