GD4S presents its first Sustainability Charter. Defines the Association’s commitment across the three pillars of sustainability

Brussels, 15 March 2022 – GD4S, the association that brings together the main gas distribution operators in seven European countries, today presented its Sustainability Charter entitled "Decarbonising the gas grid as a key enabler for a climate neutral society", which defines the collective approach and commitments of the association's members across the three sustainability pillars of Environmental, Social, and Governance, contributing to the European objective of carbon neutrality by 2050. Drafted jointly by all GD4S members over the last 18 months, the Sustainability Charter represents the key initial step on a collective journey aimed at positioning gas DSOs among the promoters of a cross-cutting commitment to sustainability and among the key players on the EU energy transition path. The Association’s members presented 9 long-term commitments:

• Reduce greenhouse gas and methane emissions in their operations and improve energy efficiency
• Contribute to the development and distribution of renewable energy sources in their grids
• Preserve resources and protect biodiversity
• Promote a corporate culture that fosters equal and fair treatment of their workers, and their continuous development in a safe workplace
• Provide quality service and a safe supply of gas that meets the needs of their customers
• Strive to positively impact society in the territories where they operate
• Practise fair and transparent advocacy and prevent corruption
• Disclose performance transparently
• Enhance dialogue with stakeholders

“Presenting the Association's first Sustainability Charter - commented Paolo Gallo, CEO of Italgas and former President of GD4S - we formalise our commitment to building a better future for the environment, for our people and for all our stakeholders. A carbon-neutral future that is also characterised by transparency, loyalty and fairness in our relations with the world around us. The definition of specific shared commitments is the first step for further increasing our sustainability performance and effectively supporting the achievement of the net zero target.  We hope that our commitment will foster positive change and inspire other players in the energy sector”  Building on that, Narcís De Carreras current President of GD4S declared “We are convinced about the fundamental role gas distributors have in achieving the EU's climate objectives. Enhanced underground distribution networks coupled with renewable gas (biomethane and green hydrogen), represent a key asset for today’s European energy system and a secure and fair migration towards energy decarbonisation. We also want to strengthen collaboration with other associations in the hope that all European stakeholders can take advantage of the full potential of gas networks for the energy transition”.