Published United Group Sustainability Report for 2023: Emission Reduction, Promotion of Renewable Energy, Advancing Equality

United Group, a leading provider of telecommunications and media services in Southeast Europe, has made exceptional progress in its sustainable practices during 2023. The published Sustainability Report for 2023 highlights significant achievements in the areas of environmental protection, social responsibility, and governance (ESG). This report emphasizes United Group’s commitment to sustainability and details its progress in promoting positive impacts on the environment and society.

United Group aims for net-zero emissions by 2040 with significant reductions confirmed by SBTi

United Group’s sustainability aspirations are underscored by ambitious emission reduction targets, which have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). As part of its commitment to combating climate change, United Group aims for net-zero emissions by 2040. Significant progress was made in 2023 with a 46 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to 2020.

Significant progress in renewable energy initiatives and circular economy

In 2023, United Group also confirmed its commitment to renewable energy by sourcing 40 percent of its total electricity consumption from renewable sources, further strengthening its role in promoting sustainable business practices across the industry. In addition to emission reductions, United Group has committed to achieving zero waste from its operational activities to landfills by 2030. This goal emphasizes a focus on circular economy principles, reuse and recycling initiatives, and the elimination of electronic waste. The company is already promoting circular economy principles through its half-SIM and eSIM initiatives, customer waste disposal programs, and the buyback of old smartphones. It is important to note that in 2023, approximately 40 percent of the equipment installed at customer premises (CPE) consisted of refurbished equipment.

Additionally, this year United Group completed its first assessment according to the EU taxonomy, evaluating its activities against the EU’s sustainable financial frameworks that promote sustainable transition and socially responsible investments.

United Group promotes gender equality and leadership development through social initiatives in 2023

Regarding social initiatives, United Group made significant progress in 2023 concerning gender equality and diversity. Women held 52 percent of leadership positions within the company, reflecting the company’s commitment to empowering them in the workplace. Furthermore, United Group signed the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a global initiative that promotes corporate action for gender equality, and completed its first assessment of the average gender pay gap, highlighting its support for women throughout their careers.

To empower its leadership team to drive sustainability initiatives, United Group introduced the “Keep the Future” educational program in 2023, equipping managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement activities aimed at achieving long-term sustainability goals.

– The progress we have made in 2023 underscores United Group’s commitment to building a sustainable future. Our successes in emission reductions, the use of renewable energy, and gender equality demonstrate that sustainability is at the core of our strategy. We are proud of our progress and remain committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders – stated Miriam Di Traglia, Chief Compliance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of United Group.

The entire Sustainability Report for 2023 is available on United Group’s website at the following link.