Introduction to Sustainability

By virtue of the function they hold in society organisations of any kind have an important role to play in attaining sustainable growth. In an era characterised by unprecedented economic growth and at the same time by crises that can arise as the result of unsustainable growth models (even in limited sectors), the need for all stakeholders to identify and pursue a far-sighted approach to growth is clear. While on the one hand the development of knowledge and technology contributes to economic growth, on the other it enables us to improve social relations and environmental and economic impact. A2A has accepted this challenge since the day it was created and has decided to pursue sustainability by setting it up as one of the values on which it bases its activities. A2A confirmed its commitment to sustainability in 2010 through numerous projects involving several business functions. The Group received wide-ranging recognition in the year, both for its business activities linked overall to Social Responsibility and for specific projects, such as for example:

• first prize for Amsa at the International Environmental Communication Exchange (BICA) in the category “Communication of services” for “There’s a difference at Fair’s Fringe”, a campaign in favour of sustainability aimed at encouraging civil behaviour and good practice;
• the prize of the Foundation for Sustainable Growth, awarded in Rimini at the Ecomondo for Apica’s project “Let’s Reduce Waste” and also given a special mention by the BICA;
• the Arete Prize, Fifth Element, promoted by Confindustria and the association Pentapolis, which gives value to the experience of “responsible communication” for the E-moving project, for having known how to communicate successfully to a vast public that the innovation of sustainable mobility is feasible in practice in a key area of the country such as Lombardy.

A2A is one of the finalists for the 2010 Oscar for the best financial statements

The Jury for the Oscar for the best financial statements, the award promoted and managed by FERPI, the Italian Public Relations Federation, has selected A2A as one of the finalists for the 2010 edition. A2A been included as one of the three best companies for the Oscar for financial statements awarded to listed companies and large-scale businesses because “despite the typical complexity of these organisations, it has succeeded in presenting complete and exhaustive reports, giving an emphasis to issues such as sustainability and governance by using a graphic and editorial set-up which brings out conciseness and transparency”.

European recognition for A2A with the CEEP CSR Label for 2010

For the third consecutive year A2A has been awarded the CEEP CSR Label, affirming itself as the only company to receive an award in all three editions. The prize, promoted by the European Commission and the European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public Services, is an integral part of the Discerno Plus project which promotes Social Responsibility in the European Union, and shows that in developing its business the Group also values relations with local communities its customers and the environment. A2A was mentioned for its “Best CSR practices in Public Services” for its activity in enhancing the value of the residual fraction of urban waste, set up by Ecodeco by using a system of Intelligent Transfer Stations (ITS) and for its reduction of emissions from waste to energy plants by using new burners based on “Dry Low NOx 2.6+” technology which have an extremely low level of NOx emissions.

The Group’s emphasis on sustainability is also demonstrated by the fact that it has adopted voluntary standards of an economic, social and environmental nature, such as the Settlement Protocol and ISO, OHSAS and EMAS standards.