Axpo has long pursued sustainability as the strategic way forward. In its first sustainability report, the company declares its position on key issues in the energy debate, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. The report documents the responsibility shown in Axpo's business for social and ecological concerns as well as for economic success. Dialogue with all interest groups is to be further encouraged.

As Switzerland's leading publicly owned energy utility, Axpo feels especially committed to responsible social and ecological action, as well as to the pursuit of economic success. 'Sustainability' represents one of the three pillars of its corporate vision, the others being 'reliability' and 'innovation'. Thus sustainability is embedded in corporate culture. Axpo's first sustainability report highlights the successful establishment of the theme of sustainability within the company. Axpo makes its position clear on the main issues of the energy debate. The report identifies where the major challenges lie and where there is a need for action to meet responsibilities.

Medium and long-term priorities
Axpo supports the Swiss federal government's goal of increasing electricity generation from renewable sources in Switzerland. The company is to invest 3 billion Swiss francs in generation from such technologies by 2030.

Energy efficiency is central at Axpo, and the company's whole business activity is committed to it. Axpo recognizes its social obligation to contribute to the responsible handling of energy as a resource. The company therefore remains focused on two staple methods of reliable electricity supply, which are almost CO2-free. They are hydro-electric power, which is being expanded in a targeted way, and nuclear energy, where Axpo is planning to replace its existing power plants.

Axpo promotes dialogue
Axpo plays an active role in the energy debate and is responsive to criticism. That is why it has set up an advisory committee on sustainability, which critically probes Axpo's commitment to sustainability.

The website www.energiedialog.ch is a platform for public debate provided by Axpo, where it answers energy-related questions. The plan is to increase the use of the platform for sustainability issues in future, to engage in dialogue with all interest groups. In fact the first Axpo sustainability report marks the start of an ongoing dialogue on sustainability.

The next Axpo sustainability report, featuring new key subjects, will appear in 2010. Meanwhile the company regularly publishes its latest sustainability achievements on the Internet at http://www.nachhaltigkeit.axpo.ch/.

Further information is obtainable from:
Axpo Holding AG Corporate Communications
Daniela Biedermann, tel. 044 278 41 20, 079 304 03 89