We are members of various Energy Associations such as the British Wind Energy Association, Scottish Renewables Forum, Renewables Advisory Board and UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy. These associations deal with industry-wide environmental concerns in their particular sections of the UK and European energy industry. We work with them to try to influence and shape policy debate, as well as working with them to promote renewable energy across the UK.

Through the working groups of EURELECTRIC (the union of the European energy industry, which brings together the leading minds across the European energy industry), we and our colleagues from the wider E.ON Group are active in driving environmental improvements in the way energy is produced, distributed and used across Europe, by influencing EU policy developments
We're also a member of the Joint Environment Programme (JEP) which brings together environmental experts from the UK’s major electricity producers. The JEP carries out a programme of research and development aimed at tackling the wide variety of environmental issues which face the electricity production industry. The member companies work together to develop a strategic framework for managing the environmental impacts of coal- and oil- fired generation.

We want to influence other companies too, so we've joined the Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change. Formed during the UK presidency of the G8, this group of like-minded companies shares best practice on climate change solutions. The group led the recent call for a long term framework to be delivered from the UN climate change talks in Bali. The resulting 'Bali Communiqué' was signed by over 300 companies.

National Energy Foundation (NEF). The NEF is totally focussed on helping businesses reduce the amount of carbon emissions they emit. This is done through giving advice, getting schools and young people on board and running the national Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme (EEAS). The EEAS recognises businesses who have improved their emissions rates over 3 years. E.ON has sponsored the EEAS awards ceremony for a number of years and last year our "Business to Business" ambassador, Dame Ellen MacArthur, introduced an award in her own name. It is awarded to an individual who has excelled in energy efficiency savings within their business. The NEF has also been supporting a number of new propositions through its energy efficiency experts.

Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). The CIBSE is a professional body that helps building services engineers across the world learn more about their profession, gain further qualifications and take courses recommended by the Institute. The CIBSE also works closely with the Government and helps set industry standards of best practice. CIBSE’s members range from lighting specialists to project management teams. E.ON has worked with CIBSE for a number of years and last year we sponsored the 100 Days of Carbon Clean Up Campaign. Our sustainability ambassador, Dame Ellen MacArthur, was a figurehead for the campaign. CIBSE continues to work with us supporting our propositions and providing advice on legislative regulations in the built environment.

Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). CABE advises the Government and encourages policy makers to create places that are safe,   beautiful and efficient to run. E.ON's Business to Business and Sustainable Energy Solutions teams are supporting CABE’s ambitions to create sustainable cities of the future. This has included working with CABE to bring together eight local councils from across the country to write a manual for sustainable cities. The Business to Business team is also involved in a climate change festival which is taking place in Birmingham in early June 2008. At the festival, Dame Ellen MacArthur will highlight our ambitions to contribute to low carbon communities and sustainable best practices.
   

Energy Associations such as the Renewables Energy Association, Scottish Renewables Forum, British Wind Energy Association. These associations deal with industry-wide environmental concerns in their particular sections of the UK and European energy industry. We are active in   various industry working groups across a range of subjects including decentralised energy.

  Energy Associations such as the Renewables Energy Association, British Wind Energy Association and Scottish Renewables Forum. These associations deal with industry-wide environmental concerns in their particular sections of the UK and European energy industry. We are active in   various industry working groups across a range of subjects including waste and by-products, air quality and water pollution.

In addition to its strong focus on climate change and energy efficiency, EURELECTRIC also tackles important policy issues relating to cleaner air, water and land as well as the effects of electromagnetic fields on the environment and human health.

Energy Associations such as the Renewables Energy Association, British Wind Energy Association and Scottish Renewables Forum. These associations deal with industry-wide environmental concerns in their particular sections of the UK and European energy industry. We are active in   various industry working groups across a range of subjects including green energy products.

We're leading the Micropower Council’s work in establishing the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) -sponsored UK Microgeneration Certification Scheme. This focuses on products and installers and is a prerequisite for grants under the LCBP, but also has a wider market and policy relevance.

Institute of Directors (IoD). The IoD is a worldwide members' association, which provides a professional network for directors and business owners. The IoD provides E.ON with a large subscription base of small to medium sized businesses, who represent a large proportion of our business customers. E.ON is working with the IoD in a commercial and policy driven way and is contributing to some key professional documents and research findings. Dame Ellen MacArthur also appears as a keynote speaker at large events on our behalf.

We're   members of the Centre for Sustainable Management at the Institute of Management Development (IMD). We participate in research initiatives that investigate topical industry and global challenges. The IMD has been instrumental in the development of   our Supply Chain and Responsible Procurement strategies.

Institute of Directors (IoD). The IoD is a worldwide members' association, which provides a professional network for directors and business owners. The IoD provides E.ON with a large subscription base of small to medium sized businesses, who represent a large proportion of our business customers. E.ON is working with the IoD in a commercial and policy driven way and is contributing to some key professional documents and research findings. Dame Ellen MacArthur also appears as a keynote speaker at large events on our behalf.

We're targeting the next generation of low carbon energy solutions in a £10 million programme jointly funded by E.ON and one of the UK's main research funding agencies, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The programme, which is open to all UK universities is funding four phases of research by the university consortia over the next ten years. It will begin with a project to investigate pathways to low carbon energy systems. We engage with DBERR and DEFRA to help shape strategic thinking and policy. A major focus at the moment is debating and understanding the challenges of delivering the EU 2020 Targets for Renewable Energy.

We are also involved in Cenex, the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies, and are constantly seeking advice on ways of minimising the carbon impact of our fleet of vehicles. Established in 2005 with Government funding, Cenex aims to assist the UK motor industry in maintaining a competitive position during the global shift to a low carbon economy.  

Our university engagement   extends to the sponsorship we provide to university-based projects that are relevant to our business. We want to help teach the next generation of engineers and scientists. Some graduates have also benefited from employment opportunities as a result of our collaboration with universities.

We liaise with local authorities to help manage the impact of   our investments on the environment. The primary regulatory body for environmental protection in England and Wales is the Environment Agency (EA) and in Scotland the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). We are working with Ofgem to produce proposals that will make investment in offshore networks and onshore reinforcement easier. These are needed to deliver the required growth in the offshore wind sector.

We've also contributed to the debate with Ofgem over the restructuring of the renewables obligation. A new system of certificates weighted by technology types will facilitate the bringing to market of a broader range of renewable energy generation technologies such as offshore wind, wave, tidal and biomass.

We liaise with local authorities to help manage the impact of   our investments on the environment. The primary regulatory body for environmental protection in England and Wales is the Environment Agency (EA) and in Scotland the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).

Our Retail business has also been involved in the consultation process for development of a standard approach to green energy tariffs proposed by Ofgem. Our   hope is that, by adopting a consistent definition for green tariffs, customer confidence will increase and demand for greener, lower carbon electricity will rise accordingly.

During February 2007,   we held a Stakeholder Workshop for organisations interested in UK Energy Policy. The delegates included representatives from non-government organisations (NGOs) as well as from the Government, regulatory authorities and customer representatives. From this, we decided to compile a Stakeholder Management Plan aimed specifically at NGOs. Its   overall objective was to develop an open and constructive two-way dialogue which would allow both parties to develop a better understanding of shared issues.

During 2007 we also   had executive level meetings with external interested parties. We met with Greenpeace, WWF, UNICEF, Christian Aid and the Archbishop of Canterbury. We also met Friends of the Earth to discuss carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Through our relationship with   the Carbon Trust, we are sponsors of the   Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme (EEAS), the UK's only independent award recognising achievements in reducing energy use.

UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC). The UK-GBC is helping to forge a new partnership between the Government, industry and other stakeholder groups. The UK-GBC helps industry and other decision makers play their part in creating more sustainable buildings, in both new builds and by improving existing buildings. The UK-GBC will promote technical knowledge, encourage research and innovation and share its best practices. E.ON joined the UK-GBC in December 2007 and is currently the only energy supplier on this group. As such, we are able to offer an important practical energy supply orientated perspective.

During February 2007,   we held a Stakeholder Workshop for organisations interested in UK Energy Policy. The delegates included representatives from non-government organisations (NGOs) as well as from the Government, regulatory authorities and customer representatives. From this, we decided to compile a Stakeholder Management Plan aimed specifically at NGOs. Its   overall objective was to develop an open and constructive two-way dialogue which would allow both parties to develop a better understanding of shared issues.

Action Sustainability is providing strategic consultancy advice to our Responsible Procurement team to help us investigate and explore ways of tackling the issues of our supply chain carbon footprint.

Through its relationship with Tier1, Digital Links is a local charity that donates refurbished computers and other IT kit to developing countries, thereby allowing disadvantaged communities to access the internet and other online resources. All of our old and redundant computers go through Tier1 for recycling. This minimises the amount of waste we send to landfill and gives the equipment a new lease of life in another country.

Our "Environmental Champions" programme was developed with help from Global Action Plan, an independent charity committed to helping people find practical solutions to environmental and social problems. The charity works closely with   our Business Services division and helped   set up our   programme, which has been instrumental in encouraging our employees to become more energy conscious in their daily work.

The UK's leading charity providing help and support for the elderly is Age Concern. We've worked closely with them over a number of years   to develop products that make energy more affordable

We have a   close relationship with the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) who provide assistance to vulnerable customers   during a power cut.  

As well as our alliance with Age   Concern, we've formed strong relationships with many other charities and support organisations over the years. We like to commit time and funding to enhancing vulnerable and potentially vulnerable customers lives. Initiatives we have supported include   National Energy Action,   Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, the Electricity Association and Carbon Monoxide Partnership for Homes.

Through its relationship with Tier1, Digital Links is a local charity that donates refurbished computers and other IT kit to developing countries, thereby allowing disadvantaged communities to access the internet and other online resources. All of our old and redundant computers go through Tier1 for recycling. This minimises the amount of waste we send to landfill and gives the equipment a new lease of life in another country.

We have been encouraging our customers to take responsibility for their carbon footprint through our Go Green and EasyGreen lower carbon energy products.

In December 2007, we carried out a market research project amongst our ethnic minority customers, focusing on   the most widely used languages in our region - Gujurati, Urdu and Hindi –   to discover their expectations in a power cut and   assess the   effectiveness of our current communication methods and what improvements can be made in the future.

SOURCE, is a new initiative that was launched in 2007. It is a web resource providing information and advice as well as the opportunity for community groups to apply for grants of up to £30,000. These grants are for the implementation of sustainable energy projects into shared buildings. Between March and October 2007, 1,401 unique users visited the website, and a total of £231,857.52 was given to 17 community groups. Projects that benefited included wind turbines in schools, insulation for village halls and a solar thermal energy supply for a swimming pool.

We aim to be a good neighbour around all of our development and operational sites and we work hard to integrate into each community. Throughout the development of a renewable project, it is important to us that we engage with key stakeholders such as the local planning office and councils as well as the local communities. So we make sure we hold public exhibitions, face to face meetings and provide updates via newsletters, presentations, exhibitions. We also like to support and sponsor local community events.

We aim to minimise the impact on the local environment when we develop, construct and operate renewable sites.

Energy Experience. The Energy Experience is an online and offline set of educational resources for children aged 5-16 years. It has links to the science and geography curriculum and in 2007 it supported the “Town of Total Darkness” tour and hosted an energy conference for secondary school pupils. A total of 147 E.ON volunteers have been trained and delivered Energy Experience lessons in schools.

plugin2engineering. This is a resource designed around practical engineering sessions and is designed to make electricity less of an abstract subject, whilst also promoting the prospect of careers in this area. This project was developed at the request of our Central Networks business and is currently only available to 21 partner schools in the Midlands. In 2008, plugin2engineering is expected to be further developed so that it includes activities relevant to E.ON’s Energy Services and Generation businesses, and to be available to schools nationally.

In 2007 we launched EnergyRight, a new project aimed at helping older people manage their energy use better at home, in conjunction with Age Concern. It was piloted in Nottingham, and by the end of the year had been extended to other parts of the East Midlands, Herefordshire and Worcestershire and parts of the North West, improving customers' energy efficiency around the home.

We run ‘Crucial Crew’ from Killingholme power station on Humberside twice a year.   This is a joint initiative between   E.ON and Humberside police which helps to teach young people valuable safety lessons through a series of scenarios   at the power station's education centre. These scenarios are   designed by members of the emergency services, local councils, E.ON, builders, coastguards and the police.

As an E.ON Group wide initiative, the Energy for Children project varies slightly in each market unit. Each comprises of a national educational project (the Energy Experience in the UK) and a small number of partnerships with schools. The intention in the UK is that by the end of 2008, four primary schools in the East and West Midlands will be active Energy for Children Centres. Each centre is given priority access to all of our existing initiatives as well as £10,000 towards an energy or environmental project of its choice.

The Community Relations team assists with two community funds around the Holford gas storage facility and the new Grain power station. The funds are provided by the development and construction teams responsible for these projects, and since their launch, they have provided a total of £110,000 towards projects ranging from buying computers for local schools to tidying up community centres.   Local community councils manage the funds on our behalf.

Employee Involvement Activities. These activities include our matched time, matched funding, team challenges, payroll giving and FA coaching schemes. In total, 3,269 of our employees volunteered in some capacity during 2007. In 2008 we would like to see 4,250 employees volunteering and have set this as our target.

We've also engaged with   our contractors in reducing their energy consumption. One of the initiatives that has been trialled at Bedford is the installation of an Ecube on the refrigeration units in the kitchens. The Ecube device fits onto a thermostat sensor, which changes how fridges and freezers work by mimicking food rather than responding to fluctuating air temperatures. The   six units trialled at Bedford have already delivered a saving of approximately 1.27 tonnes of CO2.

Our "Environmental Champions" project focusses on influencing our   employees' behaviours and attitudes towards energy and the environment.   We have 373 active volunteers in place across all of our business units who love spreading the word.  

Our "Environmental Champions" project focusses on influencing our   employees' behaviours and attitudes towards energy and the environment.   We have 373 active volunteers in place across all of our business units.   Employee awareness of environmental issues has greatly improved and this is demonstrated by the high recycling levels at our different sites.

We also   take every opportunity to listen to employees' views, as well as providing them with the information they need to do their jobs. We achieve this through the variety of effective internal communication channels that have been set up, including team briefs, focus groups and our Employee Opinion Survey.