With the event series entitled "INSPIRE energy talk by VERBUND", VERBUND aims to draw attention to energy and climate policy-relevant topics, to discuss these and actively participate in formulating possible solutions for energy policy challenges. In addition to a "Keynote Speech" (e.g. the presentation of a new study), each event also offers a discussion with high-ranking panellists from politics and the economy as well as energy experts, and includes audience involvement.
Responsible advocacy of interests
Strategic public affairs work is a key component of sustainable corporate governance and thus an important aspect of decision making in a democratic system. As Austria’s largest and leading energy company, VERBUND is not only the power behind renewable energy, but also plays an important role in social and political dialogue. We see it as our responsibility to transparently communicate our positions and to make our contribution to a climate-neutral energy future. To this end we maintain regular dialogue with decision-makers and a large number of stakeholder groups on topics such as efficient hydropower generation, the generation of renewable energy and security of supply.
Responsible representation of our stakeholder groups’ interests is of central importance for VERBUND.
Our most important stakeholders in the representation of interests are decision-makers and leading experts from politics and administration in Austria, Germany and the European Union as well as expert organisations, associations and other representations of interest, such as environmental organisations. We endeavour to maintain a regular dialogue on issues relating to energy and environmental policy with these groups.
Responsible representation of interests regarding our stakeholder-groups is of utmost importance for VERBUND. Our most important stakeholders in the representation of interests are the decision-makers and leading experts in the fields of politics and administration in Austria, Germany and in the European Union as well as expert organisations, associations and other interest groups, such as environmental groups. We endeavour to regularly exchange ideas regarding energy and environmental-related political subjects with these groups.
When it comes to its relations with stakeholders, VERBUND itself has clear objectives regarding a transparent and responsible representation of interests and states: we orientate ourselves according to substantive positions and apply our knowledge constructively to the decision-making process. We commit ourselves to a responsible and sustainable representation of our interests in accordance with our corporate mission statement and our basic values.
When it comes to its relations with stakeholders, VERBUND itself has clear objectives regarding a transparent and responsible representation of interests and states: we orientate ourselves according to substantive positions and apply our knowledge constructively to the decision-making process. We commit ourselves to a responsible and sustainable representation of our interests in accordance with our corporate mission statement and our basic values.
Engaging in Dialogue
We are committed to engaging in regular dialogue with the broadest possible base of stakeholder groups. Here, we provide information via different channels on energy policy developments, enter into a discourse on current and future challenges for the energy industry and offer constructive suggestions for solutions. In the following, you can find an overview of the most important dialogue formats in VERBUND’s special interest group.
We are consistently striving to foster an open dialogue with environmental organisations such as Greenpeace, Global 2000, WWF and Climate Alliance. Chairman of the Board Wolfgang Anzengruber regularly invites representatives from the biggest environmental organisations to a round table discussion. Here, current topics are discussed, shared interests are explored and further initiatives are agreed on.
For example, a collaborative energy policy position paper was thus developed prior to the parliamentary elections in 2013, and a study project on e-mobility based 100% on electricity from renewable energy sources was carried out.
> Study on e-mobility (: ATKEARNEY and TU Vienna)
> Presentation on the study
For example, a collaborative energy policy position paper was thus developed prior to the parliamentary elections in 2013, and a study project on e-mobility based 100% on electricity from renewable energy sources was carried out.
> Study on e-mobility (: ATKEARNEY and TU Vienna)
> Presentation on the study
Memberships
Membership and participation in associations and professional organisations form an important component of responsible special interest groups. VERBUND is therefore represented in numerous associations in order to share its knowledge and interests in the best possible manner, but also to generate (specialised) knowledge that can be valuable for the company’s further development.
The focus here lies on national special interest groups, as well as scientific institutions and professional associations. When it comes to special interest groups, aspects such as transparency, clarity and responsibility are of particular importance to us. VERBUND’s memberships are therefore aligned with our corporate philosophy and the principles for responsible special interest groups.
VERBUND and companies in the VERBUND group are represented in the following organisations, among others:
- Austrian Mobile Power (AMP)
- Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e.V (BDEW)
- Deutsche Handelskammer in Österreich
- European Federation of Energy Traders (EFET)
- Industriellenvereinigung Österreichs (IV)
- Oesterreichs Energie (OE)
- Österreichischer Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaftsverband (ÖWAV)
- Weltenergierat Österreich (World Energy Council Austria)
In addition, thanks to a nomination by Oesterreichs Energie (OE), VERBUND employees are also active on the boards of EURELECTRIC and other European special interest groups.