Energy consumption

Energy consumption rose by 2.9% in 2022 in the PZU Group’s major companies, i.e. PZU and PZU Życie. The total consumption of energy purchased and produced, representing 52% of total energy consumption increased by 0.8%. The reason was mainly the return to stationary work after the  pandemic and the resulting higher use of real estate by Group companies. Higher employee attendance at central offices translated into higher energy consumption.

Fuel consumption increased by 5.3% year-on-year, this was particularly evident in gasoline consumption. The changes are due to changes in the fleet structure – the share of gasoline cars and hybrid cars grew at the expense of diesel cars.

Additionally, in 2022, in 7 properties PZU and PZU Życie installed photovoltaic panels – their total power was 121.54 kWp10.

The use of electricity from RES, in addition to the economic aspect, has an important impact on climate protection through reduction of CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions. It leads to reduction of scope 2 emissions through reducing the demand for energy and, as a consequence, reduction of the use of fossil fuels for production of energy from high-emission sources.

The cost savings regarding the electricity consumed for 36 properties in which photovoltaic panels were installed are in the range of 21%.

Thanks to the purchase of electricity with certificates of origin by PZU and PZU Życie, its share in total energy consumption (energy purchased, produced and energy from fuels) by these companies amounted to 21% and 15%, respectively. In the years to come, further use of RES and increase in the share of green energy, subject to its availability in the market, is planned.

In 2022, consumption of energy, both produced and purchased, decreased by 9.9% in the entire PZU Group. The main drivers of the change in consumption were decreases in heat energy (-29.5% y/y), natural gas (-5.9% y/y), and LPG (-26.7% y/y), while the key contributor to the increases was increased gasoline consumption.  Fleet utilization was on the rise in 2022, as this year was the first year after the pandemic where employees fully performed their duties using company cars, resulting in an increase in purchased and fuel-derived energy consumption.

On the other hand, the companies continued to focus on optimizing and reducing their consumption of fuel, electricity and thermal energy. The decrease in raw material consumption is due to fewer facilities, building thermal upgrades, changes in heating methods and weather conditions, among other factors. Due to higher temperatures in 2022, building temperatures have been reduced, resulting in lower heat use in buildings. The conversion of fuels into energy for all Group companies is based on the calorific values published by KOBIZE (National Centre for Emissions Management).

RES – total resources used for production of electricity and heat whose long-term use does not cause a significant deficit or which are renewed over a short time. These sources include: wind power, solar radiation power, geothermal power, hydropower, wave power, tidal power, salt gradient and flow power, power obtained from biomass, biogas and biofuels 
kWp – defines the efficiency that can be achieved by photovoltaic panels if they work in standard measurement conditions – how much electricity (1 kWh) the given panel or the whole photovoltaic installation is able to produce.

The building in the center of Warsaw is powered by green energy, which allows for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. The building uses environmentally friendly technologies, such as a grey water and rainwater recovery system that allows for a significant reduction in water intake. In addition, PZU Park has, among others, a ventilation system with high-end filters that provides 30% more fresh air. Adiabatic humidifiers unsure its proper humidity. Appropriate filters minimize the risk of allergies. The building’s water is tested for about 30 chemical compounds. Employees have access to adequate daylight. Employees are provided with 187 bicycle spaces and several charging stations for electric cars. Air conditioning based on a chilled beam system is quiet and guarantees comfortable temperatures and energy efficiency. Issues of employee well-being are also very important in WELL certification. Subdued colors, natural materials used for furnishings, a green terrace on the 35th floor or pergolas overgrown with vegetation facilitate concentration and stimulate creativity. The lobby of the office building features a 15-meter-long, 330-square-meter green wall with more than six thousand plants. The oxygen they produce in a day would be enough for 150 people.

In comprehensive modernizations of its properties the Bank uses modern solutions, e.g. energy-saving LED lighting systems or faucet aerators, leading to reduction of water consumption.

Company cars in the Bank Pekao’s fleet are gradually replaced with models that emit less exhaust gases. In 2022, the bank replaced its entire fleet with new cars with the Euro 6DG emission standard and purchased its first electric and hybrid cars. In addition to the introduction of 1,020 new low-emission cars with convenient consumption configurations, the Bank also purchased 4 new electric cars and 50 electric cars. This is the result of ongoing conceptual work on the possibility of replacing conventionally powered (combustion) cars with electric cars.

A new casting machine was put into operation at the beginning of 2022, and the continuous overhaul and modernization of existing machinery, associated with the replacement of the drive and automation, is improving production rates and further energy efficiency. The upgraded machine consumes about 30 kWh less per hour, which has generated and will continue to generate annual savings of about 230,400 kWh. As part of increasing the share of energy from renewable sources, an important element in the use of energy from RES is the construction of a photovoltaic farm with a capacity of nearly 1,800,000 Wp, which is scheduled to be put into operation in 2023. This will allow it to obtain energy from renewable sources and reduce its carbon footprint.