The sustainability report 2023 of the group Hera it is based on clear principles of clarity, transparency and commitment towards stakeholders, placing people, needs and the valorisation of territories at the centre. This commitment translates into the distribution of over 2.3 billion euros in the territories served, representing 71% of the overall economic value. The 14% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions highlights a concrete effort in the fight against climate change, while investments in innovative technologies for waste management and recycling aim to promote greater environmental sustainability.
The 2023 sustainability report of the Hera group
A crucial point of this report is the fight against climate change, with a significant 14% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2019. This reduction includes both the direct emissions of the group and those of customers, thanks to energy efficiency interventions and behavioral changes. Furthermore, the Hera group is committed to the exclusive use of renewable electricity for its activities, thus contributing to a 7.6% reduction in internal energy consumption compared to 2013.
At the same time, the company invests in innovative technologies for transformation of organic waste in biomethane and compost, producing 8.5 million cubic meters of 100% renewable fuel. Initiatives are also launched for the development of hydrogen as an energy vector, with pilot projects in Modena and Trieste.
The promotion of a more sustainable use of resources is another central objective of the Hera group, with a waste sorting which exceeded 72% and a municipal waste recycling rate rose to 61%, bringing forward the European Union’s objectives to 2030. Part of this strategy includes a focus on efficient water management, with a decrease in internal consumption by 21% compared to 2017 and an increase in wastewater reuse from 7 to 10%.
Finally, the Bologna-based multiutility continues to invest in innovation And resilience, with over 370 million euros earmarked to renovate systems and increase the digitalisation of infrastructure. These investments aim to guarantee the continuity of services and the availability of resources, especially in emergency situations such as the flood that hit Emilia-Romagna in May 2023. Furthermore, with a vision oriented towards sustainability, the shared value generated by Hera group rose to 776 million euros in 2023, representing 52% of the overall gross operating margin, with the aim of exceeding one billion euros by 2027.
