We have been publishing an Integrated Annual Report based on the recommendations of the “International Reporting Framework” since 2014, which combines the traditional contents of a financial report with a sustainability report. We do this in order to provide a holistic representation of the performance of the company. The dimensions of ecology, economy and social aspects are firmly embedded in the EnBW 2025 strategy, reflecting the highly integrated nature of our corporate management system. An important element is measuring the achievement of our goals using key performance indicators.
Important aspects of reporting
EnBW started reporting on the EU taxonomy on a voluntary basis in the 2020 financial year when it already reported on selected taxonomy-aligned economic activities. In the 2021 financial year, we published the information required for all of the final taxonomy criteria that were available at the time the annual report was prepared – as well as voluntarily reporting on taxonomy-aligned key performance indicators. Alongside the information on revenue, capex and opex required by the Taxonomy Regulation, we also reported on the taxonomy KPIs adjusted EBITDA and capex including the proportion for entities accounted for using the equity method (expanded capex). In contrast to the previous year's reporting, we are now able to report the substantial contribution to climate protection made by district heating and gas grids. Furthermore, the publication of the complementary delegated act on 9 March 2022 now means we are able to expand our reporting to include information on our gas and nuclear power activities.
The reporting period comprises the 2022 financial year. We took into account all relevant information up to 13 March 2023. The identification of key themes for our reporting is anchored in the materiality analysis process (p. 47 f.).
Our reporting is based on the “International Reporting Framework” and the recommendations issued by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) (p. 150). The reporting of sustainability issues is based on the GRI Standards, including the Electric Utilities Sector Supplement. EnBW has reported for the period from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022 in compliance with the GRI Standards. An audit will be carried out in the second quarter of 2023 as part of the GRI content index service. Our sustainability reporting also complies with the Communication on Progress (COP) requirements for the UN Global Compact and is based to an increasing extent on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Presentation and auditing
The information about the net assets, financial position and results of operations of the EnBW Group is based on the requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and, where applicable, the German Commercial Code (HGB) and German Accounting Standards (GAS). On the basis of our integrated reporting, the non-financial declaration (p. 149 f.) pursuant to sections 315b and 289b HGB is fully integrated into the combined management report of the EnBW Group and EnBW AG and was audited with reasonable assurance by Ernst & Young GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft. Any differences between statements made for the EnBW Group and for EnBW AG are clearly identified in the text.