The A1 Group actively assumes its ecological and social responsibility by promoting more efficient, resource-friendly, and thus more sustainable ways of working and living. Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance (ESG) are seen as long-term value drivers that also entail economic benefits – for instance via reduced energy consumption, lowering both environmental impact and costs.

The Group’s sustainability strategy is derived from the current materiality analysis and seeks to leverage the potential of digitalization for the environment, people, and society while minimizing its own ecological footprint. By regular participation in external ratings and indices, the Group faces up to international comparison.

Sustainability management

In 2010, the A1 Group established Group-wide, integrated sustainability management that incorporates the most important aspects of its value chain. Spearheaded by Deputy CEO Thomas Arnoldner, the Group’s top management commits and fully supports sustainability.

The ESG strategy is implemented by the local subsidiaries in the individual countries of the A1 Group. ESG officers in all countries constantly communicate with the individual specialist departments to implement measures and sensitize employees. Events raise awareness among employees and sustainable measures are worked out together.

Established management systems help systematically implement the planned measures. These measures range from certified environmental and energy management systems to a certified compliance management system. Moral conduct as well as lawful and compliant corporate leadership are assured by the compulsory “Code of Conduct”. In its ethical conduct, the A1 Group follows the principles of the UN Global Compact, the world’s most important initiative on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and sustainable development.

Furthermore, the Environmental Policy, which applies to the entire Group, allows A1 Group subsidiaries to implement, control and continuously improve activities concerning environmental and climate protection. With the help of a Clean Energy Strategy, the company is seeking to continuously increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy sources.

Structure

Successful management is characterized by clearly defined roles. The A1 Group has given its ESG activities a clear framework. The principal and patron of the sustainability agendas is the Deputy CEO Thomas Arnoldner.

An ESG team reports directly to the Deputy CEO, who holds the highest level of responsibility on ESG-related decisions. The team manages and coordinates the implementation of the ESG strategy in collaboration with the respective person responsible at the subsidiaries. Its cross-border approach guarantees compliance with the superordinate Group goals. At the same time, this organizational structure creates the required flexibility to take into account regional aspects.

An ongoing exchange with the stakeholders is a fundamental element of the A1 Group’s understanding of sustainability. A constant dialogue makes sure the Group is familiar with the needs and perspectives of the various groups of stakeholders.

In 2022, a materiality analysis was conducted in the form of an online survey in all of the Group’s markets, with the exception of Belarus. This includes internal and external stakeholder groups in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and North Macedonia. The issues were assessed by internal and external stakeholders in the online survey. A1 Group stakeholders from the fields of customers, suppliers, media, politics and special interest groups, research, science and education, business, associations and NGOs as well as employees were invited to take part.

Materiality analysis

In 2012, the A1 Group conducted a materiality analysis for the first time in order to thoroughly revise its sustainability strategy. As a result, the A1 Group’s sustainability strategy today focuses on the most material issues and places greater emphasis on its core business. The Group identified those ESG topics that are of the greatest relevance for the company and how they can best be integrated into the core business in a materiality analysis.

As part of this process, the A1 Group analyzed and prioritized all social and ecological aspects along its value chain. The results were visualized in a matrix. At regular intervals, the A1 Group again defines the topics that are essential for sustainable corporate development in consultation with its stakeholders.

Topics Derived from the Materiality Analysis

▸ Business operations matters: Data protection and information security, high-performance and future-proof networks, new business models among our customers through digitalization & innovation, and improvement of public services through digitalization, sustainable supply chains

▸ Environmental matters: Climate change and the carbon footprint of own operating business, resource optimization and dematerialization & sustainable products and services

▸ Social matters: Cybercrime & access to information and education

▸ Employee matters: New Ways of Work, training employees in digital competences & skill transformation in the labor market, employee involvement and well-being, diversity, inclusion, and equality

▸ Respect for human rights

▸ Combating corruption and bribery: Anti-corruption & compliance with laws and regulations