Community and Environment
Corporate Social Resonsibility
All asset companies in Spark Infrastructure's portfolio support a range of activities designed to protect the environment and engage with local communities.
ETSA has long been one of South Australia's most active corporate citizens, as demonstrated through its continued and significant community engagement program. Its positive community spirit is evident through its support of various sports, arts, education, environmental and community events that reflect ETSA's strong state-wide focus.
In 2007, it expanded its program to include the Eyre Peninsula Art Prize and the indigenous education organisation, the Polly Farmer Foundation, in addition to the renewal of long-standing associations.
ETSA's support for the SA Museum, ETSA Park, Country Arts SA, Lights of Lobethal and the Helpmann Academy are some examples of its on-going commitment to add value to important aspects of community life in the State of South Australia, where the business operates.
Continuing sponsorships also include the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, ETSA Contax, Mary Potter Hospice 'Loving Tree' Lights, Adelaide International Film Festival, SA Great Regional Awards and Trees for Life.
Following its establishment in late 2006, the ETSA Utilities Employee Foundation took significant steps to deliver an expanded program of volunteering and workplace giving opportunities to employees in 2007. Throughout the year, ETSA's employees volunteered for a number of initiatives that reflect employee preferences and community concerns, including the Hutt Street Centre for the homeless and The Smith Family.
ETSA's business operations are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, consistent with Ecologically Sustainable Development principles. Its Environmental Management Policy and Environmental Management System are in line with ISO14001, the industry benchmark, and our Environmental Management Plan is updated annually.
During 2007, an Environmental Sustainability Working Group reviewed and identified key climate change issues of relevance to ETSA's operations, and also considered other important aspects of environmental sustainability such as water, waste and vegetation management.
The working group's recommendations of prudent, pragmatic and measurable initiatives that could benefit ETSA, its employees and the environment, have been incorporated into the 2008 Environmental Management Plan.
In 2007, environmental and governance processes were bolstered by a new Environmental Management Committee, consisting of senior and operational management, to monitor progress and performance against environmental objectives and targets.
CitiPower and Powercor in 2007 made meaningful contributions in the communities where they operate, through robust sponsorship and community goodwill programs.
The business was proud to continue to support the Powercor Children's Helicopter, an emergency neonatal transport service which flies sick children from regional and rural Victoria to specialist urban medical centres. Powercor is the foundation sponsor of this service.
The business has a strong commitment to growth and economic prosperity across Victoria, and this is demonstrated by our support of 20 regional business awards in 2007. Powercor in particular has cemented its reputation as a leading sponsor of these programs.
CitiPower and Powercor enhanced their sponsorship program in 2007 with some high profile events and initiatives. CitiPower was a sponsor of Melbourne's inaugural City Romp, which drew thousands of people to explore the city's hidden treasures. Powercor was a lead sponsor of an initiative to introduce Maremma pups to protect a Little Penguin colony under threat in Warrnambool.
Internationally and nationally there was significant focus on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions in 2007. While CitiPower and Powercor have environmental management systems to deal with current environmental impacts, it was deemed appropriate to develop a broader climate change strategy.
In conjunction with ETSA Utilities a detailed report on physical and regulatory risks and opportunities, as well as government and community expectations and requirements, was finalised in the later part of 2007 and will be the subject of ongoing work in 2008.
2007 also saw significant work undertaken in preparation for the implementation of advanced interval meters. These meters will begin to be installed in late 2009 with the new technology providing the possibility for positive environmental outcomes including the opportunity for smart applications and demand management.
Another key achievement in 2007 included the re-certification of the CitiPower and Powercor Environmental Management System to the international standard ISO 14001.
In 2007 the business reduced its greenhouse impact by purchasing 10% of the electricity used in its offices and depots from renewable sources. It also started work with Landcare Carbon Smart to offset the emissions from its light fleet.
Water conservation plans were implemented which included recycling waste water from CitiPower pits, installing water tanks at seven locations, tap and shower flow restrictors at several locations, and a communication program for employees.
Programs to encourage recycling waste reduction by the business and its employees at home were extended, while the number of projects supported through its Silver Level partnership with Landcare Australia reached a dozen.
Many of these initiatives and statistics are detailed in an independently-verified annual Sustainability Report. In early 2007 CitiPower and Powercor's 2005 Sustainability Report was judged the best in its sector by the Energy Supply Association of Australia.