We are challenged more than in the past to take responsibility for complying with social and environmental standards in the supply chain. For example, increased stake-holder expectations were defined in the revised OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises of 2011. In the same year, the final report of the UN Special Representative on Human Rights and Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises clearly defines the enhanced expectations.

We are confronted by specific challenges in the procurement of fuels. We import around 52 % of the hard coal we need for our power stations from countries outside the OECD. Important countries of origin for the supply of coal are emerging economies or developing countries where compliance with acceptable social and environmental standards cannot always be taken for granted.

We want to make a substantial contribution to reducing our CO₂ emissions by using biomass. When we purchase biomass, we need to ensure that this is not at the cost of loss of biodiversity in valuable natural habitats or degradation of the soil.

Sustainability aspects also need to be taken into account when sourcing components for power stations and standard products. Occupational health and safety management play an important role here with contractors and partner companies, particularly in the environment of construction sites for power stations.