OTE - Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA

04/02/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/02/2021 09:20

“ESG as a compass for companies’ sustainable development” Deppie Tzimea, OTE Group Corporate Communications Executive Director, in the Athens Stock Exchange event “ESG: Winning[...]

During the Athens Exchange Group's online event on 'ESG: Winning in the long run,' Deppie Tzimea, the OTE Group's Corporate Communications Executive Director, discussed about OTE Group's experience with ESG indices and their contribution to the sustainable development of enterprises.

Ms. Tzimea highlighted investors' growing interest in the ESG performance of companies, the incorporation of ESG criteria into the Group's strategy and operations, long-term experience from the sustainable development reports, and the future priorities of the sustainable development strategy, during the roundtable on 'ESG in practice,'

The fact that 22% of Deutsche Telekom shares belong to investors that look partially or completely at ESG performance, is indicative of the investors' interest in ESG performance, she said. Regarding OTE's experience, Ms. Tzimea noted that 'At the OTE Group, we have committed to continuously improve our performance, incorporated ESG criteria into our strategy and operations. In fact, the specific criteria are an excellent management tool for evaluating and improving our procedures and practices. We plan next year ESG to be included in the performance of the management team. Today, OTE is listed on six international Socially Responsible Investment indexes, due to its performance on corporate governance, environment and social issues.'

Discussing the importance of OTE's Sustainable Development Reports, which are a key source for investors, she pointed out that these reports were developed and matured over a number of years to finally reach their current integrated form, with ESG information. She highlighted the importance of the 50 people internal sustainable development team, which collects reporting information and contributed into the understanding of sustainable development by all units. As to the Athens Stock Exchange's Guide to Publication of ESG Data, she noted that is a very useful tool for enterprises that is based on international standards.

The OTE Group has incorporated sustainable development into its operational strategy. The aim is to create a better world for all with the use of technology, she said. The main focus is on:
  • €2 billion in investments in new-generation networks over the next four years, with the minimum possible impact on the environment.
  • Emphasis on innovative ICT solutions to improve enterprises' environmental footprint
  • High targets for responding to climate change: 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
  • Conservation of natural resources based on the principles of circular economy.
At the end, she stressed that OTE Group's experience on ESG can be an excellent opportunity for enterprises to find their way to sustainable development.