Transparency in action: How Vattenfall embeds human rights at the core of a just energy transition
As the global energy transition accelerates, ensuring that human rights are safeguarded across supply chains, workplaces, and local communities is more critical than ever. Vattenfall’s 2024 Human Rights Progress Report demonstrates how companies can systematically integrate human rights into their operations - not because regulations demand it, but because it strengthens business resilience, trust, and long-term sustainability.
"Sustainability is not an obligation; it is how we do business. For us at Vattenfall, publishing reports like the Human Rights Progress Report and the Modern Slavery Statement is not about ticking regulatory boxes, but about taking responsibility. Transparency is the foundation of trust, and in today’s world, businesses that embed human rights in a systematic and proactive way are simply stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for the future. We believe that making human rights a core part of our transition strategy is not only the right thing to do - it makes clear business sense," says Annika Ramsköld, Vice President Sustainability at Vattenfall.
Alongside the Human Rights Progress Report for 2024, Vattenfall has also published its updated Modern Slavery Statement and updated Human Rights Policy, reinforcing a structured, proactive approach to addressing labor rights, supply chain transparency, and community engagement. These efforts align with the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, but go beyond mere compliance to demonstrate impact and leadership in sustainable business practices.
Key Takeaways from the 2024 Human Rights Progress Report:
- Collaborating for Impact: Contributing to multi-stakeholder initiatives to increase leverage and drive impact deeper in the supply chains of critical materials like copper and bauxite.
- Stronger Supplier Oversight: Over 4,000 supplier screenings and 94 site audits conducted to ensure ethical labour conditions and prevent modern slavery.
- Just Transition Commitments: Protecting workers and communities during the energy transition with fair labour policies and sustainable job programs.
- Enhanced Grievance Mechanisms: Whistleblowing channels and direct supplier engagement enable swift reporting and resolution of human rights violations.
- Respect for Indigenous Rights: Collaborating with indigenous communities to develop renewable energy projects while respecting their lands and cultural heritage, including ongoing dialogue with Sámi communities in Sweden.
- Tackling High-Risk Sourcing: Increased transparency and risk assessments for key materials like cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements used in wind and battery technologies.
The 2024 report showcases Vattenfall's ongoing commitment to human rights due diligence and transparency, introducing a color-coded tool for tracking progress, focusing on seven priority issues, and enhancing accountability by measuring progress against the 2021 Human Rights Assessment recommendations.
Vattenfall’s full Human Rights Progress Report and Modern Slavery Statement can be accessed here: Human rights progress report 2024.
For further information, please contact:
Vattenfall Media Relations +46 (0)8 739 50 10, press@vattenfall.com
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