In 2022 we emerged from a global pandemic, making Covid now endemic. This has returned us to a long-awaited normality of life and work. Many countries that
were difficult to enter or leave have now reopened their borders, allowing our people to be reunited with their loved ones. The context still remains complicated
due to exogenous factors, such as the war in Ukraine, with its huge humanitarian, economic and social costs, and climate change, which continues to advance,
as evidenced by ever more frequent extreme weather events.

In this context, it is of critical necessity that we implement measures to improve efficiency in our use of resources and reduce the impacts associated with production activities.

92% of the activities in our works portfolio have the potential to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, with 66% of the portfolio dedicated to mobility projects intended to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and 16% to projects that will improve access to water infrastructure. We produce electricity from photovoltaics, contributing to the transition towards decarbonisation.

As a company that executes these works, we are aware of the importance of commitment by actively contributing to the ecological transition towards increased social responsibility.

In 2022, we added momentum to the process of consolidating our company strategy by introducing the 2023-2025 Sustainability Plan, which refreshes and renews our commitments by dividing our corporate mission into three pillars: Environment, People and Business Conduct. The Plan strengthens the culture of innovation, sustainability, and governance as essential factors enabling us to attain our goals.

This Sustainability Report represents the first year of measuring our results against the pre-set targets.

In 2022, the economic value directly generated by our activities, in other words the total wealth created for stakeholders, amounted to 910.33 million euros, of which 94% was distributed to employees, lenders, suppliers and the public administration.

We recorded a 24% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy consumption, compared to 2021, and managed to reuse or recycle 91% of our waste.

The health and safety of our workers remain top priorities. In 2022 we renewed our commitment to investing in the shared culture of safety on the worksites through raising awareness, training, and continuous monitoring of results. Our Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) dropped by 18% compared to the previous year.

In 2022 we contributed to creating value in the local areas where we operate, with 98% of our personnel hired locally and 94% of our expenditure on supply going to local sources.

Ghella has proved itself to be a trustworthy partner for financial institutions, which in turn undertake paths to sustainability with use of a rigorous selection process to ensure access to loans based on specific qualifications. This resulted in our securing two green loans in 2022, totalling 75 million euros.

This Sustainability Report represents the excellent results we have achieved with respect to our objectives, as we align our ambitions ever more closely with the expectations of our stakeholders, in a continuous process of virtuous improvement.

It is our duty to leave a better world for future generations.
Let’s do it together

Enrico Ghella 
President and CEO
 

We have adopted a model of principles, policies and management and control tools that will ensure responsible governance of our activities. Business Conduct is a pillar of our ESG Strategy because we know that ensuring the consistency and integrity of our actions is the only way we can generate lasting value.

“We strive to offer clients innovative solutions with positive environmental and social impact, which have now become critical differentiators in tenders, thus creating a virtuous circle of sustainability.” Marco Fontana | Managing Director Australia
 

Our work is an element contributing significantly to the completion of large-scale public works essential to the advancement and infrastructure development of the countries in which we operate, and the accomplishment of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the UN 2030 Agenda. 
 

We believe in people, and we value them. A focus on people is a pillar of our ESG Strategy, and in the new 2023-2025 Sustainability Plan we settled on four areas of priority: occupational health and safety; the wellbeing and development of personnel; the promotion of equal career opportunities; and listening to the expectations of the local communities who will benefit from the construction projects we help to create.

Our goals in the social area include achieving zero harm, beginning with a 30% drop in the LTIFR (Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate) safety index by 2030, compared to 2021, and a quota of 30% women in managerial positions by 2030. The SA8000 standard Management System certification and its validation based on the new ISO 30415 substantiate our commitment to the development and protection of human capital. 

Excellence in carrying out our projects is our distinguishing characteristic, and means we are recognized on the market because of our extensive specialization. The ongoing search for innovative solutions when performing work allows us to consistently raise quality standards, thus ensuring safer working conditions.
 

Environmental protection is a priority for us, and as such, lies at the heart of our ESG strategy. The “Planet” pillar sets out the company’s mission in three thematic areas in which we intend to focus our efforts: fighting climate change, promoting a circular economy and environmental protection.