The strategy of EDA THESS is founded on the balanced development of business and economic activity and the creation of measurable value for the society, based on the protection of the environment and the strengthening of the Company’s positive footprint in the areas of its License.
On the occasion of the World Environment Day, a meeting was held between the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Mr. Konstantinos Zervas, the General Manager, Mr. Leonidas Bakouras and the executives of EDA THESS. The focal point of the discussion was the remarkably positive impact of natural gas on the improvement of the environmental footprint and the reduction of smog in Thessaloniki.
By expanding the use of natural gas and replacing conventional polluting fuels for all categories of consumers (residential, commercial, industrial), the Company - from its establishment until today - has significantly contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the improvement of air quality in the areas where it operates.
Only during the period 2017-2021, thanks to the use of natural gas, the savings in gaseous pollutants for the Regional Unit of Thessaloniki amounted to:
• 1.6 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2)
• 8.8 thousand tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2)
• 3.7 thousand tons of nitric oxide (NO)
The outcome of this strategy but also of the commitment of EDA THESS for sustainable development, is the integration of Sustainability criteria (ESG) related to the Environment, Society, and Governance.
Natural gas is constantly increasing its momentum, as reflected on the high rate of penetration in Thessaloniki that is currently exceeding 77% of the city's population. This high penetration rate reflects the unwavering trust of consumers in the most environmentally - friendly conventional fuel that, for more than 22 years, has been the safest, user-friendliest and most affordable form of energy, delivering multiplier benefits for the society and the environment.
The General Manager of EDA THESS, Mr. Leonidas Bakouras, stated in this regard: “The environmental care and the sustainability strategy of the Company are integrated in the whole range of its business activities, with the implementation of best business practices on the basis of sustainable development. Being an active member of the society, EDA THESS aims to upgrade the quality of life and to support the development of ecosystems within the urban tissue. Despite the energy challenges we are faced with, the unwavering trust of the citizens of Thessaloniki in natural gas, is on the one hand the cornerstone for the environmental upgrading of the city and on the other hand, the driving force that urges us to continue implementing our sustainable development strategy”.
For his part, the Mayor, Mr. Zervas, stated that the synergies between the Municipal Authority and the Company deliver an increasing environmental and social benefit for the city. The common point of reference is the creation of a healthy environment for both current and future generations. He acknowledged that air pollution has been significantly reduced and that natural gas has significantly contributed to this end, as it remains the first-choice fuel for the residents of Thessaloniki. Mr. Zervas pointed out that Thessaloniki has now a high sense of responsibility and better environmental behavior.
EDA THESS further develops the market in the areas of its License and maximizes the penetration of natural gas - the dominant transitional fuel towards the renewable energy sources. In this light, distribution networks are expected to play a pivotal role in the accommodation of renewable gases and the construction of an integrated energy complex. Renewable gases, especially biomethane, can directly contribute to the decarbonization of the final energy mix, reducing dependence on gas imports, but also providing an affordable and locally produced alternative form of energy to final consumers. Renewable gases will be the connecting link that bridges climate ambitions, social acceptance of the new energy ecosystem and local development.
In concluding, the General Manager underlined that the Company supports the European environmental agenda complemented by the goals of the new RepowerEU action plan. The Community Strategy is a holistic approach to rapid energy transition where climate, energy and biodiversity policies are mutually supported.
