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With the aim of helping develop and
maintain social cohesion in the local
communities where our activities are
of a higher visibility, we have focused
our efforts through our subsidiaries on
areas which are directly related to our
activities.
More specifically, our efforts focus on
the following:
The provision of jobs: With 2,000
jobs maintained and 374 new em-
ployees recruited, in 2012 the num-
ber of employees coming from our
local communities reached 85% of
our total workforce.
The creation of income: Our a sys-
tem of employee compensations
takes into account the market situ-
ation as well as the expectations of
employees, and is combined with
benefits over and above the statu-
tory ones and those provided under
agreements based on collective ne-
gotiations.
The development of our local eco-
nomic activities: During 2012 near-
ly 30% of the purchases budget of
our companies represented pay-
ments to local suppliers, but also ex-
penditures for the provision of
know-how and technical support to
Local Authorities and other local or-
ganisations.
The added value generated by our
business operation: In the Energy
Sector in particular, the development
of projects based on Renewable
Energy Sources (RES) through our
subsidiary PROTERGIA S.A. has al-
lowed us to offer significant bene-
fits to the local communities and to
also contribute to the progress in the
achievement of national targets
(such as the 20-20-20 target under
the EU’s energy strategy).
Environmental benefits from the
development of RES projects
Significant reduction of the gas pollutants produced
when using mineral fuels (lignite, coal, oil) and con-
tributing to Climate Change, by substituting the “fu-
el” used to produce electricity with air, water and so-
lar energy.
Virtually zero environmental disturbance (e.g. noise),
minimal disruption to the natural ecosystem and pro-
tection of biodiversity (flora and fauna) in the wider
area.
Improvement of the existing road networks and routes
in the wider area where the RES project is located.
During the final land allocation stage, the specific fea-
tures of each site are taken into consideration, so that
the wind turbines will blend harmoniously with the
landscape.
During the construction of RES projects, works are car-
ried out in an environmental-friendly manner and all
necessary measures are taken to ensure the rehabili-
tation of the site, not only during construction but –
more importantly – during its operation, so that in its
final form the site is fully integrated into the natural
environment.
Economic and Social benefits from the
development of RES projects
Investments in “green growth” projects, which are key
for Greece’s growth in the current economic juncture.
Guaranteed income for the local communities from the
operation of the RES projects. According to art. 7, par.
3(A.3) of Law 3851/2010, the amounts corresponding
to the special tax are withheld by the competent Op-
erator and paid as follows:
- 1% is credited to the electricity bills of household con-
sumers in the Local Authority;
- 1.7% to the Local Authority;
- 0.3% to the Special Fund for the Implementation of
Master Plans and Land Use Plans (ETERPS).
Stimulation of employment in the local communities
during construction and operation of the projects.
Revitalisation of economically and socially disadvan-
taged areas and contribution to local development
through the promotion of similar investments, driven
by the development of the RES project (promotion of
educational tourism for RES projects) and by the con-
tributions from the project-owner companies in the
context of their CSR policies.
9.2 Participation in the development of local communities
