RWE npower retains the CommunityMark

Released on: February 20, 2012, 9:07 am
Author: RWE npower
Industry: Energy

RWE npower has recently retained the prestigious CommunityMark from Business in the Community (BITC) for a further three years.

RWE npower first received the CommunityMark in 2008 and was the first utility business to do so. The award is endorsed by both the Government and the voluntary sector. It is a national standard and the only one of its kind in the UK, which aims to recognise and highlight the positive impact that business can have in the community, through long term commitment and investment.

The rigorous testing process meant that Business in the Community interviewed employees for their opinions about RWE npower's community programme and their involvement. Community partners including National Energy Action, Macmillan Cancer Support, Community Service Volunteers, Football League Trust and the National Trust were also surveyed.

For over 50 years RWE npower has worked with local communities. During this time, the company has built sustainable relationships which have been recognised through the CommunityMark award. These include:
-£52m was accessed by its Health through Warmth scheme for vulnerable people since 2000.
- In 2010 14% of RWE npower employees took part in volunteering.
- 9,000 students experienced one of the company's power station guided tours.
- RWE npower worked with over 26,000 youngsters to raise awareness of climate change and 22 schools received No Power Hour sessions.
- Macmillan Cancer Support has been RWE npower's charity partner since 2004. The partnership is valued in excess of £4 million.

Dame Julia Cleverdon, Chair of RWE npower Corporate Responsibility Committee added:
"This is fantastic recognition for everyone at RWE npower. I have visited several sites recently and heard from employees about the inspirational work they are doing in local communities. There's a great spirit of wanting to get 'stuck in' and make a positive impact. Achieving the CommunityMark is a great accolade for RWE npower."

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community said: "During a considerably tough year these organisations have proved that continuing to listen, engage and respond to the needs of their communities reinforces the fact that excellence in community investment not only has a positive and valuable impact on society, but translates to real business benefits.

"Many have made a long term commitment to the areas they operate in. They work collaboratively and fostered strong reciprocal partnerships to help improve the knowledge and skills in their local communities to ensure that there are people to support the local economy and business."

The Independent Approvals Panel was impressed by RWE npower's continued leadership of the community investment agenda and their commitment to making a long-term sustainable difference to their business and communities.

- ENDS -

About RWE npower:
RWE npower is an integrated energy business, generating electricity and supplying gas, electricity and related services to customers across the UK. It operates and manages flexible, low-cost coal, oil and gas-fired power stations - generating over 11 GW of electricity. It serves around 6.5 million customer accounts and produces more than 10% of the electricity used in England and Wales. It is also on twitter (@npowerhq), Facebook and Youtube.

PR Contact:
Kelly Brown
npower
Bridgwater Road
Worcester
WR4 9FP
0845 070 2807
www.npower.com

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