Introduction

Mitigation of the environmental impact is among the main objectives of the policies implemented at and the values guiding both the PGNiG Group and PGNiG. The PGNiG Group’s Code of Ethics defines the rules of conduct to be followed in day-to-day business activities, including those relating to environmental protection. They support a preventive approach to environmental issues. Regardless of the complexity of processes determining the scope of products and services, their potential environmental impacts are analysed and minimised. Given the diversity of sectors of the economy into which individual segments of the Group’s business are categorised, there are also a variety of potential impacts on the environment. Aspects high on the management’s agenda include climate change issues, which affect the development of the PGNiG Group’s current and future operations.

An integral part of the PGNiG Group’s business relies on the development and use of environmental resources, which involves interference with the environment. As an entity aware of its environmental impact, the PGNiG Group strives to minimise its footprint based on environmental risk analysis, continuous monitoring of air, surface water, groundwater and soil, as well as the application of state-of-the-art environmental protection technologies.

The PGNiG Group is aware of the ongoing climate change and its own climate impacts. The Group takes measures to minimise them through technological changes and R&D activities. The levels of direct greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1) are monitored, which makes it possible to fine-tune the solutions supporting their reduction. In the long run, this will contribute to achieving climate neutrality in Poland and Europe as a whole.

The responsibility with which the Group companies approach climate change issues is manifested in the implemented solutions and changes made to the product mix or technologies. An example is PGNiG Termika Group, which seeks to maximise its involvement in R&D&I projects aimed at exploring optimal technological solutions for climate and energy efficiency improvement.

Also worth noting is the involvement of PGNiG OD in the Clean Air programme under a cooperation agreement between PGNiG and the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.

Its primary aim is to facilitate the process of subsidising the switchover to gas-fired boilers, which will contribute to a reduction of particles and other pollutant emissions from detached houses. In addition, PGNiG OD has also initiated solutions supporting climate improvement through changes within the organisation. The procedure entitled ‘Eco-Driving – Rules for users of PGNiG OD business cars’ was implemented, defining the rules of economical driving. In addition, PGNiG and other Group companies build their own low-carbon power generation sources and mount photovoltaic systems for their own needs, in a programme aimed to promote the development and uptake of low-carbon technologies at PGNiG. Its objective is to design new projects in such a way as to make use of technological possibilities for gradual transition to renewable energy, and for upgrade or replacement of captive heat sources. The switchover to low-carbon energy will optimise the cost of energy consumption at facilities managed by the Group.

Also Gas Storage Poland focuses on climate initiatives through ongoing or planned strategic projects. These include both R&D and commercial work in line with the global trend of growing demand for green energy. The shift to renewable energy sources calls for new methods of storing electricity to balance supply and demand. As a result, hydrogen will play an increasingly important role as a carrier and repository of energy from RES, providing support for seasonal fluctuations in electricity generation. Gas Storage Poland plans to expand its storage business, in particular the storage of energy via hydrogen or biomethane. The services offered will also involve the preparation, execution and supervision of projects involving construction of underground energy storage facilities, and subsequently offering storage capacities dedicated to such energy carriers. The transition to low-carbon energy sources, in particular through renewable energy generation, and continuous GHG reductions can minimise the cost of energy supply. With an increase in demand for green energy in the steel and chemical industries, further expansion of the unit is possible, which will consequently enhance the Group’s image as an environmentally and technologically advanced partner.

In order to support the delivery of the PGNiG Group’s QHSE Policy and the PGNiG Group Sustainable Development Strategy for 2017−2022, the Group has developed technical standards for its operations based on applicable legal requirements and best industrial practices. The Group also undertakes preventive measures in the area of exploration and production, and has partnered with research and development centres in order to develop new technologies or solutions to be integrated within segment-specific operations.

The Company has in place a Code of Responsible Development of Natural Gas and Crude Oil for Polskie Górnictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo S.A., which defines good practices in the exploration for and production of hydrocarbons. These practices have due regard to the environment and business interests, but also to community and long-term national energy security objectives. Seismic surveys are carried out in strict compliance with the conditions, requirements and obligations set down by Regional Directorates for Environmental Protection in the relevant environmental decisions, including the possibility and timing of the work, e.g. in areas protected under the Natura 2000 network or restrictions on the use of certain surveying methods and/or equipment. A drilling site is selected after all relevant environmental, wildlife and social considerations have been identified in order to eliminate any spatial conflicts and minimise the onerousness of the work. In the drilling and production process, all necessary steps are taken to eliminate or minimise the impact on the natural and social environment, including land restoration once the exploration or production activities are discontinued.

The adopted CSR Strategy defines the objectives and measures designed to support initiatives aimed at integrating the principles of circular economy in the development of products and services. To that end, the PGNiG Group is engaged in research into new waste management methods, including waste recovery, which will support the achievement of adopted deliverables. The PGNiG Group also continues to implement measures reducing air emissions. Stakeholder and regulatory pressures call for unwavering commitment and focus also with regard to climate change mitigation measures. The importance of environmental matters is demonstrated by the investment projects implemented by the PGNiG Group in 2020 with a view to reducing gas and energy consumption as well as air emissions. Moreover, the Company takes steps aimed at improving energy efficiency through the implementation and maintenance of an energy management system and promotion of both existing and new solutions offering energy efficiency gains (such as cogeneration).