Dopad ESG na Energetický Sektor

This thesis examines the impact of ESG on the energy sector, which is one of the sectors emitting the most greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and is thus responsible for environmental pollution and climate change. For energy companies, the environmental pillar of ESG is the most important one, however they still need to address other ESG issues. The aim of this bachelor thesis is to identify the impacts of the different ESG topics on energy companies, and to assess what changes companies can expect in the environmental, social, and governance areas if they decide to implement ESG. At the same time, the results will help investors, the public and other stakeholders to determine whether it is worthwhile to advocate for ESG implementation in an energy company's interests. To find this out, quantitative research was conducted. Two energy companies operating in the European Union - E.ON SE and CEZ Group - were compared. The environmental results were achieved by comparing the decarbonisation targets of both companies against their actual status. Other ESG results were achieved by comparing indicators relevant to key stakeholders of both companies. Both companies are members of several global sustainability initiatives and adhere to European conventions and standards for sustainability reporting. These commitments are visibly reflected in the areas measured. Both companies have made improvements, but E.ON SE leads in the implementation of many measured ESG topics. This paper concludes that if stakeholders are interested in advocating for the environment, responsible corporate governance or equality in companies, it is worthwhile to advocate for ESG implementation given the measurable positive impacts on almost all measured indicators across both companies. Another finding is that by requiring energy companies to comply with ESG, several issues are being addressed that companies previously had no incentive to change. At the same time, more ambitious sustainability targets also help accelerate their rate of improvement.