Environmental Responsibility

SUSTAINABILITY

Environmental Responsibility

Prysmian is actively committed to safeguarding and protecting the environment and conserving natural resources, in order to create sustainable value for the benefit of both the organization and our stakeholders. 

The Group strongly believes in the tool of measuring its environmental impacts as a factor of competitiveness and transparency, rather than mere compliance. 

The aspects considered, because of the significance of the impacts to which Prysmian is linked, are: energy consumption, water consumption, waste generation, raw material consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

In 2024, Group investments dedicated to HSE projects, including work on energy efficiency, the reduction of direct GHG emissions and the optimization of both the management of water-based cooling systems and the management of waste, involving circularity initiatives, amounted to about Euro 26 million.

 

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Energy consumption

The term “Energy Consumed” means the value expressed in Mwh of energy consumed within the organization, including both externally purchased and self-generated energy.

Energy consumption and mix not (37., AR 34.) - high impact MWh Total 2024 Prysmian former perimeter Total 2024 Prysmian Total 2023
38. (a) Fuel consumption from coal and coal products - - -
38. (b) Fuel consumption from crude oil and petroleum products 275,469 275,479 294,669
38. (c) Fuel consumption from natural gas 619,459 717,344 632,604
38. (d) Fuel consumption from other fossil sources - - -
38. (e) Purchased/acquired electricity, heat, steam, or cooling from fossil sources 1,137,729 1,214,607 1,121,666
37. (a) Total energy consumption from fossil sources 2,032,658 2,207,429 2,048,939
AR 34. Share of fossil sources in total energy consumption 78.34% 79.71% 76.59%
37. (b) Consumption from nuclear sources 41,699 41,699 -
AR 34. Share of consumption from nuclear sources 1.61% 1.51% 0.00%
37. (c) i. Fuel consumption from renewable sources (biomass, biofuels, biogas, hydrogen, etc.) 1,038 1,038 244
37. (c) ii. Purchased/acquired electricity, heat, steam, cooling from renewable sources 506,423 506,423 626,124
37. (c) iii. Self-generated non-fuel renewable energy 12,792 12,792 -
37. (c) Total energy consumption from renewable sources 520,253 520,253 626,368
AR 34. Share of renewable sources in total energy consumption 20.05% 18.78% 23.41%
37. Total energy consumption 2,594,610 2,769,382 2,675,307
(*) For conversion to GJ, the input data expressed in kg or m³ of fuel were multiplied by the respective conversion factors (source: DEFRA 2024). For electricity, the primary data in kWh were multiplied by the constant 0.0036 to obtain the number in GJ. Finally, the GJs of each energy carrier were multiplied by the constant 0.27778 to obtain the MWh consumed.

During the year, Prysmian achieved a 3% reduction in energy consumption compared with the previous year. This achievement was the result of a set of initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency, including the optimization of production processes and the adoption of more efficient technologies.

Greenhouse gas emissions

The GHG emissions inventory for the 2024 reporting year is consistent with the previous years, due to the adoption of the same calculation methodologies, data sources and reference reporting standards (GHG Protocol). In terms of the reporting scope, in the course of 2024 Prysmian finalized the acquisition of Encore Wire, which changed the Company's structure and its upstream and downstream value chain. This acquisition had a direct impact on reported greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, affecting in particular: 

  • Scope 1 emissions, following the integration of the acquired Company's production activities; 
  • Scope 2 emissions, in relation to the Company's energy consumption and the associated supply sources; 
  • Scope 3 emissions, due to changes in the supply and distribution chain connected to the acquisition. 

Scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions reporting follows the guidelines of the GHG Protocol.

Gross Scopes 1, 2, 3 and Total GHG emissions (48., 49., 51., 52.) tCO2eq Total 2024 Prysmian Former Perimeter Total 2024 Prysmian Total 2023
48. (a) Gross Scope 1 GHG emissions 217,306 227,215 226,131
48. (b) Percentage of Scope 1 GHG emissions from regulated schemes - - -
Gross Scopes 1, 2, 3 and Total GHG emissions (48., 49., 51., 52.) tCO2eq Total 2024 Prysmian Former Perimeter Total 2024 Prysmian Total 2023
49. (a) Gross location-based Scope 2 GHG emissions 447,153 474,155 474,715
49. (b) Gross market-based Scope 2 GHG emissions 365,091 393,573 389,928
52. (a) Total GHG emissions Scope 1 and 2 (location-based) 664,460 701,370 474,715
52. (b) Total GHG emissions Scope 1 and 2 (market-based) 582,397 620,788 616,059
Gross Scopes 1, 2, 3 and Total GHG emissions (48., 49., 51., 52.) tCO2eq Total 2024 Prysmian Former Perimeter Total 2024 Prysmian Total 2023
51. Total Gross indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions 235,598,561 239,303,832 267,433,725
Purchased goods and services 11,115,382 11,747,429 11,787,039
Gross Scopes 1, 2, 3 and Total GHG emissions (48., 49., 51., 52.) tCO2eq Total 2024 Prysmian Former Perimeter Total 2024 Prysmian Total 2023
Total GHG emissions 236,180,958 239,924,620 268,049,784
52. (a) Total GHG emissions (location-based) 236,263,021 240,005,202 267,908,440
52. (b) Total GHG emissions (market-based) 236,180,958 239,924,620 268,049,784

Pollution

Against the backdrop of an increasing focus on sustainability and the environment, Prysmian is called upon to respond to global challenges linked to pollution and climate change. Increasingly stringent regulations, high social expectations and changes in environmental policies require ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and pollution during the manufacturing process, product use and installation. The adoption of more sustainable practices and technological innovation enable Prysmian to reduce the environmental impact of its products and processes, thus improving its competitiveness in the market. In addition, a strong commitment to sustainability makes it possible to attract new investors, partners and customers who are increasingly sensitive to environmental issues, strengthening the brand's reputation.

Regarding the topic relating to ESRS E2, "Pollution", the dual materiality analysis conducted resulted in the identification of the material impacts described in detail below. The impact associated with upstream raw material extraction activities in the Group's supply chain, both in terms of emissions to air and to water, was considered material. With regard to Prysmian's own operations, atmospheric emissions relating to cable manufacturing and installation (using owned vessels) activities, for example, of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx) and other significant pollutants, are mainly attributable to activities linked to natural gas combustion (for heating or manufacturing processes) and the production of optical fiber.

In the course of 2024, a questionnaire was distributed at all Group plants in order to map the presence of SOx and NOx emissions and any monitoring activities in place within the Group's operating units. Currently, the project to assess the significance of NOx and SOx emissions in the group's operating units, and the associated quantification, does not entail significant operational expenditure (OpEx) and/or capital expenditure (CapEx).

In line with the HSEE Policy’s commitment to preventing pollution and minimizing health risks, Prysmian also monitors Volatile Organic Compound emissions from certain production processes and maintenance at Group level. Significant reductions in these emissions have already been achieved in the past by gradually introducing new methods and/or products, particularly for cable degreasing, cleaning and stamping operations. In any case, Prysmian continues to monitor this indicator, estimating – as a precaution – that the total amount of VOCs emitted into the atmosphere is equal to the total consumption of substances containing organic solvents. In 2024, the total amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted into the atmosphere was approximately 537 tons.

In 2024, the Group did not receive any significant penalties (monetary or otherwise) for regulatory non-compliance in the environmental field. [For monetary penalties, significant means fines above Euro 10,000.], with one minor exception (Marion, US, 12.000 EUR).

ESRS 2-4 Pollution of Air, Water and Soil Total 2024
28. (a) Emissions of pollutants into the air -
NOX ton 5,337.5
28. (a) Emissions of pollutants into the water -
28. (a) Emissions of pollutants into the soil -

Resource use and circular economy

In a global context increasingly oriented toward sustainability, the circular economy is one of the main levers for the transformation of Prysmian's business model. As we strive to a more sustainable future, we resolutely embrace the principles of circular economy, transforming the way we use resources and reducing waste. This means rethinking the entire product life cycle, from the use of recycled materials to designing more sustainable solutions and to responsible waste management. We are constantly investing in innovation to develop cables, components and solutions with reduced environmental impact, prioritizing recyclable raw materials and more efficient production processes, reducing the consumption of virgin resources, enhancing industrial waste recycling, and collaborating with suppliers and customers.

 

GOALS

  • >55%%: Revenues from sustainable solutions by 2028.
  • 13.4% - 15.7%: Recycled content on PE and copper jackets by 2025.

 

2024 RESULTS

  • 43.1%: Revenues from sustainable solutions in 2024.
  • 16.2%: Percentage of recycled content on PE and copper jackets in 2024.

 

Furthermore, Prysmian's take-back programs tied to our reels have generated, conservatively, yearly cost savings, over the last 4 years of approximately €25M in 2021, €21M in 2022, €22M in 2023, and €22M in 2024.

Waste Management

Prysmian aims to gradually increase the percentage of waste sent for recovery/recycling, thereby also reducing the environmental impact associated with landfilling and/or incineration.

Thus, there are many ongoing actions initiated at the level of individual factories or national and/or regional organizations, such as:

  • Establishment of a reference baseline and a specific internal goal and the associated performance indicators;
  • Definition of an action plan with the involvement of internal and external personnel aimed at better segregation of waste and more accurate selection and rating of suppliers;
  • Periodic monitoring of performance both through defined KPIs and by conducting contractor-targeted audits;
  • Refinement of reporting with regard to information on the final destination of waste.
Resource Outflows (t) ES-5c Total 2024 Total 2023
Diverted from disposal
37. (b) Total 171,490,574 168,848,986
37. (b) Hazardous waste 7,283,844 6,027,126
37. (b) i. Preparation for reuse - -
37. (b) ii. Recycling 7,283,844 6,027,126
37. (b) iii. Other recovery operations - -
37. (b) Non-hazardous waste 164,206,730 162,821,860
37. (b) i. Preparation for reuse - -
37. (b) ii. Recycling 164,206,703 162,821,860
37. (b) iii. Other recovery operations 27 -
Directed to Disposal
37. (c) Total 69,863,077 66,314,855
37. (c) Hazardous waste 6,889,484 6,353,919
37. (c) i. Incineration 3,141,623 2,852,812
37. (c) ii. Landfill 1,433,621 1,740,750
37. (c) iii. Other recovery operations 2,314,240 1,760,357
37. (c) Non-hazardous waste 62,967,007 59,960,936
37. (c) i. Incineration 13,252,419 13,030,721
37. (c) ii. Landfill 43,969,659 41,793,434
37. (c) iii. Other recovery operations 5,744,929 5,136,781
37. (d) Non-recycled waste 69,848,477 66,314,855
37. (d) Percentage of non-recycled waste 28.94% 28.20%
37. (a) Total waste 241,347,065 235,163,841
Resource Outflows (38., 39., RA 28., 40.) - Waste Total 2024 Total 2023
39. Total amount of radioactive waste - -
39. Total amount of hazardous waste 14,173,328 12,381,045

Water and marine resources

At Prysmian's production sites, water is mainly used for cooling. On-site wells are the main sources of water, satisfying more than half of all water needs, supported by other sources of surface water and the public water main. In order to optimize water and energy consumption, cooling water is recirculated, either totally or partially, at most plants.

The results show that 76% of the units have recirculation systems in place that guarantee water recirculation rates above 90% (46% recirculate 99-100% of water; 26% with 95-99% recirculation rate; 4% recirculate between 90-95%; 17% have a recirculation rate of lower than 80% or no recirculation).

The most significant water-related impact is mainly associated with the supply chain, particularly the production cycle of metal suppliers. For this reason, in addition to continuing to track and audit “critical” suppliers, Prysmian extended assessment of the risks related to water availability to the entire supply chain in 2021.

In addition, the Group has introduced specific rating systems, including ISO14001 certification and completion of the CDP Water Security Questionnaire, as indicators of the proper management of all environmental aspects/impacts by its suppliers.

Water Drawn (m³) by Source 2024 Total 2024 Total 2023
28. (a) Total water consumption 6,705,486 7,040,079
28. (b) Total water consumption in areas at water risk, including areas of high-water stress 1,723,497 1,954,995
28. (c) Total water recycled and reused 5,163,225 6,350,855
28. (d) Total volume of water stored - -
28. (e) Any contextual information necessary regarding points (a) to (d), including the water basins' water quality and quantity, how the data have been compiled, such as any standards, methodologies, and assumptions used, whether the information is calculated, estimated, modelled, or sourced from direct measurements, and the approach taken for this, such as the use of any sector-specific factors. 93% 93%
29. The company provides information on its water intensity: total water consumption in its operations in cubic meters per million EUR of net revenue 39 45

The above results are based on a study involving 93% of Prysmian's production units.

For the reasons described above, water consumption is assumed to be well approximated by withdrawals.

To emphasize the importance of the “water” topic, in 2023 Prysmian signed the WASH PLEDGE, which is the first corporate-sponsored initiative on access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene at the workplace, launched in 2013 and re-proposed in 2021 by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). With this pledge, Prysmian aims to ensure access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in the workplace for all workers at the Group's production units, supporting partners throughout the supply chain and the communities where our units are located.

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The protection of biodiversity

At Prysmian, we believe that biodiversity is not only about species conservation, but is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the natural resources on which our operations are based. In an ever-changing world, protecting ecosystems is not only a responsibility, but an opportunity to make our processes more resilient and efficient.

 

GOALS

  • Net-Gain by 2035: adoption of strategies and practices aimed at improving biodiversity overall in all priority areas, not only compensating and repairing any biodiversity loss, but also creating a net benefit to the ecosystem.
  • Targeted action plan in line with TNFD (Task Force on Nature-Related Disclosure) guidelines.

2024 RESULTS

  • WWF Biodiversity Risk Filter: Preliminary analysis of biodiversity risks in our plants and installation activities.
  • 18%: Prysmian sites potentially exposed to biodiversity-related risks.

Certifications 2024

Prysmian's goal is to exceed customer expectations and meet commitments to its stakeholders, who are people, partners, suppliers and shareholders, while strengthening its position as a solid market leader. 

The management systems in all of Prysmian's production sites are ISO 9001 certified, demonstrating the Group's commitment regarding Quality Management System performance and continuous improvement of its processes. On an annual basis, certification verification audits are conducted by an external agency covering the company's major processes including: performance analysis, risk management, purchasing, planning, design and sales. 

At the end of 2024, the percentage of ISO14001-certified plants, concerning Environmental Management Systems, is 93%, while the ISO45001-certified ones, concerning Health and Safety Management Systems, is 85%. Various types of organizational unit within the Group have also been certified, such as R&D, installation activities, and assembly and distribution centers, adding up to 6 ISO 14001 certificates and 6 ISO 45001 certificates. 

By the end of 2025, a centralized HSEE management system, which integrates energy according to the requirements of the ISO 50001 Standard, will be adopted by all Group operating units. 

The Group's Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental rules and methodologies aim to ensure that all activities comply with customer requirements, technical standards, applicable laws and regulations, and internal company standards. Indeed, Prysmian is committed to promoting a business model that integrates economic, social and environmental responsibility in all its aspects and activities.

 

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