GRI 413-1
50Hertz supports numerous projects across its grid area which primarily relate to education in the fields of culture, energy and the environment and youth and social affairs. Clear management and organisational structures are in place which facilitate our involvement in community and social activities. The Communication, Public Affairs & Reputation Management Department is responsible for overseeing these - it coordinates with senior management to set goals, coordinate activities and, if necessary, investigate possible projects to get involved in, alongside the Legal Department and the Compliance Committee. Our internal guidelines for donations and sponsorship outline the general principles staff should follow in terms of support for different activities (these include assessment criteria and the organisational process staff should follow, particularly with regard to transparency). When providing donations to organisations or sponsoring them, employees must ensure that cause(s) are aligned with our corporate values and that such support is geared towards sustainability, offers true added value for society and the general public, and that donations are provided in line with the above guidance.
50Hertz seeks to act as a good corporate citizen, particularly in terms of the area surrounding its headquarters (the 50Hertz Netzquartier): it seeks to make the “Europacity” urban district a residential one and make the area attractive for its residents. For example, the Energiebündel daycare centre is open to the children of 50Hertz employees and also other children from the local neighbourhood.
Educating children and teenagers about the energy transition is of great importance for the organisation. An interactive exhibition called Energie gemeinsam wenden (‘Changing energy together’), developed by 50Hertz and the Unabhängiges Institut für Umweltfragen e.V. (Independent Institute for Environmental Issues), teaches students about different aspects of the energy transition in an engaging way. Some parts of this exhibition (which are quite technical) can be used by schools in their physics and biology lessons. In future, the exhibition will be adapted and made available in a digital format. In addition, both partners are developing an online game related to grid development and the energy transition. The game involves young people playing different roles (such as local residents, farmers, conservationists, tourism managers, etc.) and considering different grid expansion possibilities. Using a points-based system, players can explore and discuss the different options, working together to find the best possible path for such projects.
50Hertz also supports selected cultural projects across its grid area.
As in previous years, 50Hertz was actively involved in different sports-related initiatives throughout its grid area in 2023."Examples include the Rennsteig-Herbstlauf run in the Thuringian Forest, the Baltic Sea relay marathon (Ostsee Staffelmarathon) in Dierhagen, the junior division of the BR Volleys and activities organised by a large number of local non-profit institutions.
More information on the projects we support on our website.