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Sustainability at PPF

PPF Group has a track record of creating and running businesses that represent real value for customers and inspire and cultivate markets and industries. Sustainable value creation allows the benefi ts of such entrepreneurship to be shared with communities and society in general to enhance their prosperity.

I would argue that if you do business with integrity, you intuitively fulfil exactly what the ESG principles try to achieve. You care about customers, because without them you’re nothing. You look after your employees, because without them you’re nothing. You give back to the community you live in. In other words, you try to make the business work sustainably.

Jiří Šmejc, CEO of PPF Group N.V.

Our approach

Group companies continue to invest in solutions critical for sustainable business practices and environmental protection. PPF companies are playing their part in the transition to a low-carbon economy by developing autonomous transport systems and hydrogen-powered mobility, reducing the carbon intensity of data transfer, and deploying energy-efficient designs and management systems for buildings.

Alongside investment in innovation, a pivotal emphasis is placed on investments in own people, teams and employees. Outstanding products and services can only be delivered if the Group provides its tens of thousands of employees with an exceptional workplace environment and culture. The commitment to excellence in this field is underscored by the accolades that PPF companies have earned, such as their Great Place to Work certification, recognition as one of the most attractive employers in the Czech Republic, and numerous other HR awards. With more than 80 nationalities represented across its operations in over 25 countries, PPF celebrates diversity and, with zero tolerance for discrimination, recognises people based solely on their abilities and results.

PPF attaches the highest importance to its responsibilities towards customers and end users. Making financial services more accessible has to go hand in hand with financial education. Providing e-commerce customers with transparent information about supply chains and product’s carbon footprint helps to incentivise sustainable consumption. Raising awareness of environmental issues via PPF's media businesses acts as a catalyst to inspire individuals to play a more active role in protecting nature and its resources. Similarly, PPF is consistently looking for opportunities to drive positive social change.

Telecommunications infrastructure and services are crucial to socioeconomic development of the Group’s markets. 

PPF Telecom Group's sustainability commitments are focused on ensuring reliability, affordability, and high-quality services. The Group continually invests in networks to increase access to connectivity and open up more opportunities for people living in remote areas.

of the population covered by 4G and 30% covered by 5G in markets where we operate

99

%

data SIM cards donated to Ukrainian refugees

140 000

year-on-year drop in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions in 2022

13

%

renewable electricity used to power our CETIN Serbia network

100

%

Green energy

The Group has taken significant measures towards carbon neutrality. For example, Yettel Serbia's mobile network is already completely powered by renewable energy.

In Bulgaria, Yettel and CETIN signed a 10-year contract with Elektrohold Trade for the supply of electricity from renewable sources. Thanks to green energy, we expect to save over 33 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, equivalent to a carbon footprint of 6,450 households annually.

of electronic devices collected for recycling in 2022 (121% year-on-year increase)

23 730

kg

of copper, 74 kg of silver, 5 kg of gold, and 3 kg of palladium recycled

3 300

kg

people trained in digital skills and internet safety

73 000

schools regularly use our resources for teaching digital skills

500

The shift towards a low-carbon future is largely facilitated by the use of public transport, particularly rail. 

Škoda Group is stepping up its carbon accounting to identify potential savings, set targets and create a roadmap for the energy transition. A practical example of these efforts is the factory in Otanmäki, Finland, which is powered entirely by wind energy. 

Another key sustainability area is investment in research and development of sustainable products. Škoda Group will allocate 2-3% of revenue to it over the next 5 years. The latest R&D highlights include the introduction of battery train or the launch of a new generation of H’CITY hydrogen bus. Other projects focus on autonomous technologies, such us anti-collision system for railways or smart depot, which increases safety and brings Škoda Group one step closer to autonomous driving. 

Škoda Group also attaches high importance to occupational health and safety, as well as cultivating a positive working environment where employees can develop their skills and careers. Škoda Group was recognised as the second most attractive employer in the Czech Republic in the Automotive & Engineering Industry category at the 2023 Randstad Awards. 

Last, but not least, transparent business conduct is another core area of Škoda Group´s ESG approach. Operating in business-to-government sector, high ethical standards and zero-tolerance attitude to bribery or breaches of laws and internal policies are of essential importance. In 2022, Škoda Group did not record any incident of corruption or bribery.

Read more about sustinability at Skoda Group

of Škoda Group´s waste is recycled

78

of total revenue allocated to research and development in 2023-2027

2-3

%

Product environmental impact

Škoda Group´s products are not only innovative but also prioritize a sustainable future. For example, our trams operating in Bonn, Germany, feature CO2 HVAC units that utilize carbon dioxide as the refrigerant, minimizing the environmental impact of the air conditioning system. Other tram models incorporate regenerative breaking or smart inner lighting, leading to significantly improved energy efficiency. Based on publicly available data, our latest product, 36T ForCity smart tram´s lifecycle emissions are on the par with our main competitors´.

36T ForCity Smart tram

carbon footprint per passenger-km during product´s lifetime (cradle-to-cradle)

14.16

g CO2e

recoverability rate

97.4

%

Battery-powered trains

Battery-powered trains represent an eco-friendly way of transport on non-electrified rail lines. Škoda Group’s latest battery-powered train has a range of up to 80 km at its top speed of 120 km/h. The battery units allow for continuous recharging either through regenerative braking or overhead power lines. This innovation reduces emissions, saves costs for operators, and enhances convenience. Our expertise in battery-powered vehicles extends to trams, trolleybuses, and electric buses, with successful deployments in multiple countries.

The battery-powered train is a significant step forward not only in sustainable mobility, but also for regional non-electrified lines, where diesel trains now run and produce thousands of tonnes of emissions annually.

Tomáš Ignačák
Vice chairman and President of CZ/SK Region, Škoda Group

Hydrogen bus

Škoda Group's H’CITY fuel cell bus is an innovative urban mobility solution with a 350 km range. It demonstrates the potential of hydrogen technology, representing a step towards greener public transport. The H’CITY offers spacious seating for 70 passengers, regenerative braking, advanced safety features, and intelligent energy management and control systems. Škoda Group has long been at the cutting edge in this area, with our first hydrogen bus produced in 2008 and the latest H’CITY 12 soon to be tested in Prague’s public transportation network.

maximum range of battery-powered train without an overhead line at a maximum speed of 120 km/h

80

km

maximum range of the H’CITY hydrogen bus

350

km

Environmental activities

This year, as first media group in the region, CME held a dedicated Green Week at all of its 6 stations, supporting the EU Green Week and following the footsteps of broadcasters in the UK, Germany and other countries, who have been raising awareness of the severity of climate crisis already for many years. CME Green Week content has reached 23 million viewers. Throughout the week, stations have organised events for employees and provided various climate-related content, inspiring viewers to make sustainable choices.

CME also aims to minimise the carbon footprint of its productions, and it was the first media group in the CEE region to join Albert International, an association promoting environmentally responsible production in the TV and film industry. If a production not only reduces but also offsets its emissions, it can be certified as a carbon-neutral production. Out of 36 productions made so far this year, 23 have been albert-certified so far. By the end of 2023, CME intends to sign the Climate Content Pledge.

sustainability_13

SOTIO, PPF Group’s biotech branch, contributes to society’s wellbeing by developing cancer treatments. Biotechnology research requires significant investment with uncertain returns. Despite the financial risks, the potential benefits make it a worthwhile endeavour that impacts countless lives.

SOTIO is an established and trusted partner of research centres, hospitals, and global pharmaceutical companies. Our research and pre-clinical teams regularly publish articles in prestigious journals, participate in international conferences, and receive awards recognising their R&D excellence.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is critical to SOTIO’s mission of turning science into patient benefits. We therefore emphasise diversity and cultural inclusion, which are reflected in our international team and high representation of women.

With a focus on early-stage projects, SOTIO takes on greater risks and explores innovative paths that larger pharmaceutical companies may overlook. By investing in and developing these cutting-edge programmes, SOTIO aims to bring effective cancer treatments to market – making a significant impact on patients' lives.

Radek Spisek, CEO of SOTIO Biotech

clinical trials launched targeting various cancer diseases since SOTIO was established

18

of the Research and Development team are women

76

%