Protecting the environment and contributing to the achievement of the Global Sustainable Development Goals are fundamental to METLEN's business trajectory and are a key part of its strategy. The Company is committed to the sustainable management of the natural capital it utilizes, in the context of its activity, by incorporating in its business strategy, investments and internal decision-making processes basic principles of responsible environmental behavior. In particular, water is an essential and irreplaceable natural resource for METLEN's core activities. The Company manages water and water resources in general with a high sense of responsibility, both towards the natural environment itself and the rights of the local populations adjacent to its facilities.
According to the 2025 Double Materiality Assessment, the following are identified as significant impacts related to the above challenge:
See more in Environmental Policy.
See more in the Company's Annual Report 2025.
METLEN has established a comprehensive governance framework for the management of sustainability issues, which is integrated into the Company's core decision-making and oversight processes. The role of the Management is clearly defined and ensures continuous supervision and strategic guidance on sustainability issues.
In particular, the Sustainable Development Committee, as a committee of the Board of Directors, is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the sustainable development strategy, approving relevant policies and monitoring the Company's ESG performance. The Committee meets regularly and collaborates with the General Division of Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development, which plays a crucial role in coordinating all sustainability issues within the Company. The governance of sustainability issues is supported by specially defined organizational structures, which include teams and sustainability officers in each Business Unit and core subsidiary. Those responsible for each ESG thematic pillar work with central and local management teams, ensuring coordination, monitoring of progress and providing technical guidance, with the aim of systematically integrating the principles of sustainable development across the Company's full range of activities.
At the same time, METLEN applies a systematic due diligence approach to manage actual and potential significant impacts, risks and opportunities on sustainability issues. This approach is based on the international guidelines for responsible business conduct and includes: identification and impact assessment procedures, setting targets, action plans, monitoring mechanisms, taking corrective actions, consulting stakeholders and promoting partnerships with the value chain.
Through these mechanisms, METLEN ensures the integration of sustainability considerations into its operational strategy and day-to-day operations, enhancing long-term value creation for all stakeholders.
See more in the Company's Annual Report 2025.
METLEN manages water responsibly, without financial impact on the Company, complying with the legislation and implementing risk prevention measures. It closely monitors water availability, avoiding salinization and ensuring stable production. Its resilience is based on a centralized environmental policy, continuous evaluation of practices, flexibility to adapt, staff training, infrastructure upgrades, and investments in insurance coverage. The Company ensures full regulatory compliance in water management, following the Environmental Terms Approval Decisions and Water Use Permits in all its units. There is regular communication with competent authorities to monitor regulatory changes in sustainability issues. Environmental managers in each sector undertake the management of water resources, while a certified ISO 14001 Environmental Management System is implemented for the prevention and response to incidents. Water discharges are rigorously controlled by monitoring quality parameters such as pH, temperature, and contaminants, while the physicochemical characteristics of the marine recipient are tested for compliance with quality standards.
METLEN is committed to the responsible and sustainable management of water resources in its industrial facilities, implementing a series of measures and initiatives aimed at protecting the environment, saving water and complying with current legislation. Indicatively, key actions, practices and initiatives for responsible management of water abstraction and use include:
See more in the Company's Annual Report 2025.
METLEN has set specific goals for the management of water resources, which are in line with legislation and environmental permits, in the context of the overall strategy for sustainable water use in the Energy and Metals Sectors. The Company maintains full compliance with permits, standards and regulations regarding the quantity, availability and quality of water. During 2025, there were no or reported incidents of non-compliance, reaffirming the Company's commitment to responsible water resource management and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Pumping
In 2025, a total of €156.1 million was raised. m³ of water for use, a quantity reduced by 10.5% compared to 2024. This development is mainly attributed to the optimization of water management systems and the actions implemented to reduce overall abstraction.
Rejection
The amount of used water returned to the water recipients after proper management and in accordance with the approved environmental conditions amounted to 146.4 million. m³, showing a decrease of 11.2% compared to 2024.
Consumption
METLEN's total water consumption remained essentially stable in 2025, showing a marginal increase of 0.4% compared to 2024 and amounting to 9.77 mil. m³. This development is mainly attributed to the optimization of water management systems and the effectiveness of the implemented saving actions. In addition, the water intensity index improved by 19.7%, which reflects greater water use efficiency in relation to the Group's level of activity.
Reuse
The amount of water reused between the units of the Activity Sectors amounted to 15.6 million MW in 2025. m³, remaining at levels comparable to 2024 and showing a marginal change of approximately
-3%. The reusability is mainly influenced by the number and duration of maintenance days of thermal power plants, while it contributes substantially to reducing the need to pump additional water resources.
See more in the Company's Annual Report 2025.
