Romstal, at the third Sustainability Report

With 25% more eco-sustainable products in the portfolio by 2025, important progress in reducing and streamlining resource consumption, investments in green technologies and digitalization, over 740,000 euros to support communities, are the targets assumed in Romstal's sustainability report. By publishing the sustainability report, Romstal presents the concrete measures it has implemented and reiterates its mission to remain a reliable partner, which contributes through innovative and responsible solutions to a more sustainable future.

The results highlighted in the report include a 20% decrease in electricity consumption from the grid and an increase of almost 70% in the amount of renewable energy produced in photovoltaic panel systems and over 99% in the consumption of green energy delivered to the grid.

In 2020, Romstal reduced by 29.2% the emissions resulting from the consumption of natural gas and by 20.49% on those resulting from the consumption of electricity from the network, and 609 tons of waste (paper / cardboard, wood, plastic, equipment electrical and electronic, ferrous and non-ferrous, including packaging) were sent for recycling. The group owns 29 photovoltaic power plants, of which 8 were put into operation in 2020, and another 6 are under design, and will become operational in the period 2021–2022.

"We see sustainable development as an essential condition not only for the future of our business, but for the future in general. The warnings of specialists regarding climate change, but also the social challenges in our community, urge us to take immediate action. If the year 2020, a year marked by the COVID-19 crisis, showed a great capacity to change companies, business models, people's behavior in general, we believe that we can use this ability to help solve current challenges. Romstal's new sustainability report presents a stage image of a journey for the better, for people, the environment and the community. - Mihail Alexandru Petrescu, CEO Romstal

In order to reduce CO2 emissions, in addition to measures aimed at reducing energy, natural gas and fuel consumption, the company has also implemented a number of strategies for greater energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy, including reducing the energy footprint of buildings. and renewable energy production in photovoltaic panel systems. To optimize transportation and replace the polluting fleet, the company has invested in 2020 over 1.1 million euros to renew the fleet, and 37 charging stations for electric cars are made available to employees, customers and partners in 30 of the 56 of Romstal subsidiaries.

For efficient water use, in 2020, Romstal installed special devices on all batteries in its headquarters and warehouses, which reduces consumption by up to 50%, and faucet batteries in headquarters have been replaced with photocell batteries, which save up to 60% on water.

In addition to the packaging waste system, Romstal has developed an internal system for the separate collection of recyclable waste generated from its own activity, bought back or brought by employees, on several types of waste, and in the context of COVID-19, from November In the past, special containers for the separate collection of used masks and gloves were placed in all Romstal stores, warehouses and offices.

Romstal is constantly expanding its range of eco-sustainable products, with low energy and resource consumption. The company had 30% more sustainable products in stock in 2020, compared to 2018, and by 2025 aims at a 25% increase in the portfolio of eco-sustainable products.

"We reduce the impact of our activity on the environment and we make significant progress in this direction from year to year, but we have an additional responsibility, that of contributing to market education. We are committed to providing our customers with products that reduce energy consumption, water and greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, we expand the range of eco products and each of our colleagues is encouraged to promote them. At the same time, we intensify information and awareness actions on the benefits of sustainable products among customers. By 2025, we aim to increase the share of these products in sales by 25%. ” - Călin Bota, Marketing Director, Romstal.

Among the key commitments assumed by Romstal until 2025 is the reduction of 30% of natural gas consumption and 25% of electricity consumption in the network. The company also aims to increase energy consumption from its own renewable sources by 80% and reduce total energy consumption per square meter of Romstal building by 20%. At the same time, by 2025, Romstal plans to reach the threshold of zero waste sent to the landfill (Zero Waste to Landfill).

Romstal has implemented RPA (Robotic Process Automation) technology to automate the meticulous and monotonous tasks performed by employees. In 2020, it automated, through the RPA Platform, 22 processes in 7 key departments of the company (invoice records, sales reports, statements, invoice issuance, supply orders, price updates).

In order to offer employees the chance to develop continuously, the company has developed its own educational institution, specialized in technical, personal and professional development courses - Romstal Academy. The courses are taught by accredited lecturers, and the average number of professional training hours reaches 130 per year, per employee. For the future professionals in the team, Romstal carries out, annually, internship or internship programs for students and young graduates, in partnership with technical universities in Bucharest.

In 2020, Romstal has invested over 740,000 euros in projects and sponsorships in areas related to education, health and sports. Among the supported projects in the field of education are: Seneca Publishing House (the first green publishing house in Romania), Seneca Ecologos (initiative aimed at ecological education programs in companies and educational institutions), Seneca Anticafe, as well as initiatives of the OvidiRo Association for early education quality in vulnerable communities. The company also supports the "Our Health" project of the Reality Check association, as well as the "Our Nature" project, developed by Tășuleasa Social, and in partnership with the ProVita Association was involved in developing two social centers created to provide support to disadvantaged groups.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company was involved in equipping 32 hospitals in 8 counties and public and private institutions with medical equipment and protective equipment. It is also involved in supporting the "Give Life" Association to improve the conditions of care, treatment and recovery of children with cancer.

The Romstal sustainability report for 2020 can be consulted here. It is carried out in accordance with the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) Reporting Standard: Core option, the most widely used international standard in the field of sustainability. The report includes the company's non-financial information for the period 1 January - 31 December 2020.