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We are implementing an innovative initiative in our parks, which helps us in our daily activities while protecting biodiversity

During the daily operation of our solar parks, we encounter various challenges, which we are called upon to address in energy-efficient, environmentally friendly ways. In this context, we sought solutions to a frequent phenomenon: the outages and damage caused to the wiring of our solar installations, by rodent populations.

Our goal was to apply alternative methods, avoiding the use of chemicals or other substances, which would damage the subsoil and the aquifer. Thus, we identified the organization "Tyto", which started from the University of Thessaly and aims to help protect and reproduce the homonymous owl.

Tyto alba is a nocturnal predator that feeds almost exclusively on mice, throughout its geographical range. In order to limit rodents that damage park equipment, and to help the population of owls, we are implementing in collaboration with the organization an innovative program, placing artificial nests in our solar plants that will be inhabited by Tyto.

A pioneering action

To implement the initiative, we initially selected parks in areas and altitudes where the population of Tyto thrives the most. Nests have already been placed in 12 of our parks in Western Macedonia (Florina), Xanthi (Pezouliotika, Polysitos), Thessaly (Mark, Myrini, Gefyri I & II, Larisa) and Peloponnese (Kavasila, Stroussi, Kourtesi, Limnochori).

This is a pioneering action, as we were the first renewable energy company in Greece to proceed with this initiative. We are monitoring the progress of the project and collecting data on its results so far, in order to identify and record potential obstacles, ensure the usage of the nests and enhance the reproduction of Tyto.

Multiple benefits for the environment

The benefits of this action are multifaceted: they lead to savings in maintenance and cable replacement costs, but also to increased energy production, since we avoid cable damage and possible interruptions in inverter operation. At the same time, we protect the ecosystem and biodiversity in park areas, as we do not use harmful chemicals to manage rodents, while actively helping to increase the population of an endangered species.

Besides, this is not our first initiative to protect biodiversity, as for several years, we have set up feeders to protect birds of prey near the parks of Kouloukonas and Agios Kyrillos, in Crete.

We demonstrate every day our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions with a significant impact on people's daily lives and especially on the future of young people. Our Creating Shared Value - CSV initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this program being part of SDG 15 - Life on Land and SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.

In Sidera, Kozani, near the new Perasma solar cluster, we completed the renovation of the old school of the village, which is now a cultural meeting center of the local community.

As part of our social activities and initiatives in the wider area of construction of our company's new solar cluster "Perasma" we completed the renovation of the old historic school building, in the village of Sidera, Kozani. The need for renovation existed before and after dialogue with the local community it was implemented by external partners of our company and was completed in July.

A historic building

The old school building of the village was constructed around 1930 and functioned as an educational center for many years, offering knowledge to the children of the village and being a reference point for the cultural heritage of the area. Due to the limited number of students who now live in Sideras, the operation of the school was suspended and today, the building hosts the cultural center of the village as well as all the activities of the community.

In recent decades, the condition of the building has been poor, with significant damage to its exterior, due to lack of proper maintenance work on the building. Thus, we designed an initiative that aimed at the complete renovation of the façade of the building, as well as the surrounding area.

Respecting tradition

The original façade of the building was made of stone, but it was covered with plaster, losing its beautiful and traditional appearance. At the same time, natural wear and tear had altered its characteristics over the years. So, in collaboration with the local community, we decided to highlight the original architecture of the building, with respect to the historical construction and the tradition of stonework. The work included, among other things, the removal of coatings and plasters, the grinding of stone and joints, as well as the construction of a system so that groundwater and moisture do not cause damage to external surfaces. At the same time, hidden lighting was installed which highlights the stone even better.

We delivered to the local community the completed project, which now highlights the historical value of the building and reinforces its importance as a center of all activities in Sidera. Recently, the courtyard of the renovated building hosted the festival of Prophet Elias, organized by the Cultural Educational & Naturalist Association of Sideras "The Refugees", with the participation of hundreds of residents of the village and the wider region.

Creating value

The Sidera project confirms our commitment to actions that benefit society and local communities in the Kozani region. These multifaceted actions include our support for activities in the area, the program to identify energy needs in Mavrodendri, Kozani, and  the construction of the "Kivotos" that creatively utilized hundreds of wooden pallets from the Perasma cluster to create a wooden structure for disabled children.

Our Creating Shared Value (CSV) initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this action being part of Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted at the 70th United Nations General Assembly in 2015. Our company's initiatives of social interest are fully in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The Sustainable Development Goals are global in nature and of general application with a timeplan for implementation by 2030. They create implementation commitments for all countries, developed and developing, taking into account different national realities, levels of development, national policies and priorities. The 2030 Agenda promotes the integration of all three dimensions of sustainable development – social, environmental and economic, they have a clear relationship with ESG criteria of the company.

Daily commitment to a sustainable governance model

At Principia we demonstrate every day our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions with a significant impact on people's daily lives and especially on the future of young people. Therefore, all our initiatives of social interest that we implement in the framework of CSV (Creating Shared Value) are fully in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

In this context, we decided this year to get to know some of the SDGs. 1: No Poverty, 4: Quality Education, 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, 10: Reduced Inequalities, 13: Climate Action and 17: Partnership for the Goals. Every month a group of employees will be informed and informed about one of the Goals, contributing not only to their dissemination but also to their achievement.

The beginning was made with SDG 7: Cheap and Clean Energy, as it is also the Goal that our company is dealing with by its nature, as Renewable Energy Sources are not only environmentally friendly, but also more economical than others. Selected employees from various departments of the company presented the basic principles governing this Goal and its Sub-Objectives and proposed solutions for its sustainable achievement. OR Raising awareness and education towards a sustainable society concerns us all and through our internal information and awareness program, we are doing our bit in this direction.

Activities of social interest

At the same time, we continue to work towards an inclusive society, with green and clean energy for all. Our goal is to contribute to the daily needs of the local communities where we operate, but also to respond with sustainable solutions to problems that arise.

It is worth mentioning characteristic examples of actions of social interest that we recently implemented: the completion with the participation of more than 700 young people of the educational program "Energy On The Go" approved by the Ministry of Education (SDG 4), the construction of a wooden playground for children with disabilities in Kozani (SDG 4,10,11), the reuse of old merchandising materials in the context of our rebranding in collaboration with Fabric Republic (SDGs 1, 13), our cooperation with the Fire (SDG 15, 17) and the voluntary cleaning of areas of Attica (SDG 15, 17).

We are committed to continue the effort to inform and raise awareness not only of our employees but also of the whole society about the importance of the 2030 Agenda.

We completed for the 9th consecutive year the educational program "Energy on the Go", with which we raise awareness of children and youth about green energy

More than 700 children and young people from Athens, Agrinio, Lamia and Grevena had the opportunity to participate and get to know in an experiential and fun way the world of green energy and circular economy but also to be sensitized to environmental issues. Our educational program "Energy on the Go" started in 2014 and receives the annual approval of the Ministry of Education,  Religious Affairs & Sports. It is addressed to pupils and students and takes place both in primary, secondary and higher education classrooms, as well as in our parks, throughout Greece.

During the 2023-2024 training year, our team of volunteer employees visited over 12 educational institutions across Greece to implement the program. In total, more than 4,000 young people have attended Energy on The Go.

Educational initiatives throughout Greece

Students from Grevena and Edessa chose to visit our wind farms "Monastiri 2" and "Zoodochos Pigi". With the help of our engineers, students had the opportunity to see up close the operation of the wind turbine but also to learn how wind is "converted" into energy.

At the park "Zoodochos Pigi", we organized another special educational activity, on the occasion of the World Wind Energy Day on June 15th. In collaboration with the Hellenic Wind Energy Association (ELETAEN), we "transformed" our wind farm in Vermio into an original "knowledge center" for children and young Scouts.

Finally, at the Martino wind farm in Fthiotida, we implemented an important initiative, as we welcomed young people from the Special Laboratory of Vocational Education and Training in Lamia. Thus, special education students had the opportunity to get acquainted, in an experiential and entertaining way, with modern technologies that help in the utilization of environmentally friendly energy sources.

Education for the future

The main purpose of the program is to raise awareness on issues such as sustainable development and renewable energy sources (RES). The theme covers sustainability, circular economy, energy efficiency and differences between renewable and conventional energy sources. The program, which is based on visits by our employees to schools during the school year, is divided into two parts: an interactive presentation and educational games. The presentation consists of videos and photos and simplifies complex concepts through understandable examples. Games, on the other hand, are designed to encourage problem-solving and teamwork and reinforce the concepts taught during the presentation.

The "Energy on the Go" training program gives us the opportunity to meet the generation of the future and introduce its members to the world of renewable energy sources. Combining practical learning and knowledge with innovative methods, we directly show students the application of renewable energy sources in everyday life, cultivate their understanding of sustainability and demonstrate its importance for the environment. In this way we pave the way for a greener future for new generations.

We demonstrate every day our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions with a significant impact on people's daily lives and especially on the future of young people. Our Creating Shared Value - CSV initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this program being part of Goal 4: Quality Education.

You may download the program's brochure (in Greek) here.

We received a Gold distinction for our high performance in Sustainable Development and ESG criteria from the CR Index, and at the same time we received a special commendation in the "Environment" pillar. For the first time in the history of the institution, a company with operations in green energy won a Gold Award.

Our Sustainable Development practices and ESG criteria across the spectrum of our activities won the Gold Award in the National CR Index. This distinction was accompanied by a special commendation in the "Environment" pilar, confirming our dedication to actions for a sustainable future.

The award ceremony took place at the annual event organized by the  Corporate Responsibility Institute, with the support of the European Commission in Greece. For the first time in the history of the institution, a green energy company in Greece conquers this top distinction, setting new standards for the industry. This year's recognition comes as a natural continuation of the Silver Award (as Enel Green Power Hellas) and the distinction of "Best Newcomer Company", both received in 2023.

The CR Index is the first ESG Index in Greece that, since 2008, evaluates the performance of companies in terms of society, environment, employees, corporate governance and the market. The assessment process is carried out on the basis of the 100 international criteria of Business in the Community (BITC), which are the current prerequisites for the most important ESG indicators and standards.

Creating Shared Value: A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

Adopting a holistic approach to sustainability, we incorporate a different corporate governance model, Creating Shared Value (CSV), a model of sustainable development in local communities that is fully in line with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In the field of society, we presented actions that highlight our consistent practice to be next to the local communities of the areas where we operate, such as the award-winning program "Vamvakies: A Social Green Project", our contribution to tackling energy poverty in Kozani and the registration of the Greek "Kissouri" honey as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), in Karystos.

In the field of the environment, we implement sustainability and sustainability initiatives, such as supporting the work of the Fire Service and our cooperation with the University of Crete for the protection of birds of prey near our wind farm in Agios Kyrillos. At the same time, we carry out targeted circular economy actions to reduce our environmental footprint, such as the creation of a model wooden playground for children with disabilities from used pallets in Kozani, while in the context of our rebranding, we gave life again to objects that were intertwined with the company's success in previous years!

Regarding our employees, who are at the heart of our activities, our Gold distinction at the Health & Safety Awards confirms our absolute commitment to zero accidents. At the same time, we empower our employees with innovative programs, such as the award-winning corporate volunteering program "Be The Hero". As the first Greek RES company in Greece to sign the European Union Diversity Charter, we promote Inclusion and Diversity, while supporting the importance of work-life balance and the wellbeing of our colleagues.  

This award reflects the successful implementation of Sustainable Development practices & ESG criteria that we apply across the spectrum of our activities according to the National CR Index, as well as the business responsibility that distinguishes us at every step.

We created a new prototype wooden playground by used wooden pallets, that was symbolically named "Kivotos".

In Kozani, we completed a new innovative project that utilized the principles and practices of circular economy to offer education and empowerment to children but also to enhance the entertainment infrastructure of the  Center for Recovery - Rehabilitation, Day Care for People with Disabilities "Kivotos", in Kozani, operating in the country, since 2000. The project "Creating an Ark" was funded by the company,  with the contribution of the Cluster of Bioeconomy & Environment of Western Macedonia (CluBE) and the scientific support of the Department of Visual & Applied Arts of the University of Western Macedonia.

Through the project, the artistic skills of the children hosted at the Center were developed, the perception of the wider community about the value of material reuse and circular economy was strengthened and the relationship of the local community with the University of Western Macedonia was further cultivated, through the internship of 35 students who worked at the different stages of the construction of the wooden ark.

The "journey" of the pallet

More specifically, 500 wooden pallets that transported the PV panels to the "Perasma" solar cluster under construction, as well as 6 huge wooden cable drum with a diameter of 1.5m with medium voltage cables used in the project, were the raw material of this important project.

The process was divided into three phases. Initially, last December, the Center used part of the materials to create Christmas greeting cards, decorative ornaments and gifts, which were curated by the children. The children's creations were offered to our employees, and were distributed at the Christmas bazaar of the Center.

Then, students of the Department of Visual & Applied Arts of the University of Western Macedonia created original and utilitarian wooden toys. The objects helped the children of the "Kivotos" to develop their imagination and promote their social inclusion.

The culmination of the project was the creation of the wooden playground named "Kivotos", within the Center's facilities. For its construction, more than 450 man-hours were allocated and natural timber was used, as well as wooden pallets and wooden cable drum from the construction of the "Perasma" solar cluster. The ark can host dozens of children at the same time, being a unique meeting point, coexistence and respect for diversity. The area is covered and suitable for wheelchairs, in order for every child to have free access to the game. To complete the scenery, the remaining construction raw materials were transformed into wooden toys, which have been placed inside the playground.

Projects with social impact

The support to the "Kivotos" project, which annually benefits 120 families in the wider region, is practical proof of our commitment to give back to society. It is yet another initiative in a series of circular economy projects, such as the reuse of old merchandising materials in the context of rebranding in collaboration with Fabric Republic and the creation of a recreational area in its wind farm "Soros", in Evros. Driven by innovation and creativity, we create shared value, in every area where we operate, with this initiative being part of SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.

On Sunday, June 16, we celebrated Global Wind Day with a special initiative, organizing an activity in Northern Greece to explore one of our wind parks.

Once again, in the framework of Global Wind Day, we organized an activity in one of our wind farms, so as to bring the public closer to Renewable Energy Sources. Specifically, we "transformed" our wind farm "Zoodohos Pigi", in Vermio, into an original "knowledge center" for children and young Scouts.

For the younger generation

We collaborated, for yet another year, with the Hellenic Wind Energy Association (ELETAEN) and created a special field trip for the Scout groups of the wider region, based on our model educational program "Energy On The Go". The day began with a tour of the wind farm "Zoodohos Pigi", offering children and youth the opportunity to see up close the technology behind the operation of wind farms.

We then discussed the importance of wind energy for building a sustainable future. We also delved into the energy industry, explored related fields of study, and talked about the career prospects and career opportunities offered by the RES sector. The workshops were complemented by outdoor activities designed by the Scouts to promote teamwork and environmental awareness.

The participants were given the educational brochures of ELETAEN "Learning about Wind Energy" and "Fyssa Aeraki Fysa me", which, through a series of thematic activities and creative exercises with shapes, colorful pictures, crosswords, drawings and crafts, encourage young children to play and learn more about wind energy and the crucial role of Renewables.

Aristotelis Chantavas, CEO of Principia, stated: "Such initiatives and synergies with HWEA prove our long-standing commitment to support people and societies in the areas where we operate, by creating opportunities for knowledge and education on green energy. At the same time, within the framework of our award-winning and Ministry of Education-approved educational program "Energy On The Go", which has already been attended by more than 5500 children in Greece, we highlight the prospects that green energy creates, for the environment and the economy, as well as for careers in the sector."

Education for the future

June 15th was established as Global Wind Day in an effort to raise awareness and inform the public about the benefits arising for the environment and the sustainability of the planet from the use of Wind Energy and the need to ensure air quality. The initiative belongs to the European Wind Energy Association (WindEurope) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

By encouraging and educating the younger generation about renewable energy, all of us at Principia are actively contributing to a future based on clean technologies. At the same time, this approach is aligned with our strategic model of creating shared value, which ensures that our activities also benefit the local communities in which we operate. Our actions for the Creation of Shared Value (CSV) are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this initiative being part of SDG 4 - Quality Education and SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.

We won an important award for the volunteering program “Be The Hero”, through which we show solidarity and support to our fellow people.

With the Silver Award in the category "Best Employee Volunteer Communication Program", we were distinguished at the Internal Communication & Employee Engagement Awards 2024. The award is yet another recognition for the implementation of the integrated corporate volunteering program "Be the Hero".

This recognition comes just days after the Gold Award in the category "Internal Communications & Employee Engagement" at the PR Awards 2024. The Program was recognized by the Jury of the Awards for the substantial impact and benefits it provides to the participating employees of the company.

Values that guide us

Our company's corporate volunteering program is based on our values for the overall care of both the environment and our people. The aim of the program is to convey the sense of social responsibility to the employees. It also wishes to highlight the importance of individual and group mobilization, in creating a positive impact on local communities and the environment.

For the implementation of the program and the creation of value for local communities, we created an internal loyalty program, which rewards with additional incentives the activation and participation of employees in volunteering actions. Through actions such as attendance stickers, the possibility of shorter working hours on the day of volunteering, the personal "loyalty degree" and the annual event for "Local Heroes", we secured not only a high participation rate, but also a large number of employees who would like to participate in these actions together with their family and friends.

A lasting commitment

Every day we prove our commitment to a complete model of sustainability, both for the environment and for the everyday life of our colleagues. The corporate volunteering program "Be the Hero" is practical proof of this commitment.

Actively supporting the work of the National Fire Service, we provided a series of free informative educational seminars on "Fire Contingency Plan in Renewable Energy Sources Plants", and thus contributed to the preparedness and training of its personnel.

The first cycle of educational seminars was successfully completed in four regions in Greece: Kozani (April 2023), Ptolemaida (December 2023 at the Fire Service Cadet Academy), Grevena (March 2024) and Chalkidiki (May 2024). The seminars were attended by 250 Firefighters from the Fire Service and 300 Cadets from the Fire Service Cadet Academy. Participants were informed about safety issues and ways to deal with a fire in a solar park.

A comprehensive program

Each seminar had a duration of two hours and was carried out by our experienced and trained staff. During the seminar, attendees were informed about the structure of a renewables plant, its operation and the Low & Medium Voltage equipment.

Additionally, electrical hazards, protection measures and finally fire scenarios, along with the relevant contingency plans were presented. The seminar ended with a visit to nearby solar parks, so that participants could see up close the facilities and the proposed measures for safety and firefighting.

Continuous commitment

Our contribution to the Fire Service has been for us a steady commitment. Another example of this, is the joint Evacuation Drill with the 4th Special Disaster Response Unit (E.M.A.K.) in October 2022, conducted at a Wind Turbine in the Rhodopes.

Our company will continue to assist the Fire Service, supporting its difficult work, that is crucial work in civil protection. Our Creating Shared Value - CSV initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with these actions falling under SDG 15 - Life on Land and SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.

We designed and implemented an integrated program for the Health and Safety of employees at the solar park "Perasma" in Kozani. With over 400,000 man-hours without accident, we were distinguished for the effectiveness of the program.

At the recent Health and Safety Awards 2024, we were distinguished as "WINNER" in the category "Renewable Energy Sources". The award recognized the development, implementation and monitoring of the Health and Safety program we created for the construction project of our solar cluster "Perasma", in Kozani.

An effective project

Based on our value of caring for our employees and partners, we created an integrated Health and Safety plan. Its main goal was guaranteeing the absolute safety of all employees who participated in the implementation of the construction of the solar park "Perasma" in Kozani. To ensure the effectiveness of the project, we developed and implemented international standards and best practices on safety issues in all project activities, with strong commitment from the management of all stakeholders.

At the same time, we proceeded to further inform and train our contractors and subcontractors both at the beginning of the project and throughout its duration, we carried out daily health and safety inspections, we implemented programs to reward employees with good performance in H&S issues and we created comprehensive information campaigns regarding the various risk categories.

Firm commitment to safety

The result of this multi-month action plan was the achievement of 400,000 man-hours, without any work accidents during the construction of the solar park "Perasma" in Kozani.

The Health and Safety program we have developed is yet another instance proving our firm commitment to achieving sustainability at every level of our business. This year's award follows last year's distinctions in the categories "Renewable Energy Sources" and "Innovation in Health and Safety issues". At the same time, we continue organizing initiatives that promote the value of safety, in various aspects of daily life, for our employees and society as a whole.

June 5th is a day dedicated to our environment, as established by the United Nations. This year's World Environment Day focuses on #GenerationRestoration, inviting societies, organizations and companies to contribute with all their forces in this direction.

For all of us, at Principia, the word environment is an integral part of our activities as we produce friendly, green energy from renewable sources and at the same time contribute to both the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and the protection of the environment. 

This year, on the occasion of World Environment Day, the restless volunteer team of our employees - in the framework of the award-winning corporate volunteering program "Be The Hero" - decided to put into practice this UN motto, by cleaning Lomvarda beach in South Attica.

By collecting a large volume of waste and materials to be recycled, such as plastic bottles and aluminum packaging, our volunteers contributed to the remodeling of the natural environment of the area. A total of 5,500 liters of waste were collected in a long-suffering area, which especially during the summer months is visited by many people.

Consistent for another year

Following the cleanups in the mountainous area of Parnitha in 2022 and in the wetland of Vravrona in 2023, our volunteers once again proved their sensitivity to environmental issues. The aim this time was to breathe new life into the bay located in South Attica and send a strong message about the importance of protecting the environment and biodiversity. It is worth noting that in the three symbolic cleaning actions, a total of more than 12500 liters of waste and debris have been removed.

An effective alliance

Together, we achieve more. That's why we partnered for the third year with "Save Your Hood", which empowers initiatives and gives citizens the means to act by providing common ground where everyone can express their ideas and concerns and empower each other for healthier and more sustainable neighborhoods. Just in Greece,  more than 52,000 volunteers of the movement have managed, within 3 years, to collect more than 11 million liters of garbage in a total of 289 municipalities.

Our firm commitment is to protect the environment

At Principia, we have a firm long-term commitment to the protection of the environment and this year the reforestation of Kastanologgos on Mount Ochi, in South Evia, in the wind farm array "Kafireas", is completed and delivered to the local community, giving new life to 640 hectares of forest, which corresponds to 90 football fields. In total, since 2017, we have planted 99,194 trees and plants covering a total area of 1,127 acres.

Our Creating Shared Value (CSV) initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. This activity is part of Goals 15: Life on Land & 17: Partership for the Goals

We undertook the study of energy needs in Mavrodendri, Kozani and implemented a three-fold program, through which residents received personalized support to improve their quality of life.

We actively support local communities in the areas where we operate, contributing steadily to local cultural events and social programs. In this way, we demonstrate our commitment to the holistic development of each region, as well as the creation of mutual value.

In this context, we implemented the program "Energy Poverty - Identification and addressing of energy needs", for the community of Mavrodendri Kozani. Nearby, there is the Perasma solar cluster, with a total capacity of 95 MW, which will contribute significantly to the country's energy transition.

An innovative program

The aim of the project, implemented in collaboration with the Bioeconomy and Environment Cluster (CluBE) of Western Macedonia, was to investigate the phenomenon of energy poverty in Kozani. The area of Mavrodendri was chosen as it is located both in the coldest zone of the country and in the center of the energy transition.

The three stages of the initiative

The project was implemented in three phases. Initially, a detailed survey was carried out, in which the residents participated, in order to record the energy needs of the community. The data collected provided important information on the socio-economic status and energy consumption patterns of households in the region.

The company then used the survey data and created a roadmap for households and local authorities to effectively tackle energy poverty.

Practical applications

At the same time, for the most substantial support of the local community, a one-stop shop was created and staffed. The service offered interested parties personalised advice on energy efficiency and upgrading buildings.

At the same time, residents had the opportunity to be informed about the available financial tools regarding the implementation of energy upgrades in their homes. The installation of solar panels or battery systems, as well as the improvement of heating and cooling systems, are recommended solutions in this field.

This is the only structure in Greece designed to facilitate two-way communication between citizens and experts, promoting sustainable energy practices.

Meaningful support to local communities

The initiative is part of our strategy to empower local communities in all areas where we operate. More specifically, in the area of Kozani, we implemented the Vamvakies Social Green Project. The program aimed to support entrepreneurship and empower citizens of Kozani to develop careers in the food industry. At the same time,  a group of women cultivated aromatic plants in our solar park in Vamvakies. Women were supported to become micro-entrepreneurs, market these original products and earn a significant income.

We demonstrate daily our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions with a significant impact on people's lives. Our Creating Shared Value - CSV initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this program being part of SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production.

We organized a seminar dedicated to work-life balance for all our employees. Our long-standing commitment continues to be to support our people, both in their professional, personal and family lives.

We recently organized a series of Support Seminars, with topics that concern our people in their daily lives. Our goal is to enhance their ability to respond to different challenges by improving their mental health.

The first Seminar dealt with an issue that concerns, perhaps more than any other, the workers of modern times: maintaining the balance between personal and professional life.

The key importance of work-life balance

Achieving a work-life balance is vital to everyone's quality of life, as it enhances both mental and physical well-being. Research over the past few decades has consistently highlighted the detrimental effects of overworking and neglecting personal time.

A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that people who work long hours are at greater risk of developing various health problems. Work-related stress has been linked to cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders such as depression.

Experiential seminar

To analyze this issue in depth, we organized a special seminar, in collaboration with the Panhellenic Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Vocational Reintegration (PEPSAEE). The instructors of the Association visited our offices for interactive sessions. During the workshop, all participants shared experiences, expressed opinions and discussed how they themselves achieve balance in their personal lives.

Then, the participants were divided into smaller groups for a series of experiential exercises on topics such as creating boundaries at work and effective, practical communication with our family environment and loved ones. In addition, case studies of employees facing difficult conditions in their daily lives were presented, with the teams undertaking to propose solutions.

In today's world, with technology enabling continuous connectivity, striking a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life has become increasingly challenging and crucial. However, it is not just a question of time allocation. By prioritizing our wellbeing, we take care of our mental health and improve our quality of life.

Our people are our compass

Principia's main priority is the development and protection of employees and in this context, in 2020 we were awarded as the best workplace in Greece at the "Great Place to Work" awards.

Through our actions for our employees, we seek to strengthen a corporate culture based on common values and goals, giving the space and resources to our people to develop their skills and personality. Our actions for the Creation of Shared Value (CSV) are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this initiative being part of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Breathing new life into leftovers branding items sparks another contribution initiative

Did you know that research indicates approximately 10 million tons of textiles in America and Europe are discarded annually? Astonishingly, about 85% of produced clothes end up in landfills. Have you ever stumbled upon a pile of items no longer useful and pondered, "What can I do with these?" We at Principia did, and it propelled us on an extraordinary journey of sustainability and charity.

During our rebranding process, we faced a dilemma - what to do with the leftover branding items? This challenge initially concerned us but eventually inspired a creative solution, leading us down the path of circular economy and social contribution. In our warehouses, we found over 200 safety vests, hats, t-shirts, banners, and bags that had been utilized in various company activities. With sustainability and green development being core values of our DNA, we saw this as an opportunity to repurpose and reuse these items.

We partnered with Fabric Republic, a trailblazer in clothing management that aligns with our passion for sustainability and social needs. Together, we transformed these items into brand new accessories like scrunchies, bags, pencil cases, keychains, and wallets. It was truly inspiring to breathe new life into objects that once played a significant role in our company's history.

Creating Value Through Giving

Our journey didn't stop there. The act of giving holds special significance for us at Principia. We decided to extend our efforts beyond environmental contribution and perform an act of love for society by donating all these newly crafted items to the Chatzipaterio Children's Rehabilitation and Support Center.

The NGO then organized a special Easter Bazaar at our premises, where employees were able purchase Fabric Republic's creations. Over the years, we have supported the foundation and numerous other institutions and organizations through volunteer programs, donations, and educational activities.

An Act of Love for the Environment and Society

For us at Principia, the circular economy is not just a concept; it's an integral part of our operations. It guides us towards sustainability and green growth, urging us to reduce our environmental footprint and breathe new life into what's left. Our commitment extends beyond environmental sustainability. We believe in giving back to society and supporting those who need it most.

Our partnership with the Chatzipaterio Center is a testament to this belief. By transforming surplus products into valuable items, we were able to support their cause. Sustainable activities and practices are our priority, and creating value for the environment and society is our primary goal. Our initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this activity being part of SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

This Easter, we proved once again that we continue our commitment and acts of social solidarity, with practical support to vulnerable social groups

For Easter we collaborated with two organizations in order to rehabilitate children with disabilities, as well as to meet the needs of our fellow human beings. Thus, we showed in practice our solidarity, love and substantial contribution to vulnerable social groups.

Supporting "Chatzipaterio"

As in previous years, this Easter we carried out actions to support with the "Chatzipaterio" Center for Rehabilitation & Support of Children (K.A.S.P.), which provides special education, speech therapy and physiotherapy programs to children with disabilities.

After our volunteering action, during which we visited the Center and created gifts, made sweets and built educational toys, we donated, for yet another year, to all our employees candles to support their work. At the same time, we organized an Easter bazaar at our offices, where all employees were supplied with candles, decorations, toys and gifts.

Our employees responded to our call with enthusiasm, being present to procure the items, which had been made by the people and children of "Chatzipaterio". Through our contribution, we contribute to the strengthening of the educational and therapeutic programs of the institution.

Circular Economy for a good cause

In the bazaar, we also sold products we created by upcycling old merchandising items. The initiative was implemented in collaboration with Fabric Republic, an organization that through a surplus clothing management system, focuses on social needs, focusing on sustainable development.

We gathered bags, banners, flags, safety equipment and old clothes, and turned them into over 200 items of brand new accessories, such as pencil holders, bags, key rings and scrunchies. This initiative is a practical implementation of the principles of circular economy, while at the same time it gave us the opportunity to further strengthen our offer to "Chatzipaterio".

Long-term support to Institutions and Local Communities

These actions highlight our general series of initiatives with which we support our community.

With our initiatives, we confirm daily our commitment to actions that benefit society and local communities throughout the country. Our activities are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this initiative being part of SDG: No Poverty.

With our crucial contribution and after 5 years of procedures, the European Commission registers Greek flower honey "Kissouri Honey" as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

Our decisive contribution to the local community of South Evia was recently recognized with the registration of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for "Kissouri Honey" by the European Commission.

The project "Support of the Karystos Beekeeping Association for the registration of the name 'Kissouri Honey' in the Community Register of Protected Geographical Indications", was commissioned and funded by the company in January 2019. It concerned the Association, which is the only body that has the right to submit the relevant registration request. Five years later, the competent EU body certifies Kissouri honey as a Protected Designation of Origin. The honey is produced in the wider area of Kafireas, our largest wind farm in Greece.

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"We are proud that the product is registered with a Protected Designation of Origin. Our company has been active in the region of South Evia with targeted social actions since 2017, seeking to empower the local communities. The registration of PDO in "Kissouri Honey" is for us the real fruit of our efforts in the region. We see this achievement as an opportunity for the recovery of local honey production, but also a real support to the families that depend on it."

— Eugenia Melea, Chief People, Culture & Sustainability Officer at Principia

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PDO Designation for a special product

The "Kissouri" honey is the autumn heather honey produced in the region of Karystia by bees that harvest the flowers of the purple heather (Erica manipuliflora) that grows in the area. It is presented in liquid or crystallized form, its taste is slightly bitter, its color is dark with red-bronze shades, and its aroma is intense and long-lasting.

The PDO name not only proves the origin of the product, but also sets it apart from the competition, highlighting its unique quality and providing consumers with certainty of its authenticity. With the product being legally and financially protected, local producers have the opportunity to further develop their business activity through beekeeping.

Our support towards this effort confirms our commitment to initiatives for the sustainable development of local communities, in all regions of Greece where we operate. Our initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this activity being part of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

We were distinguished at the PR Awards 2024, highlighting once again our commitment to a model of sustainable development of local communities.

Principia was honored with the Gold Award in the category "Internal Communications & Employee Engagement" at the 2024 PR Awards. The company was distinguished for the implementation of the integrated corporate volunteering program "Be the Hero", which places employees and the fundamental principle of social contribution at the center of our activities.

The "Be the Hero" program

Based on our commitment to creating value, the program, implemented since September 2022, aims to create a positive impact on local communities and the environment and inspire a sense of social responsibility in our people.

In this context, the "Be the Hero" program encourages employees to become the everyday heroes that local communities need, and to discover the value that social contribution and solidarity can offer, through simple daily acts of volunteering.

Our activities

According to Harvard Business Review, research shows that volunteering has a more pronounced effect on participants when they feel that the time they spend and the effort they put in, contribute to tackling a problem. "Be the Hero" encourages personal, tangible contribution, in conditions where volunteers come into immediate contact with the issue and can help, both individually and in groups, in a direct and meaningful way.

Thus, we launched our initiatives in September 2022, preparing and distributing 1,000 portions of food to homeless people in the center of Athens. Our actions continued with the volunteering cleaning in Parnitha and Vravrona, collecting thousands of liters of waste.

We also supported the Chatzipaterio Center for Rehabilitation & Support of Children and organized voluntary blood donation for our employees. At the same time, faithful to our commitment to social contribution, every Christmas, we stand by vulnerable fellow citizens, in the areas where we operate, delivering food and necessities to institutions and organizations throughout Greece.

Rewarding effort

For the implementation of the program and the creation of value for local communities, we created our own voluntary loyalty program, which rewards with additional incentives the activation and participation of employees in volunteering actions. Through actions such as attendance stickers, the possibility of shorter working hours on the day of volunteering, the personal "loyalty degree" and the annual event for "Local Heroes", we have secured not only a high participation rate, but also a large number of employees who would like to participate in these actions together with their family and friends.

Impact on society and the environment

"Be the Hero" is practical proof of the company's systematic investment in corporate responsibility and creating a positive impact on society. With a presence in 26 prefectures of the country and supporting cultural, social and sports initiatives annually in local communities where we operate, we respond to the needs of social groups and demonstrate our commitment to prosperity and sustainable development.

We organized a Team Building day for all our employees, joining our forces to introduce our new Vision and to welcome the new era of our company, all together.

One day after the official launch of Principia's new name and corporate identity, we all got together and got in touch with the company's new Vision, Mission and Values. At the same time, we were informed about the new brand guideline through specially designed experiential activities.

One day for all employees

We welcomed our employees from all over Greece in a specially designed area. To welcome the company's next day, we gave each employee a personalized gift: a backpack with their name on it, which contained stationery, a reusable bottle and a safety vest, all with the Principia logo.

At the beginning of the event, Aristotelis Chantavas, CEO of Principia, gave a greeting giving a taste of what is to come. Then, the new brand of the company was presented in detail, in all its applications, both in materials that are part of everyone's everyday life, as well as in the promotion of the company in print and digital media.

Hands-on activities

The follow-up to the meeting focused on the company's new Vision: Empowering a Sustainable Tomorrow. Based on our vision, we talked about the values that govern our company, and the mission that guides our every step. To emphasize the importance of teamwork, cooperation and trust, in each of our activities, we divided the participants into groups and assigned them a "mission".

The teams were asked to create improvised printed material for the company, film a humorous video for social media, and create a business proposal for a new product. All participants had to work quickly and efficiently, with team spirit but also with personal touches, to achieve their goal. The results were presented to the entire audience and were impressive, receiving the reward and positive comments of all.

New brand at our office

On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, we presented Principia, the new company that resulted from the sale of 50% of Enel Green Power Hellas to Macquarie Asset Management. The company has been active since 2008 as part of Enel Green Power in Greece.

To present Principia's new corporate identity, we organized an event for stakeholders, institution representatives and production partners of the company. The main shareholders of the company, the Minister of Environment & Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis and the Minister of Development, Konstantinos Skrekas, were present.

"Progress requires new knowledge and a willingness to question even what works successfully, in order to give birth to new things that will bring us one step closer to the future.. For more than 15 years, we have forged our own path in Greece, having been at the cutting edge of the energy transition that is a necessity and a strategic goal throughout Europe. We are now moving forward as Principia, even stronger and more determined, inspired by the great heritage of the company, guided by our principles and values and aiming to make Greece's energy transition a reality, focusing on people and local communities."

— Aristotelis Chantavas

The event began with "O sole mio" ("My sun") an Italian Neapolitan song, performed by a tenor and two sopranos, taking us on a journey to Italy and thus honoring the origins of Enel. Apart from the Ministers, the event was welcomed on behalf of the two shareholders by Eric Bjonerud (President, Principia BoD & Managing Director, Macquarie Asset Management) and Roberto Deambrogio (Executive Vice President, Enel), while CEO Aristotelis Chantavas set the tone for the new era in his speech. The name was revealed by talented dancers who with rhythm and mastery conveyed the new values, the new vision and the new mission. In turn, Head of Communication Konstantinos Efraimidis with the help of BBDO Group's creative team explained what lies behind the choice of name and logo. Presenter Maria Sarafoglou moderated the event.

Towards a sustainable future

Our vision is to create a sustainable future. Our mission is to accelerate the energy transition towards a green and clean model of renewable energy production. Principia will be an example of an organization creates value far greater than the sum of its parts. Thus, we will establish new principles for energy production with absolute respect for nature, completely friendly to mankind. The foundation of this vision was the work "Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica", by Isaac Newton. By establishing the principles of physics, Newton inspired the world to be reborn and progress.

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"As the world's largest infrastructure asset management company, we actively support the businesses we have invested in to grow and make a positive contribution to the local communities where they operate. Principia is no exception. The company's team has been at the forefront of renewable energy development in Greece for more than 15 years, and we are excited to start this next chapter together. By combining our capabilities, we aim to support Principia in implementing its ambitious investment plan and, ultimately, contribute to Greece's efforts for decarbonization."

— Eric Bjonerud

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Driving the green transition

Our logo is the circle that symbolizes eternity, wholeness, unity and continuity. For Principia, the circle is the point from which energy emanates to give life and fulfil the needs of mankind. However, it also represents the planet, which we must protect with all our might.

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""It is with great pleasure that we embark on a sustainable journey together with MAM, with a new corporate identity that expresses a rapidly growing company with a central role in Greece's energy transition. Through Principia, we will work continuously for the benefit of all our partners in the country, but also for its green footprint as a whole."

— Roberto Deambrogio

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We continue with pride to support Giorgos Mouchtis, table tennis champion with disabilities.

Since 2021, we have been by the side of Giorgos Mouchtis, table tennis champion with disabilities, supporting him in his participations in international competitions with the colors of our National Team.

George Mouchtis is at number 14 in the world ranking of table tennis people with disabilities and is an 8-time Greek champion. At the same time, he has won 18 medals in as many international competitions, including silver in the team event of his category, with the Greek National Team.

The power of sports

Currently, the athlete is preparing for his participation in the European Games 2025, in Sweden. "This is a big challenge for me, as my most important distinction in the sport was the Silver medal in the same event and in the same place, in 2019. Therefore, my goal is to achieve a similar success, maybe even higher! Another big goal of mine is to qualify for the Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028," says Giorgos.

It is worth mentioning that our support for the table tennis champion has been decisive in his competitive rise, as he has risen from number 31, up to number 13 in the world ranking. "Since we started our partnership, it has been a great pleasure and honor for me to talk to the people of Principia and walk together. I believe that if I had not had the support of the company, all these years, I might not have achieved all that I have achieved so far," he states, and continues: "It is important that companies of this caliber support athletes like me, showing in practice their commitment to inclusion. For this reason, I promise to make every effort for success to make all those who support me proud."

Giorgos has been "embraced" by all our employees, participating in a series of our actions and initiatives. Specifically, he visited the company's offices for a special Diversity & Inclusion Breakfast, discussing with employees about his career in sports. He also undertook to coach the employees as part of the company's internal table tennis championship.

Supporting Diversity

We are the first Renewable Energy Company in Greece to sign the Diversity Charter of the European Union, which promotes the voluntary commitment of private companies and organizations in order to promote diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace, regardless of age, disability, gender, race or ethnic origin.  religion or sexual orientation.

At the same time, we designated the year 2022-2023 as the year of Diversity and Inclusion, culminating in our initiatives of a grand team participation in the Authentic Athens Marathon. We continue the practical implementation of these values in our daily lives, by organizing special events to raise awareness of equality, as well  as through our volunteer program, which includes supporting people with disabilities, with the involvement of our employees.

Like all our initiatives for the Creation of Shared Value, the support to Giorgos Mouchtis is fully in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and specifically with goals 3, Good Health & Well-being, and 10, Reduced Inequalities.

On December 3^rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), we organized an event that focused on "Disability: Inclusion, Familiarization, and Activation." This entailed listening to the stories of three remarkable people.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IPPD) is observed every year on December 3rd and it was established by the UN General Assembly in December 1992. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability, and the employment rate for people with disabilities tends to be lower than that of the general population in many countries.

A just energy transition

At the same time, the company is fully committed to a just energy transition, in which equal opportunity and inclusion are fundamental. Building the world of tomorrow means enabling the coexistence of all cultures, ages, skills and abilities, as well as encouraging a corporate culture of diversity and equality. Through the company’s business activities and initiatives for a more sustainable future, everyone at the company shows their responsibility, not only to the environment, but to the community, their fellow human beings and the next generations.

In order to further enhance its focus on equality for everyone, and to create awareness of this important social issue, the company invited Chrysella Lagaria, Angelos Pentaris and Christiana Tambouratzi to its offices in Athens for a frank and open discussion about the lives of persons with disabilities. 

Personal stories

The three speakers at the event talked about their personal stories and the challenges they face in their daily lives. Chrysella Lagaria has been blind since birth and works for the integration of people with partial or total vision loss. She is the co-founder of Black Light, a business that focuses on inclusion. Angelos Pentaris, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and quadriplegia at the age of just four months, went on to make his dream come true when he managed to study music and become a drummer. Christianna Tambouratzi, on the other hand, is the mother of two children with disabilities who follow therapeutic programs at the Hatzipatereio Center for Rehabilitation and Support of Children.

The speakers shared their own personal experiences, discussing their daily efforts to overcome obstacles and discrimination, but they also talked about the importance of informing everyone about disability and its conditions, and the need for all of us to understand that we are part of the same civil society in which respect and equality are essential.

Building bridges

"Our society struggles to absorb the fact that we don't all have to be the same in order to fit in. Our goal is to build bridges between people, both blind and sighted, in order to create a more inclusive world for everyone. We invite everyone to provide job openings and to include blind people when designing products and services. What is happening today should only be the first step towards change," said Chrysella Lagaria, while Angelos Pentaris added: "The goal is for everyone to understand that having a disability does not mean being afraid, and to change the perception of some people that disability equals weakness. When we share what we have experienced with other people, we hope that they will not only be empowered by our stories, but that they will also understand that they can build a life they love to live." Last but not least, Christiana Tambouratzi emphasized that “We can all make our own effort for children with disabilities, not only those of us who live with them in our homes. Any one of us could be in my position."

Creating Shared Value

In 2022, the company became the first renewable energy company in Greece to sign the European Union Diversity Charter. It is also supporting organizations such as the Hatzipatereio Center, and it is helping table tennis player George Mouchtis in his bid to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. The company is continuing, in every way, to actively promote the elimination of discrimination in the social environment. These initiatives are fully aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and the initiative for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is part of SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

With #GreenRunningTeam, the largest "green" corporate team, we ran in the Authentic Athens Marathon, in the 5km race.

Our Green Running Team was actively involved in the 40th Athens Authentic Marathon, which took place on Sunday, November 12, 2023. This time, more than 50 employees of the company ran in the 5 km race, while one of our employees took part in the complete 42 km Authentic Marathon.

A great tradition

Following  its successful involvement in the 39th Athens Authentic Marathon and  the Athens Half Marathon in March 2023, the green team was once again present at the city's great running celebration. It is, of course, fitting that the Marathon takes place in Athens as it is the birthplace of this famous race. The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896 and the Marathon is based on the legend that in 490 B.C. the messenger Philippides ran 22 miles (42 km) from Marathon to Athens with the news of victory over the Persians.

A team committed to universal values

Moving forward 2,500 years, in November 2022, 14 Marathon runners from 12 countries took part in the 39th Athens Authentic Marathon, while 76 employees from Greece ran in the 5 and 10 kilometer versions. In March 2023, the Green Running Team also entered the Athens Half Marathon, running for a good cause, as part of the company's participation fee was donated to support EXELIXI ZOIS’s educational programs. This organization, whose name means “Life Evolution” in English, helps children between the ages of 12 and 17 who live in both private and public institutions. By law they are obliged to move out at the age of 18, and EXELIXI ZOIS endeavors to prepare them for adult life with programs that focus on education, sports and culture. This is in line with two of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, namely, SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). This time, we ran the 5 km route and, after crossing the finish line, we gathered at the Kallimarmaro Stadium to applaud all the runners who, with their effort, confirmed the ideals of sport, meritocracy and fair play.

Creating value

As a leader in the renewable energy industry, we show our commitment to a sustainability model based on targeted actions with a significant impact on people's daily lives. Our initiatives are fully aligned with the afore-mentioned UN Sustainable Development Goals, and not just “Quality Education” and “Decent Work and Economic Growth.” The Marathon is particularly relevant to Goal 3: “Good Health and Well-being.”

Since 2008, in all our activities in Greece, our first priority is always the absolute safety of all involved. We have implemented a comprehensive health and safety program, which we recently enriched with a seminar on safe and eco driving.

We commit to our safety program, pay attention to detail and focus on achieving our objectives in key aspects of our daily activities, in order to cover all possible scenarios in our professional and personal lives. This commitment has proven successful in many ways, as our initiatives have recently been recognised with some very important distinctions: In the Health and Safety Awards 2023, we received awards in the categories "Renewable Energy" and "Innovation in Health and Safety", as we completed ten years with zero accidents.

Our effort to promote safety in every aspect of our activities continues. To that end, we recently organised a series of seminars on safe and eco driving.

Safety on the road, under any condition

As transportation and driving to and from our plants throughout the country is an essential part of the work of our staff throughout Greece, the provision of specialized relevant training is an initiative of great importance. Thus, in collaboration with the Driving Academy, we offered all our employees a series of seminars and practical training, which aimed to familiarize participants with techniques for safer but also more economical and environmentally friendly driving.

The first part of the training was theoretical and covered topics such as preventive driving, hazard recognition and avoidance, proper braking, blind spots, suggested techniques and useful tips for dealing with dangerous conditions such as rain and fog. Finally, the theoretical training analyzed ways of economical driving and the benefits of modern technologies, such as electrification and the use of hybrid vehicles.

Then, everyone had the opportunity to practice the various techniques, driving on a specially designed track, at the Safe Car Driving Center, just outside Athens. The participants carried out a series of exercises, with increasing difficulty, on dry and slippery roads, covering all the difficult conditions and unforeseen obstacles they may encounter while driving on the road network.

Innovation and education

With prevention in mind, we undertake the design and development of systems to take precautions against risks, applying protection measures and evaluating them continuously. We prioritize raising employees' awareness on the vital importance of health and safety, as well as protecting the environment. At the same time, we developed the "Open Safety Project" initiative with employee visits to facilities of other sectors, aiming to determine the best practices in health and safety.

We also monitor the proper implementation of the company's health and safety program through digital tools and applications, while with the contribution of technology we have established direct and real-time monitoring of contractors' performance in our plants, on relevant issues.

Through the use of innovation and training, we add to our effort for safety, without accidents. With initiatives such as safe driving seminars, we equip our people with valuable tools and knowledge, help cultivate a comprehensive safety culture and reaffirm our long-standing commitment to providing a safe working environment for all.

We demonstrate daily our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions with a significant impact on people's lives. Our Creating Shared Value - CSV initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this activity being part of SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being.

We welcomed a group of students from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens to our Martino Wind Park in Fthiotida.

For several years, we’ve been implementing a series of programs – such as "Energy On The Go" – aimed at informing and educating young people about the principles of sustainable development, the circular economy, innovation and renewable energy sources (RES). 

Recently, we welcomed more than 40 students from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) to our Martino Wind Park. The students are members of the Power & Energy Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in NTUA, whose main pillar is scientific knowledge in the field of energy, climate change and renewable energy sources.

A future in renewable energy

During their visit to our wind park, the students were given a tour of the facilities and learned about the operating and maintenance procedures at the plant. Then, they saw the operating mechanisms of a wind turbine up close, and talked with our engineers about technology sector developments and innovations in storage, hybridization and repowering. 

Finally, they discussed job prospects in energy companies with our executives and the steps they should follow to start a successful career in the field of renewable energy sources. The industry is growing rapidly, both in Greece and around the world, and today's students are the ones who will take part in the green transition in the coming years, achieving new technological advances and implementing new innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.

Educational initiatives

This is part of our educational initiatives that aim to bring young people closer to green energy. Since 2014, we’ve been implementing the educational program "Energy On The Go", with the approval of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs. It’s an experiential learning program that aims to raise students’ awareness of the principles of sustainable development, renewable energy sources and their applications in everyday life.

We demonstrate every day our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions with a significant impact on people's lives and especially on the future of young people. Our actions for the Creation of Shared Value (CSV) are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this initiative being part of SDG 4 - Quality Education

We celebrated Global Wind Day 2023 with two special sports activities for youngsters that focused on physical exercise, mental well-being, awareness about wind energy and exploring the natural environment near our wind farms.

According to its official website, Global Wind Day on June 15 is “a day for discovering wind energy, its power and the possibilities it holds for reshaping our energy systems, decarbonizing our economies and boosting jobs and growth.” And in order to celebrate it we decided to organize two events (one a few days before, and one a few days after) near our wind farms that concentrated on outdoor activities (namely, cycling and hiking) for children and adults of all ages. And we did so in collaboration with the Hellenic Wind Energy Association (HWEA, or ELETAEN).

A breath of fresh mountain air

On Sunday, June 11, and in collaboration with Karystia’s “Anemos” Cycling Club, we organized an inter-club mountain bike competition on a specially designed track in Kontoremata, Karystos. This is near our wind cluster in Kafireas, South Evia. More than 300 children and teenagers from various clubs around the country took part in the races and special cycling tournaments. Various age groups raced around a circular track which included trunks, jumps and artificial obstacles.

On Saturday, June 17, we made a hike near the village of Aysymi in the area of our wind farm in Soros Alexandroupolis, in cooperation with "Higher than Everest".

Promoting environmental awareness

In both activities, those taking part had the opportunity to learn about the value of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in their daily lives through our "Energy On The Go" educational program, but also through the HWEA’s printed materials. With a series of themed activities, creative exercises and books such as “Mathaino gia tin Aioliki Energeia” (Learn about Wind Energy) and "Fysa Aeraki, Fysa me" (Let the Wind Blow), young children were encouraged to play and learn more about wind energy and the decisive role of RES in the green transition.

June 15 was established as Global Wind Day by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA, or WindEurope) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). Every day we show our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions, which benefit local communities in the areas where we operate. In this way, we ensure sustainable development while cultivating a relationship based on trust. Our activities for the Creation of Shared Value (CSV) are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this initiative being part of SDG 4 - Quality Education and SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.

The Health and Safety Awards 2023, which were organized for the 9th year under the auspices of the Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, are for companies that stand out for their related performance in the workplace, as well as in the development of services and technologies that contribute to the reduction of accidents or illness and improve the quality of life of their employees.    

The health and safety of our employees is a top priority for us. At the same time, we are fully committed to sustainable development and the production of green energy in the country, while offering a safe working environment in all our activities.  

10 Years - Zero Accidents  

We received the Gold Award at the Health & Safety Awards 2023, in the "Renewable Energy Sources" category for going 10 years with zero accidents.  

We have been operating in Greece since 2008 and, despite the complexity, scope and objective difficulties for the construction and operation of our projects, our goal has always been the absolute safety of all concerned. The achievement of this remarkable result is thanks to a series of actions by the company, which has implemented a comprehensive health and safety program over the years. The program’s main pillars include: 

• The proper planning, development and implementation of systems to foresee risks, taking preventive measures and continuously evaluating them. 
• The comprehensive training of employees and contractors through compulsory sessions in order to understand the working context and the degree of risk in each area. At the same time, in collaboration with specialized bodies, we provide additional training sessions for people working in areas with increased risk. Furthermore, we implement the innovative "Contractors' Green Card" training program. This is in collaboration with SEV-IVEPE (the Institute of Industrial and Business Education & Training) for contractors' personnel, and ensures that they have adequate knowledge of health and safety issues during their employment at the company's facilities. 
• Raising employee awareness concerning the essential importance of health and safety, by building a positive culture on these issues, through various actions, such as Safety Walks. At the same time, we have developed the "Open Safety Project" initiative with employee visits to other facilities as examples of best practices in health and safety, while the "Good Performance Awards" program rewards contractors for their responsibility and compliance with safety rules at power plants.   
• Improving the monitoring of the proper implementation of the company's health and safety program through digital tools and applications. 
• The implementation of innovative programs at the company's construction sites. This includes – but is by no means limited to – an advanced employee notification system, the installation of cameras on machinery to minimize blind spots, as well as the use of telematics for the remote control of equipment. 

Awards for innovation and the implementation of advanced health and safety technological systems 

We also received an award in the "Health and Safety Innovation" category for the use of advanced IT systems that control contractors' access to power plants and mobile app tools that monitor their performance.  

The rapid development of our company, which now has 59 plants in Greece, presents a number of challenges. This is due both to the geographical location of the plants, which are often in inaccessible areas, and the implementation of maintenance and control work by contractors and subcontractors. This must be certified in accordance with health and safety legislation and internal regulations.  

We successfully addressed this need by designing and implementing digital tools for the control and approval of employees, machines and documents (the HSE Database) before entering projects that were either under construction or in operation. With the use of an automated database, it was possible to simultaneously monitor more than 2,400 employees, 960 PPE and 250 HSE documents, in real time. 

Another challenge we overcame with the help of technology was the immediate and real-time monitoring of contractors' performance in projects in terms of health and safety issues. The creation of an advanced mobile app significantly enhanced the continuous monitoring of contractors' activities to ensure their compliance with all health and safety protocols at our facilities. 

Through the use of technology, we facilitate work in order to achieve our goal of zero accidents. The two important prizes that we received at the 2023 Health and Safety Awards highlight our long-standing commitment to providing a safe and secure working environment, employing the best possible planning and advanced technology systems in order to achieve this.

February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. As part of our commitment to this cause, we opened our doors to a group of young women and showed them the many professional opportunities offered by the flourishing energy sector.

The energy sector remains one of the professional fields with the lowest level of participation by women. Bridging the gender gap is crucial, as women are key drivers of innovation and sustainable, inclusive growth. Despite the significant steps taken in recent years, with the number of women among students at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level steadily increasing, research shows that women continue to be under-represented in the technology sector, accounting for only 25% of jobs and only 3% of positions of responsibility and leadership.

For this reason, we are encouraging women to start careers in the energy sector. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11) is an opportunity for us to open our doors to women who want to get a glimpse of a professional future in the energy sector. And that is why we welcomed a group of beneficiaries of the EXELIXI ZOIS program. These girls, who have either just finished school or are taking their first career steps, were given a tour of our company's facilities. They also got to to talk to our executives and female engineers about the great professional opportunities offered by the energy and technology sector, which is enjoying dynamic growth in Greece.

State-of-the-art technology

We operate the most modern Control & Monitoring Room in Greece and we are applying new  technologies with revolutionary sustainable practices in our projects. We are a company that not only combines renewable energy with the implementation of innovative solutions, but also provides our employees with continuous training in new technologies.

This helps explain why we offer practical support for the work of EXELIXI ZOIS, and empower the residents of gated child protection facilities in their first steps as active, self-reliant and self-sufficient members of society. The young women who came to see us had the opportunity to visit the offices and Control & Motoring Room. Our executives then shared useful tips on how to handle a job interview, which nowadays largely determines whether a candidate is hired or not.

Personal experiences

During the session, female employees shared their experiences in the energy sector and talked about the difficulties and challenges they faced during their careers, as well as the unconditional support they received from the company.

In the discussion that followed, we focused on the challenges posed by the rapid technological evolution for energy companies, as well as the stereotypes that women who want to work in technology and energy – two areas still considered to be predominantly male – have to face.

We need more women in the energy and technology sector

Our company has undertaken several initiatives to empower women and encourage their development in positions of responsibility, creating an equal and inclusive work environment. One such initiative is "Her Community" in which all our female colleagues freely discuss and organize workshops with special guests on issues of concern to them. Another initiative is the "Women engineers at schools" program, which entails our female executives talking to schoolgirls about the challenges and opportunities of engineering as a profession. This is in order to show that women can also be excellent engineers and to encourage more girls to choose this career.

At the same time, we will continue to support the work of EXELIXI ZOIS by covering part of the female students' expenses for the coming academic year. We are placing a strong emphasis on technology and innovation, while also remaining committed to equality and removing barriers to the participation of more women in the sector. In actual fact, we are first RES company in Greece to have signed the EU Diversity Charter.

We demonstrate every day our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions with a significant impact on people's lives and especially on the future of young people. Our actions for the Creation of Shared Value (CSV) are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this initiative being part of SDG 4 - Quality Education and SDG 5 - Gender Equality.

The Monastiri 2 wind farm in the Rhodope regional unit recently provided the setting for a dramatic Wind Turbine Generator evacuation drill at a height of 65 meters, involving members of our Operation and Maintenance team, the local police force and the Greek fire service.

The safety of the people who operate our plants every day is our top priority. For this reason, we carried out an innovative Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) evacuation drill at our Monastiri 2 wind farm. This is located in the Municipal Unit of Kechros, in the Municipality of Arriani, in the Rhodope regional unit. The drill was performed in collaboration with the 4th Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK) of the Greek fire service.

The Wind Turbine Generator evacuation drill was successfully coordinated by the Commander of the 4th Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK), Michalis Altiparmakis, with the presence and participation of both the National Center for Emergency Assistance (EKAB) unit and the Arriani Police Department. The scenario of the drill included the rescue of personnel from the wind farm’s Operation and Maintenance (O&M) team, from the 65-meter-high wind turbine saddle. Members of the Response Unit rescued employees with the use of ropes and special equipment for working at an altitude while they used special stretchers for their safe transportation on the ground.

An excellent record

At the same time, the rescuers from EMAK practiced ascent and descent with double stoppers, the use of rescue equipment, belts and position stabilizers. They were also informed about the operation and accessories and equipment of wind turbines, in order to act safely and effectively in incidents in similar conditions.

The exercise was attended by, among others, the deputy mayor of Kehros, Haseki Ali, as well as local government officials. After the end of the drill, in order to provide support to the Greek Fire Service, we responded to the relevant request and donated safety equipment to the 4th Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK) while thanking them for their decisive contribution to the safety and prosperity of society as a whole.

At our Soros wind farm in the Evros district in Thrace, we created our first circular economy project in the country. Using scrap wood from damaged electricity poles, we’ve created a fully equipped picnic area for hikers and visitors, which, at the same time, also serves as a useful wildfire observation point.

A kiosk for sustainability

We have five wind farms in Thrace, for a total capacity of 63 MW, which are regularly checked and inspected. That’s how in 2021 we identified 13 wooden medium-voltage electricity poles that had been compromised by exposure to various natural phenomena, including damage from woodpeckers that inhabit the area. Talking with our colleagues at O&M about what to do with the old poles, we came up with the idea of building a kiosk in our Soros wind farm, in Evros. There, visitors could take a break and enjoy the beautiful view; there were no longer any picnic spots in the area as the few remaining ones had been destroyed in recent years.

What’s more, this observation point could also be used for spotting nascent wildfires. So we officially submitted a project to the municipal council and the authority responsible for local parks and, once it had been approved, we hired a construction firm to build the picnic area with a kiosk, tables, benches and other amenities. The leftover wood was donated to local livestock farmers who used it to reinforce their animal enclosures. We opened the new area in May and it was warmly welcomed by the local residents, who will benefit most from it.

Operation “Win together”

In short, the initiative we developed at the Soros wind farm has produced numerous positive results. First of all, the local community now benefits from a picnic area that had been needed for some time and that can also be enjoyed by tourists. The site also serves as a lookout point for wildfires in the park. Furthermore, several tons of wood were prevented from ending up in landfills, thereby giving it new life, while a local company was commissioned to perform the work. All in all, this was a win-win scenario one that has created genuine shared value with the local community.

We demonstrate daily our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions with a significant impact on people's lives. Our Creating Shared Value - CSV initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this activity being part of Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

We became the first renewable energy company in Greece to sign the country’s Diversity Charter, just one example of promoting diversity and inclusion

Engaging companies to implement diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace and exchanging and sharing experiences and good practices through platform meetings, expert seminars and annual high-level forums. These are the main goals of the European Union Platform of Diversity Charters, which was created in 2010 under the umbrella of the European Commission and is promoted in all European member states. The result is a large peer network of private companies, NGOs and public bodies acting in concert to develop and implement diversity and inclusion policies. 

And as part of our commitment to equality and equal opportunities, we have become the first renewable energy company to sign the Diversity Charter in Greece. This shows the commitment of our company to supporting all types of diversity and inclusion based on four main pillars: zero discrimination, equal opportunity, an inclusive workplace and respect for the balance between professional and personal life.

Indeed, as the European Commission states, by signing a charter, an organization voluntarily commits to promoting diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace, regardless of age, disability, gender, race or ethnic origin, religion or sexual orientation.

Greek philosophy

The Greek Diversity Charter was established in 2019 and so far 150 private companies representing a combined total of 50,000 employees have joined it.  When we recently signed the Charter, Aristotelis Chavantas, CEO, said: “Our company is a global family, which respects and takes pride in its support for diversity. Equal opportunity and inclusiveness are the key pillars in our daily work activities in all the countries where we operate. We are proud to be the first company in our industry to sign the Charter, proving that we are committed to supporting diversity, both in the workplace and in society in general.”

Our commitment to diversity and equal opportunities was recognized during this signing ceremony by Stavros Milionis, Head of the Diversity Charter Greece, who said: “With the four key corporate values of the company being transparency, credibility, innovation, and foresight, it is natural for the company to be a member of the Diversity Charter for Greek Companies. The signing of the Charter signals our cooperation in designing and implementing activities to defend the principles and values of diversity.”

The Big Picture

At Principia (as Enel Green Power Hellas), we designated 2022 as the year of Diversity and Inclusion and in this context we are organizing a series of initiatives that promote these values. We created in collaboration with Project Parenting a theatrical event about Uniqueness, explaining through experiential scenarios, the difficulties that members of the LGBTQ community face daily. At the same time, we support disabled table tennis athlete George Mouchtis as he participates in national and international competitions. The culmination of the Year of Diversity is our global call for the participation of our employees from over 20 countries in the Athens Classic Marathon, creating the most diverse team.

We demonstrate every day our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions with a significant impact on people's daily lives and especially on the future of young people. Our Creating Shared Value - CSV initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this program being part of Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.