Our ESG Strategy
To develop our ESG strategy, we conducted an initial materiality assessment and analysed the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN). This analysis allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the goals and their associated targets, enabling us to understand the overarching themes and objectives of each goal, as well as how they relate to each other. We determined which SDGs, based on their thematic focus and objectives, are most relevant to us and where we can have an impact as a real estate company. As a result, we have selected four specific SDGs where we know we can make the most substantial impact, above all SDG 13.
We support the well-being of our employees and our tenants. Our modern properties fulfill the highest quality standards and offer a pleasant working environment.
We are working towards a detailed measurement and monitoring system for energy consumption and the responsible use of resources is a top priority for EPH.
We use green electricity for the general supply of energy to all our buildings, and we aim to continue increasing our overall energy efficiency.
As a property portfolio holder, we are very aware of our role in promoting climate protection. Hence our focus on Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. The properties under our management are at the fore- front of our efforts to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment (The graphic and icons are used for information purposes only. The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States.)
These topics were then prioritised based on their environmental and societal impacts, as well as their relevance to EPH’s business operations. These material topics form the basis of our sustainability strategy.
Material Topics Matrix
Our sustainability strategy is built on three key pillars: Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG). Each pillar represents a distinct focus area with long-term ambitions and specific targets:
Environment
Adapting to climate change: We aim to improve the process of adapting to current and expected climate change and its impacts. EPH has conducted thorough climate risk assessments on a property-by-property basis to evaluate the impact of climate risk on our properties and the potential measures that can be taken.
Minimize greenhouse gas emissions: We aim to reduce our carbon footprint by improving energy efficiency in all our properties and prioritise the use of renewable energy sources. We have implemented cutting-edge technology such as smart building systems to generate live data that will provide a basis for future analysis and action. We have also installed renewable energy in all buildings in general areas and encouraged tenants to follow our example.
Social
Employee wellbeing and equality: Our employees are essential to the success of our business, and we are committed to their well-being, safety, and equal treatment. Promoting equality is fundamental to our culture and we aim to create an environment where everyone has equal opportunities. Our commitment to gender equality is reflected in the proportion of women in senior positions, with two women on our six-member Board of Directors and four of the five positions on our Management Committee held by women.
Tenant satisfaction and awareness: We are committed to providing the highest levels of quality and a pleasant working environment for our tenants, and to raising awareness of sustainable practices within our properties. We regularly engage with our tenants via newsletters, events and personal dialogues and have sufficient and accessible channels for the expression of their opinions, concerns and wishes.
Health and saftey standards: We prioritise the health and safety of our employees, tenants, and building users. The well-being of those who interact with our properties is central to us, We conduct regular inspections, and ensure that all facilities are maintained to the highest safety standard.
Governance
Responsibly behavior and integrity: We are committed to responsible, value-orientated management and control at all levels of our company. Compliance with ethical, social, environmental, and legal requirements is of paramount importance to us, and we are committed to transparency in all of these areas. Our business activities are guided by the principles of responsible and ethical corporate governance. To ensure that these principles are upheld, we have developed a code of conduct that embodies the core values of our corporate governance.
Peventing corruption and bribery:
We take a zero-tolerance policy to fraud. We have implemented a a series of guidelines and procedures which raise awareness of potential fraud risks and establish adequate controls to prevent fraud.