Responsible Business Conduct
Responsible business conduct (RBC) in the supply chain means that companies not only look at their own activities, but also at the impact of the entire value chain in which they operate. This helps them gain a clear understanding of how they and their partners address issues related to people, the environment and society.To build this understanding, companies identify potential risks to human rights, the environment and society. Where possible, they take measures to prevent, mitigate or address negative impacts. This process is known as due diligence.
What is due diligence at Eneco?
Due diligence, or ‘appropriate care’, means that we make every effort to identify and understand the potential negative impacts our activities may have on people and the environment.
We focus in particular on our high-risk value chains, such as solar, wind and batteries. These value chains often involve complex international supply chains and rely on raw materials and processes that may carry increased risks for people and the environment. Our due diligence therefore covers both our own operations and the associated supply chains. We focus on topics such as:
- Human rights
- Working conditions
- Environment
- Corruption
We use the OECD guidelines (PDF) as the foundation of our approach. These guidelines help us establish the right processes to identify, prevent, mitigate and, where necessary, remediate risks to people and the environment across our operations and value chains.
Our aim is to prevent negative impacts as much as possible and, where they do occur, to limit and address them. While we strive to act responsibly at all times, we recognise that risks cannot always be fully eliminated.
Our approach
Our approach is based on the six steps of the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct. It is a continuous process that we regularly evaluate and improve, allowing us to keep learning over time. Our key principles are:
- We look at both our own operations and the supply chains of our high-risk value chains.
- We focus on negative impacts on people and the environment, not only on (financial) risks to Eneco.
In our International Responsible Business Conduct Policy (PDF), we describe how we identify these risks and the steps we take to address them.
What we do in practice
Collaboration through the IRBC Agreement for Renewable Energy
Since 2023, Eneco has participated in the Renewable Energy Sector Agreement. In this initiative, we work together with solar and wind energy companies, industry associations, the Dutch government, NGOs, knowledge institutions and trade unions.
Together, we identify risks in international value chains and work towards preventing and addressing adverse impacts on human rights and the environment. We do this in line with the due diligence guidelines of the OECD and the United Nations.
The agreement is led by an independent chair and supported by the Social and Economic Council. An overview of all participating parties can be found on the agreement’s website.
Our approach to procurement
We apply a Supplier Code of Conduct. Eneco aims to ensure that at least 90% of our existing and potential suppliers (based on procurement volume) have signed this code at all times. We are currently working on strengthening the processes to support this ambition. In this way, we encourage our partners to contribute to a more responsible supply chain.
Read more about our suppliers
Engaging with local communities
The energy transition directly affects our living environment. Especially in the Netherlands, where space is limited, it is important to actively involve local residents and other stakeholders in the development of projects.
That is why we engage with stakeholders early in the process, create space for questions, concerns and ideas, and work towards solutions that fit the local context. In doing so, we aim to develop projects that are broadly supported.
Read more about our ongoing projects