Universal Registration Document 2021

3. Non-financial performance

3.5 CSR Governance

The CSR governance structure is based on venues for information and forums for dialogue that strive to constantly improve the identification and assessment of the risks and opportunities specific to each issue and each commitment. This constant identification endeavour is buttressed by a complete organisational system that supervises the implementation of the Group’s commitments.

3.5.1 Group policies

3.5.1.1 The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy

In 2021, a new EDF group Corporate Social Responsibility policy was adopted by the Executive Committee to replace the previous Sustainable Development policy.

Consistency and subsidiarity	The Company’s environmental, social and economic performance is driven in the first place by the contributions of the various entities. The CSR policy provides a framework for these actions by formulating common requirements and principles of action aimed at implementing the 16 CSR commitments to prove that the Group’s raison d’être is being carried out. It applies to Group entities without overriding the managerial independence of regulated infrastructure operators, and defines the priorities for 2030 at the Group level, which each entity implements taking into account its specific activities and challenges, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. Where appropriate, an entity may choose to supplement the requirements of this policy.

Consistency and subsidiarity

The Company’s environmental, social and economic performance is driven in the first place by the contributions of the various entities. The CSR policy provides a framework for these actions by formulating common requirements and principles of action aimed at implementing the 16 CSR commitments to prove that the Group’s raison d’être is being carried out. It applies to Group entities without overriding the managerial independence of regulated infrastructure operators, and defines the priorities for 2030 at the Group level, which each entity implements taking into account its specific activities and challenges, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. Where appropriate, an entity may choose to supplement the requirements of this policy.

3.5.1.2 Other CSR policies

Extension of CSR	In addition to the CSR policy, other Group policies focus on other specific aspects of corporate responsibility (HR policies, Procurement policies, Ethics & Compliance policy, Nuclear Safety policy, etc.). In line with the Group’s raison d’être, CSR is gradually being extended to all areas of the Group’s activity.

3.5.2 CSR governance bodies

3.5.2.1 Board of Directors

The duties, powers, composition and operation of EDF’s Board of Directors are described in detail in chapter 4, section 4.2 “Composition and operation of the Board of Directors”. The Corporate Responsibility Committee ⁽¹⁾, as one of the Board of Directors Committees, examines, in connection with the Group’s strategy, the Group’s commitments and policies, as well as their implementation, in terms of ethics, compliance, and corporate responsibility. For more information, see section 4.2.3.4 “Duties and activities of the Board’s CR Committee in 2021”.

3.5.2.2 CSR Strategy Committee

The CSR Strategic Committee, which is chaired by the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and composed of the Group’s Executive Directors ⁽²⁾, conducts an in-depth review of all CSR issues for which it provides strategic management and coordination.

News in 2021	In 2021, the CSR Strategy Committee met twice and dealt in particular with the just transition, the duty of vigilance, the strengthening of the solidarity policy, plans for adaptation to climate change, and the APE’s CSR Charter. Depending on the agenda, the conclusions of the meetings are reported to the Board of Directors ⁽³⁾.

3.5.2.3 Sustainable Development Committee (SDC)

The SDC prepares the files presented to the CSR Strategy Committee and acts as a sector Committee for environmental and societal competencies. It is chaired by the Sustainable Development Director and made up of some twenty representatives in charge of sustainable development within their respective entities. In 2021, the SDC met on 6 occasions.

3.5.2.4 Sustainable Development Department (DDD)

It reports to the Executive Director in charge of Innovation, Corporate Social Responsibility and Strategy, a member of the Executive Committee.

Ambition

Its aim is to represent a differentiating factor for the Group’s performance, as a responsible company and while respecting the management independence of network managers, that creates value for all stakeholders (employees, shareholders, customers).

Contribution to the Group’s strategic transformation

It contributes to the Group’s strategic transformation by accompanying business lines and projects:

in specifically taking into account environmental and social issues (opportunities and risks);
with respect to business choices and actions, in particular by integrating the four key issues derived from the raison d’être in the strategic supervision of the operational entities; and
in screening new projects from the point of view of sustainable development ⁽⁴⁾.

It is particularly responsible for monitoring the Group’s target for reducing “Scope 1” direct GHG emissions ⁽⁵⁾.

(1) Internal rules of procedure of 8 October 2019.

(2) As well as the Communications Directors, the EDF group Foundation and Regional Action.

(3) Through its Social Responsibility Committee.

(4) See section 3.5.4.1 “Integration of the commitments into the Group’s strategic process and project screening”.

(5) See section 3.6 “Methodology”.