abengoa bioenergy - Abengoa Bioenergía

Transcription

abengoa bioenergy - Abengoa Bioenergía
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
The
global
biotech
ethanol
company
2012 Annual Report
Corporate Social Responsibility Report
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Index
Letter from the CEO ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Our business ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Global presence ................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Production plants............................................................................................................................................................... 12
Key figures ........................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Our activities ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Main achievements ............................................................................................................................................................ 21
Our products ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Awards and recognition..................................................................................................................................................... 28
Policies and management model ........................................................................................................................................... 30
Corporate Social Responsibility Policy ................................................................................................................................. 31
Stakeholders ......................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Dialogue channels ............................................................................................................................................................. 33
Our shareholders ............................................................................................................................................................... 37
Shareholding structure....................................................................................................................................................... 37
Principles of the Global Impact .......................................................................................................................................... 39
Occupational health and safety .......................................................................................................................................... 41
Our customers ................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Comunication .................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Our suppliers ..................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Greenhouse gas inventory ................................................................................................................................................. 51
Responsible purchasing system .......................................................................................................................................... 51
Environment .......................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Policy, compromise and objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 54
Main environmental indicators ........................................................................................................................................... 56
Environmental impact control, awareness, and minimization ............................................................................................. 57
Products and services ......................................................................................................................................................... 67
Fines and sanctions ............................................................................................................................................................ 67
Environmental expenditure ................................................................................................................................................ 68
Community ........................................................................................................................................................................... 69
Programmes ...................................................................................................................................................................... 70
Partnerships and agreements ............................................................................................................................................. 71
Conferences ...................................................................................................................................................................... 73
Asociations ........................................................................................................................................................................ 73
Transparency and fight against the corruption ................................................................................................................... 74
Economic performanceCreation of value ........................................................................................................................... 75
Corporate governance........................................................................................................................................................... 78
Board of directors .............................................................................................................................................................. 79
Board committees .............................................................................................................................................................. 79
Remuneration and other provisions ................................................................................................................................... 82
Risk management model ................................................................................................................................................... 83
Additional information .......................................................................................................................................................... 85
CSR report principles and scope ......................................................................................................................................... 86
External verification ........................................................................................................................................................... 88
Information on dependent companies ............................................................................................................................... 89
External verification reports ................................................................................................................................................... 91
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Index
GRI index .............................................................................................................................................................................. 95
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Index
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Index
Letter from the CEO
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Letter from the CEO
We have been one of the global biofuel leaders for the past several years. We have built plants when rivals went out of
business. We have increased our technology investment when others folded. We have entered new geographies when others
downsized.
But the market conditions have changed. Market instability has affected margins across the board and the ability to achieve
consistent results has been affected. The record drought affected very negatively the grain market and created a challenging
year for ethanol producers. Inventory levels remained high while gasoline demand continued to disappoint. More
importantly, the market has made companies reconsider their modus operandi.
Amid this difficult environment, Abengoa Bioenergy is embracing the challenge. Market conditions have been very
challenging which paradoxically has been beneficial for our business strategy. The reason is that it expedited the process that
has already begun for Abengoa Bioenergy: the transformation from a global biofuel leader to a biotech company that would
go beyond biofuels. More importantly it signaled the need for a new business model which will reduce market dependency
and bring more stability and consistency to our business.
But we already knew the challenge was coming; our vision for the future has not changed. What is also the same is our core
competency remains our focus on technology. What is different is how we are going to get there, how we will change the
way we operate today. In the process, we need to maintain our current time-to-market leading position in technology, which
will take a lot of effort and resources.
We continue to seek solutions based on technology to boost our profits in the short term and build the base for future
growth. Given the current market conditions, over the next couple of years, we are exploring options to adapt 1G assets to
have flexibility in a low margin environment. Our priorities focus on W2B and biobutanol as key start projects Abengoa is
willing to invest in to boost our margins in the short run. Thus, we will leverage our 1G assets in terms of already acquired
and new feedstock sourcing, technology, production, logistics as well as marketing and trading. At the same time, we would
tap into new markets with new products and diversify our revenue stream while exploring new technology processes and
new areas of feedstock that would give us more both flexibility and stability.
The construction start of our first biomass-to-ethanol commercial plant at Hugoton has been a milestone in our development
as the project will showcase our ability to bring technology to the market in a commercial scale size plant at an economically
viable way. We are making tremendous progress in the construction of the plant and we expect the project to be a reality in
2013.
On a broader scale, we are working towards providing a one-stop biotech solution to our customers. New 2G projects and
bioproducts also remain priorities for us over the longer term, following the implementation of the efficiency plans which will
streamline operations and makes us leaner as an organization. The idea is to have these projects offered to third parties
which would create a brand new revenue source while capitalizing on the progress we would have achieved by the time we
open Hugoton.
The new business model that is emerging for Abengoa Bioenergy will reposition the company in the direction of concessiontype growth model. We will leverage technology development, focus on less-commodity-based margin while also build high
technological barriers. On a macro level, it would leverage Abengoa’s knowhow and network while reducing equity
requirements.
Allowing for one-stop solutions through the value chain, our approach will mitigate market risk, will provide access to thirdparty capital and allow for asset rotation, all key elements of the concession-type infrastructure. By combining engineering,
procurement, construction, finance, equity and O&M, the model will provide concession model revenues that include
technology fees O&M service fees, etc. in addition to induced business for Abengoa. For Abengoa Bioenergy, the model will
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Letter from the CEO
allow the use of technology for agricultural biomass and bagasse conversion as well as technology applied for solid municipal
waste.
The plan is no doubt ambitious but with great potential benefits that will change the way we do business. The model will
also allow us to think differently about our business and how we should mitigate the risk elements that affect our operations
and profitability.
Over the next 5-10 years, Abengoa Bioenergy should be able to produce a multitude of fuels and bioproducts from a variety
of feedstock including waste, cereal, cane, energy crops and to provide one-stop biotech solutions to third parties. The
company will continue to diversify its revenue stream and continue to secure feedstock in an economic and operationally
efficient manner to increase its profits while being able to access multiple markets. Hopefully, the company would be a
pioneering leader in W2B and biobutanol production as well as planned the construction of new 2G facilities after Hugoton
and bioproduct production.
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Our business
Our business
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Our business
Our business
Abengoa Bioenergy carries out industrial production activities in the energy sector. It develops biofuels for transportation, as
well as bioethanol and biodiesel among others, plus chemical bioproducts which use biomass (cereals, sugar cane, cellulose
biomass, oleaginous seeds, etc.) as raw material. Biofuels are used in the production of gasoline additives (ETBE) as well as in
direct mixtures with gasoline or diesel oil. Abengoa Bioenergy is also developing new biofuels (kerosene for aviation and
biodiesel from sugar). The chemical bioproducts will be identical to those produced at present by the petrochemical industry
in terms of functionality but, in turn, they will be more sustainable and will focus on immediate replacement within the
already existing markets.
As sources of renewable energy, biofuels and chemical bioproducts reduce CO2 emissions and enhance the safety and
diversification of the energy supply, thus decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels used in the automotive, aviation and
petrochemical industries and improving compliance with the Kyoto Protocol.
Current market situation
The new regulations of United States and the European Union require the biofuel industry to comply with strict sustainability
criteria.
Within this context, markets are focusing on improving the existing first-generation biofuels and their management, as well
as on developing the new generations of biofuels.
These regulations refer both to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the biofuel life cycle and to the
certification of the origin of the raw material used in its production.
In order to address the legal demands, valid for the first and second-generation biofuels, Abengoa Bioenergy has
implemented accountability and verification systems for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and raw material certification
systems, which allow differentiating between biofuels that are sustainable and those that must be rejected, in the battle
against climate change.
In terms of second-generation, the development of the enzymatic hydrolysis technology allows converting agricultural waste,
wood waste and other potential energy crops into ethanol, without affecting the ecological balance or the food chain. At the
same time, second-generation biofuels have a strong potential for reducing emissions compared to the fossil fuels that they
replace.
Such technology represents the most state-of-the-art and feasible technological solution among all of those being currently
investigated.
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Our business
Historic
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Our business
Global presence
The global biotech ethanol company
Abengoa Bioenergy is the leading European biofuel producer (with a production capacity of 396 Mgal) and one of the main
producers in United States (380 Mgal) and Brazil (62 Mgal), with a total installed production capacity of 839 Mgal distributed
among 14 plants, in five different countries of three continents. Furthermore, it is constructing the world’s first secondgeneration (2G ) commercial plant. Abengoa Bioenergy Biomass of Kansas will have the capacity to produce 25 Mgal per year
of bioethanol as from corn stover, wheat straw, and switch grass.
In 2012, Abengoa Bioenergy has started a thorough process to create value for its shareholders. The company has identified
opportunities that will allow the diversification of bioproducts and the production of higher value-added biofuels and
compounds, thus generating greater environmental benefits.
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Our business
Design production capacity
Production plants
Ecocarburantes Españoles
Bioethanol:
DGS:
Electricity:
Bioetanol Galicia
Bioethanol:
DGS:
Electricity:
Biocarburantes de Castilla y León
Bioethanol:
DGS:
Electricity:
Abengoa Bioenergía San Roque
Biodiesel:
Gliceryne:
Abengoa Bioenergy France
Bioethanol:
DGS:
Abengoa Bioenergy Netherlands
Bioethanol:
DGS:
Electricity:
Abengoa Bioenergy Corporation Colwich
Bioethanol:
DGS:
Abengoa Bioenergy Corporation Portales
Bioethanol:
DGS:
Abengoa Bioenergy Corporation York
Bioethanol:
DGS:
Abengoa Bioenergy of Nebraska
Bioethanol:
DGS:
Abengoa Bioenergy of Illinois
Bioethanol:
DGS:
Abengoa Bioenergy of Indiana
Bioethanol:
DGS:
Abengoa Bioenergia São Luiz
Bioethanol:
Sugar:
Electricity:
Abengoa Bioenergia São João
Bioethanol:
Sugar:
Electricity:
Abengoa Bioenergy
Bioethanol:
Biodiesel:
DGS:
Sugar:
Gliceryne:
Electricity:
40 Mgal
110,000 t
204,000 MWh
50 Mgal
130,000 t
204,000 MWh
55 Mgal
120,000 t
140,000 MWh
60 Mgal
18,500 t
65 Mgal
145,000 t
125 Mgal
360,000 t
400,000 MWh
25 Mgal
70,000 t
30 Mgal
75,000 t
55 Mgal
145,000 t
90 Mgal
230,000 t
90 Mgal
230,000 t
90 Mgal
230,000 t
24 Mgal
285,000 t
172,000 MWh
38 Mgal
360,000 t
201,500 MWh
782
60
1,845,000
645,000
18,500
1,316,500
Mgal
Mgal
t
t
t
MWh
Note: approximate figures. Abengoa Bioenergy New Technologies pilot plants not included.
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Our business
Key figures
Income
Abengoa Bioenergy´s income has been practically stable in
relation to the previous year, overcoming operational
difficulties.
(1M = 1,000,000)
EBITDA
Thanks to the diversification of products and raw materials as well
as the proper management of our productive assets, Abengoa
Bioenergy has managed to obtain an EBITDA over 91 M€ despite
of the adverse economic and market conditions.
Technological investment
Abengoa Bioenergy strongly advances in the
commercialization of cellulosic ethanol technology and
continues to bet on the development of new technologies,
along with the U.S. Department of Energy, the Spanish
Ministry of Industry and the European Union Framework
Program. In 2012, the investment registers an outstanding
increase with the ongoing of the construction of the
second generation bioethanol plant in Hugoton.
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Our business
GHG Emissions reduction
The use of over 665.5 Mgal of biofuels traded by Abengoa
Bioenergy reduces CO2-equivalent emissions by
approximately 2.89 Mt, equivalent to the annual emissions
of approximately 786,000 vehicles
(1 Mgal = 1 million gallons)
(1 Mt = 1 million tons)
Sources:
1.Well-To-Wheels Analysis of future automotive fuels and powertrains in the
European context
2. European Parliament and Commission directive relative to the promotion of
the use of energy from renewable sources.
Production of biofuels
Abengoa Bioenergy currently has fourteen bioethanol
and biodiesel production plants, distributed between
Europe (Spain, France and Holland), United States and
Brazil. Throughout 2012, the production of biofuels of
the company reached 665.6 Mgal.
(1 Mgal/y = 1 million gallons per year)
(1 ML/y = 1 million liters per year)
Production of electricity
Some of the company’s bioethanol production facilities
have cogeneration systems, which with a good use of
sugar cane bagasse and other fuel generate the steam and
electricity necessary to operate the bioethanol plants. The
production of electrical energy throughout the year 2012
has been of 1,316 GWh approximately.
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Our business
Our activities
Abengoa Bioenergy is a benchmark company in the development of new technologies geared towards the production of
biofuels,biochemical products and the sustainability of raw materials, channeling to such end a tremendous amount of
resources into research. The presence of a trading division means that the company is also a service provider capable of
offering global solutions, with impressive capacity for marketing and managing commodities, reliably backed by its global
production and raw material procurement capacities and highly efficient operations – cornerstones that afford reliability and
critical mass, which are key to optimum business development.
The combination of international trading and cellulosic bioethanol technology capacities of Abengoa Bioenergía, along with
the agricultural, productive and local trading capacities gives rise to very important synergies that will make it possible to
achieve significant growths in the bioethanol global market and have the technology that will enable obtaining lower costs
per liter of ethanol.
Abengoa Bioenergy contributes to sustainable development by marketing fuel compounds obtained from renewable sources
(biofuels) through the use of environmentally-friendly technologies that help bring about a net reduction in polluting
emissions, for use in both public transportation and private vehicles.
The company develops innovative technological solutions through continuous R&D investment. These solutions are put into
practice in production processes, allowing the company to enjoy the same production costs as for conventional fossil fuels,
while affording our DGS coproduct a distinct competitive edge.
Abengoa Bioenergy honors its commitment to creating value for shareholders and contributes to the personal and
professional development of its employees through continuous training and by setting up and overseeing individualized
plans.
Abengoa Bioenergy creates new opportunities for sustainable rural development by providing incentives for energy crops and
the creation of farming industries, thus helping to maintain employment and income levels in rural areas.
Bioethanol and biodiesel are renewable and clean energy sources which, for some time now, have proved to be a reliable and
effective replacement for gasoline and diesel fuel in vehicle engines, while also helping to diversify and improve the security
of the energy supply. Their use, either in a pure state or blended with fossil fuels, reduces CO2 emissions, slows down climate
change, and reduces the emission of polluting agents into the environment.
The business unit covers the management of the following companies:
Europe
Biocarburantes de Castilla y León, S.A.
Bioetanol Galicia, S.A.
Bioetanol Galicia Novas Tecnoloxias, S.A.
Ecoagrícola, S.A.
Ecocarburantes Españoles, S.A.
Abengoa Bioenergía, S.A.
Abengoa Bioenergía Biodiésel S.A.
Abengoa Bioenergía Inversiones, S.A.
Abengoa Bioenergía Nuevas Tecnologías, S.A.
Abengoa Bioenergía San Roque, S.A.
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Abengoa Bioenergy France, S.A.
Abengoa Bioenergy Germany GmbH.
Abengoa Bioenergy Hannover GmbH.
Abengoa Bioenergy Netherlands, B.V.
Abengoa Bioenergy Trading Europe, B.V.
Abengoa Bioenergy UK Limited.
Asa Bioenergy Holding, AG.
SAS Abengoa Bioenergía Biomasse France.
United States
Abengoa Bioenergy Biomass of Kansas, LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy Corporation.
Abengoa Bioenergy Engineering & Construction, LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy Funding.
Abengoa Bioenergy Holdco, Inc.
Abengoa Bioenergy Hybrid of Kansas, LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy Investments , LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy Maple, LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy Meramec Renewable, Inc.
Abengoa Bioenergy New Technologies , Inc.
Abengoa Bioenergy of Illinois, LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy of Indiana, LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy of Kansas, LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy of Nebraska, LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy of SW Kansas, LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy Operations , LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy Outsourcing, LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy Renewable Power US,LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy Technology Holding , LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy Trading US, LLC.
Abengoa Bioenergy US Holding, Inc.
Brazil
Abengoa Bioenergia Agroindustria Ltda.
Abengoa Bioenergia Agroindustria Trading US Inc.
Abengoa Bioenergia Brasil.
Abengoa Bioenergía Inovaçoes Ltda.
Abengoa Bioenergia Santa Fe Ltda.
Abengoa Bioenergia Trading Brasil Ltda.
The company’s activities can be grouped in 6 major areas:
Grain procurement
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Our business
Bioethanol origination
Production
Bioethanol, DGS, and sugar trading
Cogeneration
New technologies
Grain procurement
A key element in the good results of the activities developed by the Bioenergy business group is the acquisition of cereal
grain as raw material.
Currently, the most important grain cereal for the production of bioethanol in Abengoa Bioenergy’s plants are wheat, barley,
corn and sorghum, not only for the alcohol yield, but also for their great proteic proportion, highly valued in the feedstock
sector (DGS). As for biodiesel production, the most used oils are soy and palm.
Throughout its brief history, Abengoa Bioenergy has managed to acquire great experience, both in important purchases of
grain in the market, and in the making of contracts directly with farmers, thus ensuring that the group’s plants have the
amount of cereals they need. Similarly, the company’s experts have great knowledge of the applicable regulations to operate
in the European Union and within the American Government.
In Abengoa Bioenergia Brasil the company grows sugarcane while maintaining sustainable rural development methods,
biodiversity, and regional economic growth. Through the subsidiary company Abengoa Bioenergia Agricola, production
plants supply is assured, both establishing contracts with land owners, carrying out the necessary tasks for a combined use of
the land, and with farmers, providing the necessary resources and advice for best performance.
Abengoa Bioenergía has developed internal capabilities that have also allowed it to diversify the procurement of raw material
for its 2G plant in Hugoton. In this case, the plant will obtain agricultural waste that currently has no value for the farmer and
from other energy crops in marginal areas which up to now have been abandoned.
Abengoa Bioenergía has developed internal capabilities that have also allowed it to diversify the procurement of raw material
for its 2G plant in Hugoton. In this case, the plant will obtain agricultural waste that currently has no value for the farmer and
from other energy crops in marginal areas which up to now have been abandoned.
Bioethanol origination
In addition to Abengoa Bioenergy’s own bioethanol production capacity, which is marketed by the trading subsidiaries,
bioethanol origination from third party producers is also a large part of the business, adding the additional capacity to a
common pool, which allows for a greater flexibility and competitiveness towards the clients portfolio.
Production
The main product, bioethanol, is produced in the plants in Europe, United States and Brazil. Obtained from cereal grain and
sugar cane, through chemical processes and treatments, bioethanol is used to produce ETBE (a gasoline additive), or for its
direct mixing with gasoline, with different percentages of bioethanol, the most common being e85, e15, e10 and e5
(gasoline with percentages of bioethanol of 85, 15, 10, and 5 % respectively).
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At Abengoa Bioenergia San Roque biodiesel is produced from soy and palm raw vegetable oils. This plant is annexed to
Cepsa's refinery to which it supplies biodiesel (FAME). In this way, fuel composed of 5% biodiesel and 95% diesel is
obtained.
Another product obtained in Abengoa Bioenergia Brasil is sugar from sugar cane crops. This is carried out in the agroindustrial units of Saõ Luiz and São João, in the state of São Paulo. The same extraction equipment (same grinders) and
auxiliary systems are used for both the production of sugar and the production of bioethanol from sugar cane.
As a co-product from the process of producing bioethanol from cereals the so-called DGS is obtained, a high protein
compound, resulting from the removal of the cereal starch which turns out to be optimal for the manufacture of livestock
food.
Another co-product from the process of obtaining bioethanol from sugar cane is sugar cane bagasse, which is used as fuel in
power cogeneration plants which are annexed to the bioethanol production plants.
Marketing of bioetanol, DGS and sugar
Abengoa Bioenergía has offices at strategic points for the global trading and export of bioethanol, located in Rotterdam,
Holland, with immediate access to the Europoort; in St. Louis, USA, in the heart of the main area for grain production and
livestock breeding in the country; and in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in the main area for the production of bioethanol from sugar cane.
From all of these regions, the demand generated in the European, American and Brazilian markets is met, both for
bioethanol, as well as for DGS and sugar.
Market fluctuations, political conditions in the different geographic zones, and other factors affecting the company's
activities, both in terms of the acquisition of raw materials and in the production of marketed products, are analyzed in detail
from a global point of view, with the aim of obtaining a better vision of the world market. A thorough analysis and risk
management means an improved process performance, always within the context of sustainable development, respecting the
environment, human rights and the community as one of its maxims. Considering all of this, Abengoa Bioenergía has the
opportunity to optimize supplies to different markets thanks to the management of the export and import decision and,
therefore, it offers its clients the option of choosing the solution that best suits their needs, providing the necessary reliability
and flexibility in the supply of bioethanol.
Cogeneration
Some of the current bioethanol production facilities are equipped with co-generation systems that by using either natural gas
or sugar cane pulp generate the vapor and the electricity required to operate the bioethanol plants. At present, the cogeneration systems of the plants in Spain, Holland and Brazil, produce a greater amount of electricity than the plant's needs,
the excess being fed to the electricity grids of each country, leading to greater profitability and sustainability of the facilities.
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Our business
New technologies
Abengoa Bioenergía Nuevas Tecnologías (ABNT) began its operations in 2003 with the purpose of positioning Abengoa
Bioenergía as the leading innovator in the Bioenergy industry. The mission is to develop leading edge technological processes
for the production of bioethanol and co-products.
The team of engineers and scientists, together with other R&D centers, universities and industrial partners, develops
innovative processes in order to increase the bioethanol yield in dry mills, improve the quality of co-products, develop new
co-products and develop the biomass technology for the production of ethanol and co-products. Likewise, it leads the
conceptual design and regulatory surveillance in terms of sustainability of the three geographic locations of Abengoa
Bioenergía.
As part of the business strategy, Abengoa Bioenergía Nuevas Tecnologías will develop and register the intellectual property to
provide technology to third parties under management agreements.
The mission of Abengoa Bioenergía Nuevas Tecnologías consists of developing and demonstrating sustainable technological
solutions through science and innovation, in order to meet Abengoa Bioenergia’s strategy plan targets, which include the
following:
Developing and marketing biomass technologies at competitive prices.
Developing evaluation processes of the urban solid residues for the production of biofuels.
Developing and implementing catalytic processes for the production of biofuels and bioproducts.
Administering management systems (technological procedures and solutions) that ensure the compliance with the
sustainability requirements of biofuels.
Developing and marketing technology for the production of added value chemicals from lignin, sugars and ethanol.
Promoting the development of energy crops.
Developing the biomass market.
Develop and improve new enzymes for cellulose breakdown.
Carrying out techno-economic analysis and advanced life cycles of the CO2 capture plant by producing micro-algae.
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Our business
Developing final programs for the use of biofuels.
Changes in size, structure and ownership during 2012
For a complete list of companies please refer ‛Dependent companies information‛
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Our business
Main achievements
This has been a year of consolidation and growth for Abengoa Bioenergy, in the US, Europe, and Brazil. Contrary to
expectations, due the the global crisis, which has influenced all company’s activities, 2012 has been a year full of successes.
Europe
The most significant milestones achieved in Europe during 2012 have been:
Completion of the construction and commissioning of the Ecoalga Project pilot plant.
Consolidation of the operations in Abengoa Bioenergy Netherlands in Europoort, Rotterdam, Holland.
Promotion and expansion of the direct blending biofuel (e85) service station network, with 31 supply points and 211
Mgal ditributed in Spain.
Development of the ethanol direct blending in Spain.
Consolidation in the sales for higter ethanol blends (e10) in Europe, particularly in France, Germany and Finland.
Agreement with the oil operation company Total ACS (France) in order to produce second-generation bioethanol to
be used for motor sport competitions.
Team sponsorship of a in the Spain rally championship. Abengoa Bioenergy will supply the e85 bioethanol for the
first and single racing car in the country propelled by a biofuel.
100 % delivery of bioethanol, providing Abengoa Bioenergy’s biofuel sustainability certification.
Distinguished with the ‚Sustainable Biofuels Award‛ for the sustainable development in the execution of the RBSA
(RED Bioenergy Sustainability Assurance) certification system.
First delivery of biofuels, certified under Abengoa Bioenergy's plan, to the German market.
Awarding, with the participation of other companies, of the Bio-Andalus project addressed to the experimental
development of bioproducts in Andalusia, Spain.
Awarded the prize of the Spanish Independent Commission for Safety and Hygiene at Work in the Chemical Industry
and Similar (COASHIQ) by Bioetanol Galicia for the achievements in the reduction of on-site accidents.
Celebration of the ‚XI World Biofuels Conference‛.
Participation in the ‚2012 BP Forum on Energy and Sustainability‛.
Received the favorable audit report SA8000 that certifies the total of Abengoa Bioenergy companies in Europe in this
International Social Responsibility Standard.
Continuation of the STOP program, obtaining an improvement in on-site work safety at the facilities of Abengoa
Bioenergy Europe, as well as in personnel performance.
Production of 295 Mgal of bioethanol.
Production of 715,803 t of DGS (corn, wheat and barley). Increase in the direct sales of SGD to global target
markets.
United States
For Abengoa Bioenergía, this has been a year of consolidation and growth in the United States.
During 2012, the company reached the following achievements in the United States market:
Fulfillment of more than 50 % of the construction milestones in the new production facility of Abengoa in Hugoton,
Kansas., cuya apertura está prevista en 2013.
Selection of Abengoa Bioenergy as one of the e15 producers authorized in USA.
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Our business
Successful validation of 2G technology in the pilot plant of York, Nebraska, with an average of more than 272 L of
ethanol per ton of dry biomass residue.
Improvement of the logistical flexibility and increase of the storage capacity to 3.5 Mgal at the Houston terminal.
Optimization of barge traffic by the Mississippi and Ohio rivers in order to increase the export activity of both ethanol
and DGS (Distillers Grains with Solubles)..
Renewal of the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSA 18001 certifications for all the companies of USA.
Implementation of the RBSA program in ABC York, ABI and ABIL to facilitate the classification of ethanol supporting
the sustainability initiatives.
Obtained the prize ‚Norfolk Southern Railroad Chemical Safety Award‛ by Abengoa Bioenergy of Illinois.
The award "Greater St. Louis Top 50‛has been obtained. This award recognizes Abengoa Bioenergy as one of the
most outstanding companies located in St. Louis for the fourth consecutive year.
Obtained the certification of the greenhouse gas inventory system of Abengoa Bioenergy companies in USA
according to the ISO-14064 standard.
Participation in 2012 Biomass Conference in Washington, D.C.
Successful implementation of the Social Responsibility Program SA 8000 at Abengoa Bioenergy in United States.
Continuation of the STOP program, obtaining an improvement in on-site work safety at the facilities of Abengoa
Bioenergy United States, as well as in personnel performance.
Production of 305 Mgal of bioethanol and 840,707 t of DGS.
Abengoa Bioenergía joins the new coalition "Fuels America".
Brazil
During 2012, the company reached the following achievements in Brazil market:
Consolidation of the operations of the two cogeneration plants in Brazil, making a total installed capacity of 140
MW.
Start of the operation of the new cane crushing plant São Luiz, in Brazil, increasing the capacity up to 3.5 Mt per
year.
Selection of Abengoa Bioenergy Brazil by the Banco Nacional de Desarrollo Económico y Social de Brasil (BNDES –
National Bank for Economic and Social Development in Brazil) for developing a second-generation ethanol plant
based on sugar cane.
Conclusion in the Project Direction Program (DPA) 2012 by Abengoa Bioenergy Brazil.
Execution of the implementation of the STOP Program in Abengoa Bioenergy Brazil.
ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications of the Abengoa Bioenergy São João cogeneration plant.
ISO 14064 certification for the inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Set up of 'Proyecto Renovación' in Abengoa Brazil that qualifies sugar cane farmers to develop other activities.
Obtained the National Commitment Seal in Brazil for improving the work conditions in the sugar cane.
Production of 27.5 Mgal of bioethanol.
Production of 411,875 t of sugar.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
22
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Our business
Our products
Bioethanol
Today, we can state that Abengoa Bioenergy is a worldwide reference in the development of first-generation bioethanol and
production of bioethanol as from biomass (2G). This year we have worked on a greater development of techniques and
mechanisms for the production of second-generation bioethanol, that is, production of bioethanol as from agricultural waste,
wood waste and other potential energy crops, without affecting the ecological balance or the food chain.
First-generation bioetanol
Bioethanol is obtained on an industrial scale from cereal fermentation, prior enzyme hydrolysis and after a distillation process
which eliminates volatile impurities generated during the process, followed by another dehydration process which helps
eliminate excess water from distillation. Under these conditions, bioethanol is directly mixed with petrol in an 85%
proportion (e85) and becomes a renewable substitute for petrol.
Abengoa Bioenergia Brasil obtains bioethanol from sugar cane juice fermentation collected after sugar cane grinding and
subsequent distillation. Bagasse, the fuel of the power generation system, is separated during grinding; and vinasse, used as
fertilizer in sugar cane plantations, is separated during fermentation. Distilled bioethanol is the fuel used in "flex" engines,
which run on both gas and bioethanol, or any blend of both.
Second-generation bioetanol
Compared to the traditional process to produce ethanol as from cereals, where the starch content is used, the production of
ethanol as from agricultural waste requires a complex and intensive process to release the polymeric sugar structures present
in the cellulose and hemicellulose, which account for 30% to 50% and from 20% to 35% of the plant material, respectively.
The enzymatic hydrolysis process fractions the biomass into its most important components and hydrolyses the carbohydrates
into simple sugars for the fermentation of the ethanol.
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Our business
Its main advantages compared to fossil fuels are the following:
Renewable origin.
Biodegradable.
Higher independency on oil imports; its use contributes to increase energy autonomy and diversification.
Cleaner fuel in polluting emissions such as sulphur oxide and particles.
Contribution to local economies growth and income distribution, generating jobs in rural areas.
Reduction of GHG emissions that overheat the surface of the earth and accelerate climate change.
Easy to obtain and store.
The bioethanol supplied by Abengoa Bioenergy to its clients in Europe meets the strict sustainability standards required under
european directives thanks to implementation in the supply chain of its own voluntary certification system, already approved
by the EU Commission, called RBSA, or by complying with the specific requirements of some members states, such as
Germany under BioOrdinance certification.
e85
e85 is a biofuel produced by combining 85 % bioethanol with 15 % gasoline.
The main advantage of e85 is its bioethanol content: the high percentage gives the fuel a higher-octane grade and better
engine performance. This partially compensates for the lower LHV, reducing consumption differences. Bioethanol and
gasoline can also be mixed to any proportion, and mixed fuels are legal in Spain, which makes fuel logistics extremely simple
compared to other alternative means of energy for the automobile industry. Furthermore, the high bioethanol content
(renewable) appreciably reduces fossil fuel consumption and significantly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and reducing energy dependence.
The fact that e85 is different from gasoline means that a car designed to run on gasoline cannot use e85; vehicles designed
specifically for this biofuel must therefore be used. These technologies are marketed under the name FFV. Most
manufacturers in Brazil (Fiat, Ford, Volkswagen Peugeot, Renault, etc.) provide FFV technologies (Flexible Fuel Vehicles, FFVs
capable of running on any mixture of gasoline and ethanol up to 85 %) in their different models, as do most US
manufacturers
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable biofuel formed by long-chain fatty acid methyl or ethyl esters. If the esters that compose the
biodiesel are methylic, they are called FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester). It is obtained through the chemical reaction of
methanol (or bioethanol) with vegetable oils (rape, sunflower, soy, palm). It does not contain sulfur and, compared to oilderived diesel, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced (including CO2), as well as carbon monoxide (CO) emissions and
emissions of particles and other polluting products.
Advantages:
It is a cleaner source of fuel, renewable and for household use.
Reduces oil dependency
It can be used in all diesel engine vehicles, without requiring conversions, adjustments or special regulations in the
vehicle engine.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Our business
Easy to produce and store.
It emits 40-80 % less greenhouse gases than fossil fuels.
It increases engine lubrication and the flash point, thus reducing the danger of explosions due to gas emissions.
It is biodegradable and non-toxic
Improves air quality in urban areas.
Does not pollute water.
Reduces waste production.
Biodiesel production creates new opportunities for sustainable rural development within the framework of a more marketoriented farming policy, since it promotes the development of energy crops and the creation of agribusiness, helping
maintain employment and income levels in rural areas.
DGS
DGS or Distillers Grains with Solubles is the co-product resulting from obtaining bioethanol by converting the starch from
cereals through fermentation into bioethanol and its subsequent extraction by distillation.
This co-product is a source of vegetable protein, energy, fiber and vitamins, and is used as animal feed. Aware of the
implications this entails, DGS undergoes strict quality controls that guarantee both its nutritional properties and those arising
from enforcing current food safety legislation. DNV has certified the European companies under scheme GMP+B2 scheme, a
certification recognized as a good manufacturing practice. This scheme guarantees the production of animal feed (DGS) as a
raw material under good health and safety quality.
Sugar
Abengoa Bioenergia Brasil obtains sugar from sugar cane grinding. The liquid is separated from bagasse during grinding.
This sugar cane juice undergoes necessary filtration and chemical processes to neutralize its pH. The product in its solid state
(crystal sugar) is obtained through distillation and subsequent centrifugation.
The crystal sugar production of Abengoa Bioenergia Brasil is allocated to exportation and sale in the domestic market.
Electricity
The configuration of some process plants includes cogeneration units that make them self-sufficient in terms of electricity
and allows them to export any surplus.
This is the case of the plants located in Spain. Electricity is generated through a natural gas turbine. In the Spanish case, this
electricity marginally replaces the production of electricity in coal and fuel plants. Since cogeneration systems also have a
thermal use of the turbine gases either for steam production and / or drying of the DGS, the energetic performance
altogether is much higher than if the two processes were implemented separately. A similar situation occurs at the new
facilities in Holland.
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25
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Our business
Likewise, in Abengoa Bioenergia Brasil, electricity and steam are generated as from the combustion of bagasse obtained after
the sugar cane grinding process.
Carbon dioxide, CO2
CO2 is a product of cereal fermentation. Currently, CO2 is supplied to gas companies for its use in industry or greenhouses.
In the USA, CO2 is captured from the process in the facilities of York, Nebraska, and Colwich, Kansas, and it is sold to drinks
and frozen food companies. Besides, in USA, Abengoa Bioenery forms part of the PCOR (Plains CO2 Reduction), an
organization led by the University of North Dakota, devoted to searching and developing solutions for CO2 sequestration on
an industrial scale. The plant in Holland supplies the CO2 production to greenhouses.
In Europe, Dutch facility supplies the CO2 production to greenhouse. In addition, CO2 capture projects are being developed
in French facility and two Spanish facilities (Galicia and Castilla y León).
New tecnologies
Abengoa Bioenergía has the aim to develop innovative technological solutions through ongoing investment in R&D, seeking
more efficient production processes and animal feed co-products, unique and with high value to be recognized as world
leaders in the production of biofuels and the development of innovative technological solutions that contribute to
sustainability of the transport sector and in manufacturing biochemical products.
Therefore, our R&D activities are included in technological lines that cover the fundamental aspects to achieve the
development of new ways of producing biofuels and bioproducts, for which purpose we have teams of engineers and
technologists highly specialized in process development and biochemistry with the capacity to improve enzyme producing
organisms and optimizing fermentation processes.
Abengoa Bioenergy New Technologies, the company through which Abengoa Bioenergía manages its R&D activities, has a
series of technologies on which it focuses all its effort and which give rise to products in different areas that can be used by
the company or licensed to third parties: enzymatic hydrolysis, catalysis, enzymes, bioproductos, algae.
Product responsibility
Every one of Abengoa Bioenergy's companies has in place a process-focused management system supporting and
implementing the organization's policies and strategies, with a view to continuous improvement in accordance with the
requirements laid down in international regulations. Within this context, the management system, along with its control and
monitoring mechanisms, guarantees the evaluation during every phase of the product and service life cycle of any impact on
customers’ health and safety.
In its constant commitment to quality in all the operations it performs, and in particular the products it markets, the
information channels available to Abengoa Bioenergy recorded no incidents during 2012 as a result of any breach of legal
regulations or voluntary codes in terms of the impact of products and services on health and safety throughout their life
cycle, nor any regarding the information and labeling of the products and services distributed in accordance with the type of
outcomes of such incidents.
In accordance with international regulations and internal specifications, all legal requirements of every kind must be identified
where they apply to each of the companies and their products and services. Abengoa Bioenergy has furthermore established
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
26
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Our business
a periodic evaluation of compliance with all the requirements in place, and in the event of any breach requires registration of
this in the corporate problem-resolution (IRP) and improvement action (AM) applications for supervision and monitoring
Among the products released by Abengoa Bioenergy we distinguish three main products:
Bioethanol. Whatever the means of transport, ethanol comes with the corresponding materials safety sheet along
with a bill of lading. As the product is shipped in bulk, no labeling is required, although the container must be
identified in accordance with the terms of the ADR regulations for the transportation of hazardous goods by road, or
under RID in the case of rail.
DGS. This is shipped in bulk and therefore need not be labeled. However, given its condition as animal feed the
product must be released with documentation including, among other details, the issuer and the party responsible
for marketing sale, the technical name of the product, the GMO declaration (where applicable) the protein content
and batch traceability.
Sugar. This is shipped in bulk, with documentation which includes, among other details, those of the issuer and party
responsible for commercial sale, the technical product name and batch traceability.
Committed to Innovation
Abengoa Bioenergy is a technological company that applies innovative solutions for sustainable development in the energy
sector, from renewable resources.
The recognition of our leadership within the Bioenergy industry is based on the development of innovative technological
processes for producing biofuels, especially bioethanol and its coproducts, through an important investment effort in
Research, Development and Innovation (R&D&i) technologies and in a permanent value creation strategy, by the generation
of new options, defining current and future businesses according to a structured procedure.
Abengoa Bioenergy’s commitment includes, in addition to Research and Development and innovation in the Bioenergy
industry, innovation in management systems which enable improving the organization and efficiency of resources available
through innovation in management.
Abengoa Bioenergy aims to establish a leadership position in the bioenergy industry and become a worldwide producer of
renewable energy. It is Abengoa Bioenergy ‘Nuevas Tecnologías’ (ABTN) mission and ultimate goal to achieve this vision with
the development of manufacturing technologies and the implementation of the best and most efficient operating practices.
ABNT takes up the leading role of R&D in Abengoa Bioenergy, which considers the master lines to develop its Strategic Plan
and focuses the launching of projects and R&D initiatives within the company’s objectives. Plan objectives include:
Improving the current dry-mill ethanol process yields.
Identifying and managing new sources of raw material.
Developing and marketing competitive technologies for biomass conversion.
Developing technology for the production of enzymes used in the lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis.
Developing microalgae CO2 capture technologies with a dual purpose.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Our business
Improving the life cycle of biofuel production facilities with the capture of CO2 produced in them.
Using the biomass generated as raw material in biofuel production.
Developing advanced biorefinery concepts.
Increasing the value of by-products.
Demonstration programs for ethanol end uses.
The engine and vehicle of the previous objectives is sustainability. Therefore, it constantly develops innovative solutions that
allow it to meet the increasing challenges arising in this field. Thus, sustainability certification is a crucial activity to turn the
effort made into its processes and products, besides allowing it to anticipate future regulatory demands and respond to
requests from its customers and the market that involve guarantees of a good environmental and social behavior of the
products they use. For this purpose, in current and future production processes, it is developing advanced technological
solutions in order to guarantee the traceability of raw materials, including the calculation of the energy intensity and
greenhouse gas emissions associated to the growth, harvesting, transportation and use besides modeling systems for the
management of its products’ sustainable origins.
Its progress in sustainability is completed with the life cycle analysis of its products and coproducts according to the most
advanced methodologies and software, and with the support to all the Bioenergy companies through the conceptual
development and management of the tools necessary, not only to establish improvement objectives but also tackle the high
current Sustainability requirements with guarantees.
In assessing new projects, Abengoa Bioenergy bears in mind different aspects of financial character when determining the
suitability of the option chosen from among the alternatives offered, analyzing, among other things:
Technical feasibility, selecting an alternative that guarantees:
- An appropriate supply of raw materials,
- Access to energy infrastructures (electricity, natural gas, water) both for supply and evacuation
- The existence of a logistics network to dispatch products In biofuel production, the proximity of facilities using CO2
in their processes is an additional factor.
Environmental suitability, performing the studies and analyses necessary or each one of the existing alternatives that
guarantee that project development will make it possible to maintain a suitable environmental quality with respect to
the pre-operational situation in the recipient environment.
Integration and social development, with those projects with a positive acceptance in the local community taking
precedence, considering the priority of promoting local employment and technological development of the areas
where they are located.
All these aspects are fully integrated within the impact guarantee and assessment systems associated to the projects’
operation, once performed.
Awards and recognition
The Spanish Independent Commission for Safety and Hygiene at Work in the Chemical Industry and Similar (acronym
in Spanish, COASHIQ) recognizes the work of the sector’s companies that have achieved the best results for
reduction in workplace accidents and has awarded a prize to Bioetanol Galicia for offering improvements in terms of
workplace safety in the chemical industry and similar.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Our business
With the excellent results achieved by Bioetanol Galicia regarding workplace accidents during the year 2012, this
Abengoa Bioenergy company has been one of the chemical companies awarded a prize during the ceremony held
on June 20 in Tarragona.
On March 28, 2012, Abengoa Bioenergy has been distinguished for the second time with the Sustainable Biofuels
Award, in the category of Sustainable Bioethanol because of the development of the RED Bioenergy Sustainability
Assurance (RBSA) Standard.
The Sustainable Biofuels Awards have been created to acknowledge the tremendous innovative work that is
developed in terms of sustainability and renewable biofuels. With this new award, Abengoa Bioenergy strengthens
its commitment to sustainable development as a fundamental pillar of the company, trying to offer competitive and
sustainable alternatives to the market. For the eleventh consecutive year, on May 2012, the World Conference on
Biofuels ‚World Biofuels 2012‛ was held at the Hospital de los Venerables, headquarters of the Focus-Abengoa
Foundation in Seville.
Abengoa Bioenergy has been recognized as ‚Top 50‛ company in the St. Louis area for the fourth consecutive year.
The ‚Greater St. Louis Top 50‛ is an annual program of awards granted by the St. Louis Regional Chamber and
Growth Association (RCGA) to give prizes to the best companies of the St. Louis region.
The award to Abengoa Bioenergy was mainly based on its leading position in the ethanol industry, committed to an
aggressive growth throughout the world, as well as on its leadership in the development of new and improved
technologies regarding the production of ethanol, including cutting-edge technologies in second-generation
biofuels.
On June 13, 2012, Abengoa Bioenergy of Illinois (ABIL) received the ‚Norfolk Southern Railroad Chemical Safety
Award ‚. The award is granted every year to recognize those companies and facilities that ship, without incidents,
throughout the year more than 1,0000 rail cars of merchandise containing federally regulated hazardous material
through the Norfolk Southern rail network. The Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I rail network in United States,
owned by the Norfolk Southern Corporation. The company operates around 32,000 route km in 22 eastern states.
To achieve these numbers, Abengoa Bioenergy of Illinois has safely loaded ethanol 24 hours a day and 7 days a
week. ABIL loaded over 2,000 rail cars and 3,600 trucks and safely transported more than 322 ML of ethanol in
2011.
After being audited and recognized for its actions in the economic, social and environmental development and for
the interest of all its employees in the improvement of work conditions upon sugarcane cultivation, Abengoa
Bioenergy Brazil received the National Commitment Official Seal of the Brazilian government, given by the president
Dilma Rousseff, ministers and trade union leaders belonging to worker commissions.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
29
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Polícies and management model
Policies and management model
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
30
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Polícies and management model
Corporate Social Responsibility Policy
Our main aim at Abengoa Bioenergy is to be recognized as global leaders in biofuel production and the development of
innovative technological solutions contributing to sustainability of the transport sector and in the manufacture of biochemical
products.
This aim can only be achieved if the development of all our activities is closely tied to the basic pillars of sustainability:
Respect for the environment
Social development
Financial returns
In order to fulfill the aforementioned principles at Abengoa Bioenergy we have defined the following sustainability actions in
our mission, vision and values, encompassing and guiding all our initiatives:
Value creation.
Raw material certification.
Reduction of greenhouse gases.
Personal and professional development of employees.
Efficient use of natural resources.
Mission
Contribute to the sustainable development of the fuel market for transportation and of chemical bioproducts by
using renewable raw materials and green technologies that help to reduce carbon emissions and the environmental
impact.
Develop innovative technological solutions through continuous investment in R&D that provide more efficient
production processes, raw material diversification and new product manufacture.
Create shareholder value, focusing its activities on creating profitable and sustainable technological solutions.
Contribute to the personal and professional development of its employees through ongoing training and by
establishing and monitoring customized development targets and plans.
Vision
Become one of the leading worldwide companies in the production and marketing of biofuels and chemical
bioproducts made from renewable raw materials.
Be acknowledged as a leading global company in research and development and be well-known thanks to its
technological innovation in converting biomass into fermentable sugars and then into bioethanol, biodiesel, kerosene
for aviation as well as chemical bioproducts and in adapting first generation assets to diversify the product portfolio.
Provide an optimal work environment in order to attract the best possible employees and maintain their excellence.
Attract the attention of and be respected by the financial community as a result of sustained growth and
technological innovation.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Polícies and management model
Values
Honesty in our relationship with clients, shareholders, partners and colleagues.
Respect for individuals under all circumstances.
Prioritization of teamwork using corporate tools to encourage information exchange.
Promotion of a flexible, mental attitude in order to adapt to continuous change.
Protection, defense and improvement of the environment.
Management model
Growth at Abengoa Bioenergy is based on five strategic planks:
Creation of new businesses helping to combat climate change and contribute towards sustainable development.
Maintenance of a highly competitive human team.
Permanent strategy of value creation through the generation of new options, defining current and future businesses
in accordance with a structured procedure.
Geographical diversification in markets with the greatest potential.
Efforts to invest in research, development and innovation programs.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
32
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Stakeholders
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
33
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Dialogue channels
Abengoa Bioenergy’s relationship with its stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers, society, shareholders and the
communities where the company conducts its activities) is brought to bear within a context of transparency and trust based
on ongoing and honest two-way communication.
Communication is key to engaging stakeholders as participants in company performance and its commitment to sustainable
development.
The primary aim of this communication is to strengthen the company’s relationships with all of its stakeholders, and to
uphold the commitments undertaken with each one of them. Achieving unity of effort in pursuing common interests is an
essential part of addressing the present and future challenges facing the company.
Talking to stakeholders: Abengoa is fully aware of the specific characteristics of each of its stakeholders and of their needs,
and therefore establishes different channels of dialog in order to communicate with them.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Dialogue Channels
Stakeholders
Company-stakeholders dialogue channels
Stakeholder-company dialogue channels
Shareholders
Abengoa and Abengoa Bioenergy's website.
World Biofuels conferences.
Press campaign advertising biofuel defence.
Public presentation.
Quarterly report publication
Investor relations department.
Shareholders assistance mailbox
Satisfaction surveys.
Public presentations.
Investors and analysts meeting
Quarterly presentation of results via audio and
visual systems accessible from Abengoa's
website.
Q&A session following results presentations.
Tours of the company´s facilities for investors
External whistleblower channel.
Annual report.
Opinion survey
Interviews
CSR mailbox (rsc@abengoa.com)
Quarterly presentation of results via audio and visual systems
accessible from Abengoa's website.
Q&A session following results presentations.
Annual report.
Press releases.
Employees
Employee self-service
Corporate intranet: conecct@
Employee self-service
Welcome manual
People Center. IT tool for employees.
Two-monthly gazette.
Spokespeople from Human Resources.
Health and safety committee.
Workers commitee.
Equal treatment and opportunities committee
Departamental seminars and talks
Mailing
Online training throught the Abengoa Campus.
Annual report.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
35
Abengoa an Abengoa Bioenergy's website.
Stakeholder mailbox.
Corporate intranet: conecct@
Suggestion box
Employee self-service
Surveys on satisfactions and working an
enviromenty
IT troubleshooting application
Improvement actions (IA) IT tool.
Online training.
Assesment surveys.
360º executive feedback program
Social welfare for employees.
Spokespeople from Human Resources.
Internal whistleblower channel
Health and safety committee.
Workers commitee.
Equal treatment and opportunities commitee
Openday
Annual report. Opinion survey
Assesment interviews
CSR mailbox (rsc@abengoa.com)
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Dialogue Channels
Stakeholders
Suppliers
Local communities
Company-stakeholders dialogue channels
Stakeholder-company dialogue channels
Abengoa and Abengoa Bioenergy's website.
Satisfaction survey
Structured process for measuring supplier effetiveness.
Tool from the security management system.
Periodic visits to suppliers.
Annual Report
LinkedIn and Twitter
Structured process for measuring supplier effetiveness.
IT troubleshooting application
Improvement action (IA) IT tool.
Tool from the security management system.
Stakeholders mailbox
External whistleblower channel
Annual Report.
Opinion survey
Interviews
CSR mailbox (rsc@abengoa.com)
Abengoa and Abengoa Bioenergy's website.
Annual Report
Communication department
CSR department.
Production plant visits: NGOs, universities and
organizations
Openday
Trade shows, forums and conferences.
Focus-Abengoa's website
Press releases
CSR department.
Production plant visits: NGOs, universities and
organizations
Openday
CSR mailbox (rsc@abengoa.com)
Assessment of beneficiaries of social programs and
initiatives
External whistleblower channel
Annual Report.
Opinion survey
Interviews
Stakeholders mailbox
Trade shows, forums and conferences.
Corporate blog
Society
Abengoa and Abengoa Bioenergy's website.
Annual Report
Communication department
CSR department.
Focus-Abengoa's website
Production plant visits: NGOs, universities and
organizations
Openday
Trade shows, forums and conferences.
Corporate blog
LinkedIn and Twitter
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate blog
36
Press releases
Communication department
CSR department.
Production plant visits: NGOs, universities and
organizations
Openday
Trade shows, forums and conferences.
Stakeholders mailbox
Corporate blog
CSR mailbox (rsc@abengoa.com)
External whistleblower channel
Annual Report.
Opinion survey
Interviews
LinkedIn and Twitter
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Our shareholders
The share capital as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 is 149,522 thousand euros, composed of 2,990,436 shares with a
nominal value of 50 euros each , fully subscribed and paid.
Abengoa Bioenergía, S.A. was incorporated on May 20, 2002, its capital stock represented by 1204 registered shares with a
face value of 50.00 Euros each, with 1203 shares being subscribed by Abengoa, S.A. and 1 by Sociedad Inversora en Energía
y Medio Ambiente, S.A. (a company fully owned by the former).
On September 19, 2002 the General Shareholders Meeting unanimously agreed to convert the company from a corporation
into a limited liability company. Abengoa, S.A. subsequently decided to group together all investments connected with
biofuels under the name of Abengoa Bioenergía, to which end:
On December 16, 2002 the capital stock was increased by 119,756,050.00 Euros by means of a non-monetary contribution
comprising the shares which Abengoa, S.A. held in various companies. Sociedad Inversora en Energía y Medio Ambiente, S.A.
did not subscribe in this rights issue, which was fully taken up by Abengoa, S.A.
On December 31, 2002 the capital stock was again increased by 29,705,550.00 Euros through a non-monetary contribution
comprising shares which Sociedad Inversora en Energía y Medio Ambiente, S.A. held in various companies. Abengoa, S.A. did
not subscribe in this rights issue, which was thus fully taken up by Sociedad Inversora en Energía y Medio Ambiente, S.A.
On January 1, 2004 the General Shareholders Meeting unanimously ruled to convert the company from a Limited Liability
Company into a Corporation, this resolution being recorded with the Companies Register of Seville on October 7, 2004, from
which date onwards it acquired the name of Abengoa Bioenergía, S.A.
Shareholding structure
The shareholding structure of Abengoa Bioenergía, S.A. was at December 31, 2012 as follows:
Communication with shareholders takes place regularly within the context of Abengoa, S.A.'s actions and through the
channels of information established for this purpose.
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
The corporate website (http://www.abengoabioenergy.com), published in Spanish, English and Portuguese, serves as an
excellent tool for communication with all stakeholders, including shareholders. It is permanently updated in order to include
all relevant information, and to keep shareholders and other stakeholders fully informed at all times.
Our employees
In 31st December 2012 Abengoa Bioenergy a workforce of 4.354, distributed across the three geographical areas where the
company operates: the United States, Europe and Brazil. Average staff turnover was 0.53%.
Spanish law allows workers to return to their job following a period of parental leave.
In 2012, 174 parental leaves and 32 maternity leaves were requested. Of which, 100% of the men and 97% of the women
who requested the maternity leave have returned to their duty.
Staff 2012
Region
Europe
United States
%
14%
8%
Total
624
346
Brazil
Position
Employees Male
Workers Male
Employees Female
Workers Female
Rotation
Europe
United States
Brazil
78%
3,384
17%
69%
8%
6%
742
3,017
328
267
0.09 %
0.09 %
0%
4
4
0
Staff by age and gender
20-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
>60
Europe
172
285
120
39
8
United States
77
100
79
66
24
Brazil
1147
1049
722
395
71
Staff by region and gender
Male
Executives Managers
Europe
United States
Brazil
30
11
28
53
40
173
Female
Engineers
Engineers
Assistants
Assistants
and other
and other
and
Technicians Intern Executives Managers
and
Technicians Intern
college
college
professionals
professionals
graduates
graduates:
93
36
207
12
1
26
62
68
23
13
49
22
144
6
1
8
12
36
15
2
44
145
2666
0
0
20
21
58
229
0
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
38
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Principles of the Global Impact
Abengoa Bioenergy adheres the criteria and systems of Abengoa related to Principle of the Global Impact
Since 2005, Abengoa and Abengoa Bioenergy , as a subsidiary of Abengoa, have been publishing an annual progress report
on the Global Compact website in which the company reports to its stakeholders on its ongoing implementation of the 10
principles, underscoring the year-to-year goals and objectives set.
Principle 1. Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed fundamental human rights
within their sphere of influence. Abengoa has undertaken in its labor practices the Universal Declaration on Human Rights of
the United Nations and aligns professional conduct with all of its protocols, in addition to international agreements approved
by the UN and, in relation to labor rights, by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Principle 2. Businesses should make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses. Abengoa’s Common
Management Systems, which contain rules that are binding on all employees and apply throughout the organization,
without exception, set forth the company’s guidelines and policies on the protection of human rights. To guarantee the
integrity of those who may have an influence on company activities, Abengoa requires all providers to sign up to the Social
Responsibility Code (SRC) for suppliers and subcontractors, which includes eleven clauses based on the principles of the
United Nations Global Compact and inspired by the international SA 8000 Standard. In 2011, Abengoa developed a system
of responsible purchasing that will be implemented in four stages and whose fundamental objectives are to incorporate
sustainability criteria into supplier assessments and to standardize and endorse these processes, which currently vary due to
the diverse characteristics of the suppliers contracted and the variety of company activities. Abengoa analyzed approximately
17,500 suppliers in terms of human rights-related risk over the course of the year.
Principle 3. Businesses should uphold freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective
bargaining. Within an open atmosphere of ongoing dialog, Abengoa supports the free association of its workers and
considers this an inalienable right.
Principle 4. Businesses should support the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor. Abengoa’s Common
Management Systems establish the company’s guidelines and policies on recruitment, as well as employee procedures and
working conditions, all of which are intended to ensure efficient work and a suitable personal and professional life balance.
In the SRC is included a specific clause to prohibit coercive hiring practices.
Principle 5. Businesses should support the abolition of child labor. Abengoa condemns all forms of child labor, in accordance
with the terms specified under Convention 138 of the International Labor Organization (ILO) concerning minimum age. In the
SRC, an agreement was reached to include the prohibition of child labor as a contracting prerequisite and a specific
requirement to comply with the norms o the International Labor Organization.
Principle 6. Businesses should uphold the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. Abengoa
has its own Equality Framework Plan, which applies to all company personnel, and which seeks to ensure equality in the
treatment and opportunities between men and women, while preventing any situation that may imply or constitute direct or
indirect labor discrimination for reasons of gender. In 2009, a work harassment whistleblower protocol was put in place at
Abengoa to deal with any potentially discriminatory situation occurring within the company.
This protocol addresses whistleblower procedures and defines situations that could constitute harassment. It is applied in
accordance with the principles of confidentiality, credibility and timeliness in order to ensure and protect the privacy, dignity
and rights of company employees.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
39
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Principle 7. Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges. Abengoa has a sustainability
policy that is clearly defined under internal rules and regulations, in addition to a risk management system that includes
environmental aspects, a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory, and specific emission reduction targets for all business
groups, and specific Environmental Indicator system. All of this helps to detect environmental risks, present them, evaluate
business sustainability, and set improvement targets.
Principle 8. Businesses should undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility. Abengoa bases its
business and management model on innovative technologies for sustainable development, thus ensuring the sustainability of
not only products and services, but also processes. Since the introduction of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory in 2008, Abengoa
has required all of its suppliers to report the emissions attributed to the products and services acquired by the company, and
therefore suppliers are under the obligation to provide information on the emissions associated with every order placed by
the company. This enables the company to convey its policy and culture of helping to combat climate change to its supply
chain.
Principle 9. Businesses should encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies. Abengoa
is an international company that applies innovative technological solutions for sustainable development in the energy and
environment sectors, generating energy from the sun, producing biofuels, desalinating sea water, and recycling industrial
waste, while bringing long-term value to its shareholders through a management model that champions enterprise, social
responsibility, transparency, and rigor. Abengoa upholds an ongoing commitment, through its innovation policy and strategy,
to promoting sustainable use of resources and raw materials that spans their entire life cycle. Abengoa focuses efforts on
innovation involving renewable energies. The drive towards and implementation of these technologies are based on sources
characterized by low environmental impact and higher energy efficiency.
Principle 10. Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery. Abengoa fights
corruption through its Code of Professional Conduct, which governs the conduct and working relations of Abengoa
employees, directors and officers with all stakeholders. This code demands the highest standards of honor and ethical
conduct, includes procedures for dealing with personal and professional conflicts of interest, and requires suitable disclosure
in the reports which Abengoa must present on a regular basis to government bodies; requires compliance with applicable
laws, standards and regulations; addresses improper use or poor application of assets and business opportunities; demands
maximum confidentiality and fair treatment both inside and outside of Abengoa; and demands immediate internal
communication of failure to comply with the code, as well as appropriate communication of any illegal conduct.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
40
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Occupational health and safety
Abengoa’s occupational risk prevention policy is compliant with the various occupational health and safety regulations
prevailing in the countries where the company operates, and is designed to integrate occupational risk prevention with the
company’s mainstream strategy by means of training and awareness-raising.
In accordance with the company’s prevention policy and its common management systems, all Abengoa Group entities have
set up occupational risk and occupational health prevention committees, comprising senior management, department heads
and dedicated prevention officers. The committees are in charge of tracking and monitoring implementation of the system.
In 2012, an occupational risk prevention officer was appointed at business group level. His brief is to integrate, bolster and
improve Abengoa’s prevention capability. In addition a new management committee was created for the prevention of labor
risks, a fundamental tool to guarantee an ideal communication and coordination in this matter worldwide.
Abengoa Bioenergy labor policy and its commitment to employees
In accordance with the corporate citizenship commitments acquired through adherence to the United Nations Global
Compact in 2002, and the undertakings made under the organization’s own Code of Conduct, Abengoa abides by a laborrelated citizenship policy founded on a management system inspired by the SA8000 international standard, which assures
ongoing improvement in the company’s corporate responsibility performance. The commitments under that standard include:
Integrating labor-related corporate citizenship with the company’s corporate strategy.
Assuring compliance with applicable law and other commitments in this area.
Promoting the principles of the Global Compact in the company’s sphere of action: partners, suppliers and
contractors.
Promoting and fostering the personal and professional development of the people who make up the Abengoa
organization through the creation of suitable working conditions and the promotion of continuing training.
Recruiting, hiring, training and promoting the most qualified individuals, regardless of race, religion, color, age,
gender, marital status, sexual orientation, nationality, or physical or mental disability.
Assuring appropriate preventive culture in accordance with occupational risk prevention policy.
Creating the necessary conditions to support employees’ work-life balance.
Assessing and reviewing the company’s citizenship performance, reporting transparently on citizenship-related
matters, and setting in motion programs for ongoing improvement.
Integrating the management of social and labor responsibility in the corporate strategy of the company.
Assuring compliance with applicable law and other commitments in this area.
Promoting the principles of the Global Compact in the company’s sphere of action: partners, suppliers and
contractors.
Recruiting, hiring, training and promoting the most qualified individuals, regardless of race, religion, color, age,
gender, marital status, sexual orientation, nationality, or physical or mental disability.
Assuring appropriate preventive culture in accordance with occupational risk prevention policy.
Creating the necessary conditions to support employees’ work-life balance.
Assessing and reviewing the company’s citizenship performance, reporting transparently on citizenship-related
matters, and setting in motion programs for ongoing improvement.
Abengoa Bioenergy is certified by SAI (Social Accountability International) in the international standard SA8000 in all
the countries in which it operates: United States, France, Spain, Netherlands and Brazil.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
41
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Professional development
The environment in which any company currently intervenes presents characteristics and peculiarities defined by a constant
evolution and change that demands intensifying the competence for its development. In order to mark the difference,
Abengoa Bioenergy considers it a priority to turn said competence into one of the determining parameters to ensure, in all
cases, innovation, flexibility and reactivity.
The competence management model, as HR (human resources) management model of Abengoa Bioenergy, responds to the
company´s need to generate value and clearly competitive advantages through people. This competitive advantage is difficult
to imitate, therefore, the employees are one of the most important assets to maintain a market leadership trend thus making
the attraction, creation and retention of talent a top priority. In turn, its whole selection process, either internal or external, is
based on said model.
Therefore, Abengoa Bioenergy considers training to be a systematic and ongoing process by which it aims at developing,
enriching, enhancing or modifying the conceptual, attitude and procedural competencies of the employees through training
actions. From the point of view of competencies management, training is designed to improve the technical and generic
competencies of people at work through enriching knowledge, developing skills and strengths and improving capabilities.
The excellent performance of an organization requires ongoing training and updating. Thus, Abengoa Bioenergy is making a
great effort to devote resources to train its personnel in the different areas where this is necessary.
Finally, Abengoa Bioenergy gets involved in these management processes always from a position of respect for the protection
of human rights and labor rights, respect for the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to
collective bargaining, the elimination of all kinds of forced or compulsory work, the effective abolition of child labor and,
finally, the elimination of all discrimination regarding employment and occupation. With this, it adapts its labor practices and
the professional action of its employees to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations and its protocols,
as well as the international agreements approved on social rights.
Training
Training is vital to the development of Abengoa’s people. Every year, a training plan is designed to meet staff training needs,
combining face-to-face and online methodologies so as best to satisfy employee requirements.
The Abengoa training plan embraces all topics required for the company to have in place a team of highly qualified
professionals who are committed to the Abengoa culture. Highlights include the following programs:
Corporate training: aimed at fostering the Abengoa culture: its values, principles and management model. The
corporate topics address key issues such as the company’s strategy, risk model, businesses and leadership vision.
General training: aimed at improving each employee’s professional skills in any of the disciplines relating to his or her
job.
Occupational risk prevention training: to reinforce awareness at all levels of the importance of supporting and
abiding by occupational safety requirements and using protective equipment.
Environmental management training: to help employees understand the organization’s commitment to sustainability.
Environmental performance training: relating to the systems supporting the company’s environmental performance:
Integrated Sustainability Management System (ISMS) and ISO 14064. Online training on the greenhouse gas
inventory.
Language training: as a key element in an environment of ongoing international growth and globalization.
Internships: implemented via the interns program.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
42
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Trainning
Languages
Corporate
Prevention
General
Professional Practice
Attendees
748
7,939
21,255
13,67
107
Total
43,719
Hours
17,665
26,717
272,751
89,563
60, 253
466,949
The training of professional practice includes the employees that are in practice. In 2012 Abengoa Bioenergy taught an
average of 107 training hours per person.
Abengoa Bioenergy has an executive development program and a specific system for performance assessment based on the
360° methodology. In 2012, more than 125 professionals of the company were taking part in the program.
Besides, the company has a Competence Management Model that allows the integration of individuals in accordance with
the strategic objectives of each of them, of their annual performance assessment and of their development. In 2012, more
than 33 % of the employees where taking part in a performance management program.
This year, the objectives set forth have been achieved and exceeded resulting in a complete and balanced training activity
focusing on the strategic objectives of the company and having a clear impact on the corporate commitment with the
environment, social responsibility, sustainable development and human rights. The concern for informing and training
employees and their families on serious illnesses is constant. The fight against stress in the workplace is one of the
cornerstones of our training program.
Professional programs
In its professional development model, Abengoa Bioenergy has designed a set of professional pathways based, in turn, on
training pathways that aim at shaping professionals highly qualified in the key business disciplines, aligned with the corporate
culture and the best market practices. The following programs are currently being implemented: project director program
and project manager program.
Executive development program
Regardless of the specific professional programs, Abengoa Bioenergy requires a program for key individuals allowing it to
guarantee a highly skilled team capable of undertaking the strategic challenges at any given time. To this purpose, it has an
executives plan. The employees receive specific training that allows them to expand their executive competencies and skills.
This program responds to a twofold need: identify potential executives and develop the executive talent of the leaders of
tomorrow.
The executive program believes that, in order to create executives, one must make the role attractive, make such positions
available to the most capable and those who achieve the levels of attitude, skill and ability to undertake such tasks with
excellence.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
43
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Future goals and objectives
Manager training program. In 2012, the company will continue forward in its firm commitment to improving
manager training programs through a new content focus and quality enhancement, backed by collaboration from
the best business schools.
Enhance Abengoa University´s alumni community (Alumni).
Reinforce and deploy the flexible compensation concept, broadening scope to include new companies and
expanding the range of products offered.
Promote the scholarship and grant program. Professional practices constitute the ideal vehicle for attracting and
developing future employees.
Online training. Boost and develop new methodologies and make training more accessible to better serve today’s
mobility needs.
Occupational risk prevention. Keep making progress within a zero accident rate culture and establish procedures to
enable global exchange of expertise, experiences, objectives, and improvement measures.
Occupational social responsibility: deeply address our commitment with the social responsibility management system,
in accordance with the SA 8000 international model, which ensures an ongoing improvement in the social
performance of the company.
Abengoa Bioenergy works non-stop in safety and health matters in order to guarantee the best conditions in the
performance of their activities. Companies has been certified in Standard OHSAS 18001, in this sense, it is currently
developing improvements within the Management Systems to maximize the guarantees of risk reduction for its employees.
For a better commitment and awareness of the entire staff, each company forming part of the group assigns safety and
health training to each one of its employees in order to adapt the behavior and strengthen the respect and knowledge of the
safety standards and their application.
Occupational accidents
During 2012, the total percentage of absenteeism in Abengoa Bioenergy (disciplinary proceedings, illness, accident, and
justified and unjustified absences) is of 4.68 %. The absenteeism deriving from common illness is of 1.98 %, whereas the
total for occupational accidents is of 0.22%. The rates of occupational accidents in Abengoa Bioenergy are remarkably low
compared to the figures from similar sectors and taking into account the nature of the company´s activities. Thus, the
incident rate is of 3,028 (number of accidents entailing medical leave for every one thousand workers exposed in a year) and
the serious incident rate is of 0.27 (number of working days lost for every one thousand working hours).
Every year, Abengoa Bioenergy offers all its employees courses on the Common Management Systems (NOC), where an
explanation is provided on the standards and rules that govern the company and information regarding updates is given,
making special emphasis on the anti-corruption policies and the Code of Conduct.
There is a computer application based on these Common Management Systems, which can be queried by all users at any
time, providing greater knowledge in the field of the organization's anti-corruption policies and procedures. Likewise, the
Professional Code of Conduct of Abengoa is available for querying both in the intranet, to which all employees have access,
and in the company's external website. The changes to said code are informed to the entire organization without exception
or delays.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
44
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Local managers
Total
Local
%
Europe
31
21
68%
United States
Brazil
12
28
11
19
92%
68%
Total
71
51
72%
Involvement and commitment of all employees to ongoing improvement of the prevention system at each Abengoa company
continue to constitute the cornerstones to the management system.
In order to verify the safety conditions under which the activities of the work centers and worksites are carried out, visits were
conducted to assess occupational health and safety conditions. Based on deficiencies and anomalies observed, the
corresponding Troubleshooting Report (TSR) and Improvement Action (IA) systems were generated.
In addition, workshops were organized to raise personnel awareness of the consequences that emotional and mental stress
brought on by different factors (work, family-related, etc.) can have on their health.
Retribution policy
Abengoa Bioenergy had a total of 4,354 employees (31-Dec-2012), of which 1,287 had permanent contracts and 3.034 had
temporary contracts and 33 had intern contracts.
The ratio between the standard initial salary paid by Abengoa Bioenergy and the local minimum salary is substantially higher
in those countries where the number of employees with higher status within the organization is greater, taking into account
in the different professional categories. There are no differences in the initial salary figures for men and women for posts of
equal responsibility, as both are based on salary tables established in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements
which apply or the internal salary scales at Abengoa Bioenergy, which make no distinction on the basis of gender.
Salaries (€)
Country
Spain
France
Netherlan
ds
United
States
Brazil
Statutory
Minimum
8,990
17,100
Average annualy salary by category
Administrative
Graduate
Operator
staff
29,134
17,521
13,529
30,058
19,323
18,430
Percentage paid above statutory
Administrative
Graduate
Operator
staff
324
195
151
335
215
205
17,364
69,004
14,121
17,364
768
157
193
11,703
34,418
27,230
13,320
383
303
148
3,292
5,275
3,928
3,924
59
44
44
Note: Figures for the United States have been calculated taking into account a sample of states where Abengoa Bioenergy is located. Figures for Spain calculated
on the basis of 14 annual salary payments. Figures for the United States and France calculated on the basis of 12 annual salary payments and Brazil calculated on
the basis of 13.3 annual salary payments.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
45
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Another major contribution generated by Abengoa Bioenergy in those countries where it operates is the professional and
talent development of its executives, attracting and retaining the best human resources. Most of the company's executives
are drawn from the local community where significant operations take place.
There were no reports in 2012 via Abengoa’s information channels of any discrimination related incidents, nor is there any
record of incidents involving infringements of the rights of indigenous people.
In addition to the direct economic value which Abengoa Bioenergy generates and distributes among its stakeholders, it
furthermore generates relatively significant indirect economic value in those societies where the company operates, although
these effects are very difficult to quantify, despite their undoubted importance
Abengoa Bioenergy has undergone an increasing growth in the number of employees motivated by opening and
commissioning new production plants in the different geographies. It is expected that the business consolidation strategy
offers less opportunity for growth in terms of workforce. However, the company is pursuing an active strategy to retain talent
that makes it possible to strengthen the basic pillars of the business, which undoubtedly has a positive effect on offering clear
stability in labor issues. Proof of this are the itineraries and training plans that are annually integrated and make the set of
workers participate, thus providing the necessary knowledge and skills, specific-technical-generic, for a better use of
competencies.
Code of conduct
Abengoa Bioenergy as a subsudiary of Abengoa, has the same Abengoa's code of conduct (see the website
www.abengoabioenergy.com)
This Code of Conduct:
Requires the highest standards for honest and ethical conduct, including proper and ethical procedures for dealing
with actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
Requires full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the periodic reports required to be filed or
submitted by Abengoa with governmental agencies or in other public communications made by Abengoa;
Requires compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations;
Addresses potential or apparent conflicts of interest and provides guidance for employees, officers and directors to
communicate those conflicts to Abengoa;
Addresses misuse or misapplication of Abengoa’s property and business opportunities;
Requires the highest level of confidentiality and fair dealing within Abengoa and outside Abengoa; and
Requires prompt internal reporting of violations of this Code of Conduct and proper reporting of any illegal behavior.
Protection of human rights
As an international business, Abengoa advocates sustainable growth on the basis of respect for Human Rights within the
organization, throughout its value chain, and to the extent of its influence. The company accordingly rigorously opposes
forced labor and child labor, and supports all initiatives aimed at eradicating these issues.
In the awareness of its responsibility to abide by and ensure compliance with Human Rights, Abengoa submits all its
operations to assessment and review in terms of their impact on human rights.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
46
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Along these lines, as a product of the importance the company lends to upholding human rights, training is also conducted
in this area for subcontracted security personnel. The percentage of personnel trained in this area over the year totaled 30 %.
In 2012, no complaints relating to human rights were received via formal channels. Nor were any activities or incidents
detected involving risks as to discrimination, freedom of association, child labor or forced labor.
To assure protection of human rights for all its employees, all persons within the company are covered by supra-company
labor regulations, independently of the nature of their activities or of the countries where such activities are carried out.
Furthermore, as applicable under the national legal system of each country, special emphasis is placed on the collective
bargaining agreements of the industry, territory, or those of the company itself, signed up to by workers, or their union
representatives, depending on each case.
Abengoa abides by and supports its workers’ freedom of association, which the company regards as an inalienable right. Via
ongoing dialog with workers’ representatives, Abengoa keeps employees informed about all topics that may be of their
concern. In addition, the company assures employees that they will be informed prior to any structural or organizational
change, whether individually or via employees’ representatives, pursuant to the notice periods prescribed by law and
collective bargaining agreements, by way of a fundamental labor right.
Abengoa abides by these principles in its labor practices and assures that its employees’ actions are in alignment with the
United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its Protocols. Training is one of Abengoa’s most powerful tools in
the prevention of human rights violations. Training is used to make employees aware of Abengoa’s corporate culture and the
values of the organization, as set out in its code of conduct.
Social benefits
For Abengoa it is crucial to achieve a pleasant work environment, undergirded by a healthy relationship with employees. That
is why the company provides its people with a range of social benefits in support of a good work-life balance, bolstering the
commitment between company and employee, including:
Scholarships.
Life and accident insurance.
Canteens at workplaces with large numbers of employees.
Flexible pay for Abengoa Group employees in Spain, including kindergarten vouchers, medical insurance, training
and IT equipment.
Workplace gym fully fitted for physical exercise and with areas for group activities.
Subsidized childcare facilities at the main work centers.
Medical department to improve employees’ healthcare coverage, at workplaces employing more than 300 people.
Pension plans are designed in compliance with the specific features of each jurisdiction in which Abengoa operates,
with reference to the local laws in effect in each region.
Social support.
The La Antilla complex in Huelva, Spain, offers affordable summer accommodation to all employees.
Flexible working hours at the main work centers.
Employee social assistance: Abengoa has a social welfare department in place to keep track of personal, familyrelated, social or economic problems. Similarly, the Focus- Abengoa Foundation has a social fund set up to provide
economic support to struggling employees.
Free shuttle service to the central Campus Palmas Altas headquarters from various stops in the city of Seville.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
47
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Abengoa’s employee benefit scheme is managed through the Focus-Abengoa Foundation, which handles the overall
management of the schemes and focuses its attention wherever the company is present and wherever most needed.
Employee benefits are applied equally among all Abengoa workers, regardless of whether they work full or part-time.
Future goals and challenges
Improving competences for team management, conflict resolution, and general executive skills.
Executive information in the all geographical areas and creation of new programs in support of company activities.
The setup of the advanced safety management program.
Implementatión of the flexible remuneration plan in all countries where the company is present.
Preparation PHDA (Abengoa's executive skills program ) in Europe in English
The setup of the DTA program– Abengoa´s technical director.
Our customers
The management systems established, in accordance with international standards and internal requirements as described in
the specifications defining how to assess the maturity of these systems, lay down the need for the introduction of structures
to measure customer satisfaction, capable of analyzing customer needs and expectations. In order to assess customer
satisfaction, satisfaction surveys are regularly conducted, these being handled by the plant quality departments. These surveys
are not annual, given the nature of the actual business, but rather are performed at set intervals depending on the
company's strategy and objectives.
In late 2012 they began to perform customer satisfaction surveys presented their results in the first quarter of 2013. These
surveys are conducted to further advance our quality and service. The surveys were conducted over 30 clients portfolio of
Abengoa Bioenergy in Europe. Because of its importance we highlight the following customers who made our satisfaction
survey: BP, Cepsa, Ecofuel, Lyondell, Repsol, Total and Acciona, Cargill, Galp, Meroil, Petronor and Esergui, Nanta, Cefusa
and Feed Alliance.
This analysis concludes by establishing specific action plans and objectives in order to meet expectations and to improve
customer satisfaction. The company's senior management also takes this into consideration when establishing and defining
the strategy at each company.
Comunication
A service vocation is one of the aspects which Abengoa Bioenergy considers to be of vital importance. It therefore establishes
direct channels of communication between the technical and commercial departments and customers with the aim of
establishing a close relationship, thereby allowing it to receive any relevant comments and suggestions.
One of the aspects most highly valued by customers is product quality, as a result of the strict controls applied to raw
materials prior to their arrival at the plant, with regard to strict compliance with the applicable quality parameters, in line with
the regulations in force, throughout the supervision of processes, stored products and, ultimately, the batches released.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
48
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
All this goes hand-in-hand with strict compliance with contracts, ensuring that Abengoa Bioenergy is a byword for reliability
in all regards.
Our suppliers
The base of the Purchases strategy is focused on the direct integration of the suppliers in the operations through the
application of their experience and technology. The implementation of the best solutions proposed by the suppliers enables
us to minimize risks, optimize costs and deadlines.
All of the contracts and investment agreements with out suppliers and distributors include clauses that have been analyzed in
the area of human rights.
Guidelines
Six basic guidelines define the relationship with suppliers and reinforce the Procurement strategy:
Outsourcing
Leadership
Globalization
Local development
Integration
Quality
Outsourcing
The outsourcing of the services identified as supplementary to production guarantees the maximum optimization of
operations. Outsourcing allows the company to concentrate on improving the knowledge in key activities, increasing the
performance of the business, incorporating the most professional service through the direct involvement of the supplier in
day-to-day operations. Services such as labor specialized in the different areas of maintenance and utilities, as well as the
supplies and application of critical products, are among the sectors subjected to outsourcing due to the specific experience,
technology and training required.
Leadership
The continuous quest and the contracting of the leading suppliers in their sector guarantees innovative improvement
solutions with an important technological component, which allows maintaining competitiveness and quality. The supply of
critical products and the maintenance of essential units draw on suppliers of well-known success and proven experience.
Globalization
All purchases are subject to globalization. The contracting of shared suppliers in the different production centers allows
incorporating the most developed and homogeneous service with standardized scopes that offer a corporate procedure and
a balanced growth across the various production plants. These synergies facilitate the application of global solutions, which
result in a cost optimization both in management and in the development of the service and supplies.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
49
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Local development
In turn, the fact of focusing on the development and involvement of local suppliers guarantees the coverage of the most
elementary and basic needs, with the consequent flexibility in the consumption volumes and response times thus having a
positive impact on commercial and industrial growth in the geographical areas of operation, guaranteeing a close and social
relationship.
Local suppliers
Brazil
Germany
Spain
France
United Kingdom
Netherlands
United States
Total purchase volume in k€
264,889
27
1,077,878
177,63
81
728,827
1,193,941
Local suppliers(%)
97%
99%
80%
56%
100%
70%
97%
Integration
The integration of suppliers' improvement proposals allows the continuous enhancement of productivity and performance.
Result-based pricing is a fundamental principle of business commitment. This commitment will also include the integration in
the environmental safety policy, the respect for human rights and the business ethics.
Quality
The quality of our providers is a key factor in ensuring that the services and supplies received by our production plants are in
accordance with the expected levels. From purchases, in collaboration with quality and HR, a series of systematic visits/audits
to providers take place each year to review aspects of the social corporate responsibility and sustainability, quality, purchases,
traceability and product control, as well as logistics of the latter to ensure appropriate management and supply to the
customer.
Social responsibility and sustainability
Since June 2008, Abengoa Bioenergy, as part of the sustainability policy of Abengoa and all its business groups, requires its
suppliers, including raw material suppliers, to sign a Code of Social Responsibility (CSR) based on international standard
SA8000, made up of 11 clauses. Through adhesion to this CSR, Abengoa Bioenergy promotes among its suppliers the
observance and compliance with the established social and environmental regulations and compliance with all aspects of
social responsibility set forth in the Global Compact, covering the company's entire productive processes, and thereby
imposing an obligation on suppliers to sign up to said code in writing.
Abengoa has implemented an inventory of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, therefore we request our clients to submit the
emissions derived from the products / services acquired / contracted. Day by day we continue focusing on the continuous
improvement in the sustainability field, thus, we still require from our suppliers their commitment in this sense.
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
Greenhouse gas inventory
Since the introduction of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Abengoa requires all of its suppliers to report the emissions
associated with the products and services acquired by the company (Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting System
Implementation Agreement), and therefore suppliers have the obligation to provide information on the emissions linked to
every order placed by the company.
In order to facilitate adaptation of all providers to these purchasing requirements, there is a transition period in which
suppliers undertake in writing to implement an emissions reporting system. This transition period has a maximum duration of
six months, after which Abengoa providers that have not provided data on their emissions or who have not expressed their
commitment to implementing a reporting system are excluded as Abengoa suppliers. Only in exceptional cases may special
authorization be granted, in which case the companies affected must carry out an estimation of the emissions derived from
the product or service provided.
Code for Abengoa Bioenergy suppliers and subcontractors
Abengoa requires its providers to ratify the (SRC) as a way of promoting observance of and compliance with social and
environmental regulations.
Abengoa professional code of conduct:
All applicable laws and standards of the company where operations are performed must be fulfilled.
Human rights must be respected, and no employees may suffer harassment, physical or mental punishment or any
other form of abuse.
Salaries and working hours must at least fulfill the laws, rules and standards applicable in this regard in the country in
question, including minimum salaries, overtime and maximum working hours.
Forced or imposed labor may not be employed, and employees must be free to leave their job having first given
sufficient notice.
Child labor may not be employed, and in specific terms ILO standards must be respected.
The rights of employees to associate freely must be respected.
All employees must be provided with properly safe and hygienic working conditions.
Activities must be performed in accordance with respect for the environment and compliance with the relevant
legislation in the country in question.
All products and services must be supplied in a manner ensuring that they comply with the quality and safety criteria
specified in the relevant contractual terms, and must be safe for their intended use. No fraudulent means may be employed
in order to secure the supply of goods and services to Abengoa Bioenergy, such as the payment of bribes.
Abengoa Bioenergy's suppliers and subcontractors must guarantee that their own suppliers and subcontractors in turn
comply with the obligations set out in the above points.
Responsible purchasing system
In 2012, Abengoa developed a system of responsible purchasing that will be implemented in four stages and which primarily
seeks to incorporate sustainability criteria into supplier assessments and to unify and standardize these processes, which
currently differ due to the diverse characteristics of the company’s chosen suppliers and the variety of company activities. This
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Stakeholders
process comprises four stages: preliminary diagnostic of the purchasing system, supplier analysis, critical supplier audits and,
finally, supplier assessment or rating.
Implementing the system has required collaboration among Abengoa’s different purchasing departments in order to carry
out an exhaustive diagnostic study of the existing purchasing system (phase 1), in addition to selecting evaluation criteria in
keeping with the particular features of each company activity and carrying out risk analysis to determine suppliers posing a
greater threat in terms of CSR-related risk (phase 2). Variables taken into account in conducting this analysis include the
supplier’s country of origin, supply nature, degree of visibility and solvency risk.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
Environment
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
Policy, compromise and objectives
The natural resources available on our planet are limited, and over-consumption or irresponsible exploitation may make
development unsustainable. We therefore now more than ever need a new global social focus and local action on the
environment. Companies, as central players within the social context, must make their contribution by providing innovative
solutions helping us to meet the challenge of sustainable development.
Abengoa Bioenergy, which has since the very outset been committed to sustainable development and combating climate
change, incorporates within the achievement of its company objectives a policy of focusing not only on ensuring that its
products and services contribute towards sustainable development, but also that they are generated in a sustainable manner,
contributing to economic progress, social fairness and preservation of the environment.
The rational use of natural resources and conservation of the environment are the tools currently available in order to build a
more sustainable world. For Abengoa Bioenergy, such sustainability is based on two principles, first, the development of
technologies serving to provide clean sources of energy, and second an impact on social commitment and environmental
education.
Abengoa Bioenergy carries out industrial production activities in the energy sector. It develops biofuels for transportation, as
well as bioethanol and biodiesel among others, plus chemical bioproducts which use biomass (cereals, sugar cane, cellulose
biomass, oleaginous seeds, etc.) as raw material. Biofuels are used in the production of gasoline additives (ETBE) as well as in
direct mixtures with gasoline or diesel oil. Abengoa Bioenergy is also developing new biofuels (kerosene for aviation and
biodiesel from sugar). The chemical bioproducts will be identical to those produced at present by the petrochemical industry
in terms of functionality but, in turn, they will be more sustainable and will focus on immediate replacement within the
already existing markets.
As sources of renewable energy, biofuels and chemical bioproducts reduce CO2 emissions and enhance the safety and
diversification of the energy supply, thus decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels used in the automotive, aviation and
petrochemical industries and improving compliance with the Kyoto Protocol.
On the other hand, Abengoa Bioenergy devotes a part of its efforts and resources to support activities that have an impact
on the improvement of quality of life and training of individuals. Bioethanol is obtained on an industrial scale from cereal
fermentation, prior enzyme hydrolysis and after a distillation process, which eliminates volatile impurities generated during
said process, and another dehydration process, which allows eliminating excess water coming from distillation. Under these
conditions, bioethanol is used for a direct mix with petrol in an 85 % proportion (e85) becoming a renewable substitute for
petrol.
Abengoa Bioenergia Brasil obtains bioethanol as from sugar cane juice fermentation collected after sugar cane grinding and
subsequent distillation. Bagasse, which is the fuel of the power generation system, is separated during grinding, and vinasse,
used as fertilizer in sugar cane plantations, is separated during fermentation.
On the other hand, Abengoa Bioenergy operates a biodiesel production plant in Cádiz that uses untreated vegetable oils as
raw material. Biodiesel is a renewable biofuel formed by long chain methyl or ethyl fatty acid esters; in the case that the
esters forming the biodiesel are methyl, these are known as Fame (Fatty acid methyl ester). It is obtained in the chemical
reaction of methanol (or bioethanol) with vegetable oils (rape seed, sunflower, soy and palm). It does not contain sulfur and,
compared with the oil-based diesel, it reduces the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CO2, among other) as well as emissions
of carbon monoxide (CO), particles (PM) and other polluting products.
Bioethanol and biodiesel are clean and renewable sources of energy, which help reduce soil pollution due to their
biodegradable, non-toxic nature. Their use reduces energy dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to the security of
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
54
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
energy supply. Their production creates new sustainable rural development opportunities within the context of a more
market oriented agricultural policy, since it promotes the development of energy crops and the creation of agroindustries,
helping to maintain levels of employment and income in the rural areas.
Sustainability
The rational use of natural resources and conservation of the environment are the tools currently available in order to build a
more sustainable world. For Abengoa Bioenergy, such sustainability is based on two principles, first, the development of
technologies serving to provide clean sources of energy, and second an impact on social commitment and environmental
education.
Abengoa Bioenergy carries out industrial production activities in the energy sector. It develops biofuels for transportation, as
well as bioethanol and biodiesel among others, plus chemical bioproducts which use biomass (cereals, sugar cane, cellulose
biomass, oleaginous seeds, etc.) as raw material. Biofuels are used in the production of gasoline additives (ETBE) as well as in
direct mixtures with gasoline or diesel oil. Abengoa Bioenergy is also developing new biofuels (kerosene for aviation and
biodiesel from sugar). The chemical bioproducts will be identical to those produced at present by the petrochemical industry
in terms of functionality but, in turn, they will be more sustainable and will focus on immediate replacement within the
already existing markets.
As sources of renewable energy, biofuels and chemical bioproducts reduce CO2 emissions and enhance the safety and
diversification of the energy supply, thus decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels used in the automotive, aviation and
petrochemical industries and improving compliance with the Kyoto Protocol
At Abengoa Bioenergy we have as a main objective to become recognized as world leaders in the production of biofuels and
in the development of innovative technology solutions that contribute to the sustainability of the transportation sector and in
the manufacturing of biochemical products.
This objective can only be achieved if the development of all our activities is closely tied to the basic pillars of sustainability:
Respect for the environment.
Social development.
Economic benefit.
To comply with the aforementioned principles at Abengoa Bioenergy we define the following sustainability actions in our
mission, vision and values, which meet and direct all of our activities:
Value creation.
Certification of raw materials.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Personal and professional staff development.
Efficient use of natural resources.
From an environmental point of view, Abengoa Bioenergy contributes to society mainly through biofuels. They are a
renewable source of fuels, which, bearing in mind their life cycle, imply saving greenhouse effect gas emissions and favor,
therefore, global warming reduction. In addition, the company conducts a strict environmental control on the development
of its activities, not only based on emissions control, but on all possible impacts of environmental externalities.
Therefore, facilities are designed from the beginning of the projects addressing the effect of the location on biodiversity,
conducting the corresponding environmental impact assessments and optimizing the use of natural resources and energy.
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
During its life, productive centers are furnished with facilities that enable strict control, cleaning and dumping reduction, the
latter being the focus of most of the efforts on achieving maximum reutilization of natural resources.
To ensure the environmental management system, companies are certified under the ISO 14001:2004 standard, maintaining
an open and transparent communication with local authorities.
As a leader in the development of sustainable solutions for transportation and according to the mission, vision and values of
the company, Abengoa Bioenergy is developing a huge effort to find and develop more sustainable solutions for the
transportation sector. Since its birth, the company has focused its strategy on the development of technologies that
contribute to Sustainable Development, among which are:
Production of biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass.
Development of alternative technologies for the generation of renewable electricity.
Development of systems for producing lignocellulosic biomass under sustainable schemes, avoiding deforestation
and the use of high biodiversity areas.
Demonstration projects of hybrid production systems to bring the technology to commercial scale.
Improvement of the life cycle of the facilities and production processes, increasing CO2 emissions savings in the
transport sector.
Development of their own certification Standard (RBSA) to demonstrate the sustainability of the biofuels produced this Standard was approved by the European Commission in July 2011.
Develop processes for the valorization of urban solid residues fractions for biofuels production
Develop and apply catalytics processes for biofuels and bioproducts production
Develop and improve new enzymes for the degradation of cellulose.
The main objective is to be a reference as a world leader in the production of biofuels, developing innovative solutions and
advancing in the technology of biorefinery, basing all activities on respect for the environment, social development and
economic sustainability.
Main environmental indicators
As a technologically-focused and responsible company committed to its social context and to the environment, Abengoa
Bioenergy aims to ascertain the impact of its activities on the natural world.
Calculation of Abengoa’s environmental indicators takes into account work facilities, their associated activities, and all
projects promoted directly by the company. Taken into consideration for other projects were the main figures deriving from
company operations, excluding raw material inputs, consumption and waste attributable to the developers of these projects,
and likewise excluding activities involving maintenance or operation conducted at customer facilities and procurement
between Abengoa Bioenergy companies.
In order to enhance the reliability of the environmental indicators, improvements have been made to the computing tool
developed in 2010 to gather and add the data subject matter of analysis. All the indicators have been calculated as from the
specific protocol of measurement and calculation in order to homogenize application criteria. Some values of previous years
have been corrected in accordance with the new revised classification criteria. Due to the nature and diversity of Abengoa
Bioenergy activities, it is possible to observe the most relevant concepts associated to the different environmental aspects
since it is not worth to make a full-scale relationship of all of them. Therefore, the data available has been added and
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
consolidated in a way to provide a concise and real image of the organization´s environmental impact based on the different
activities developed.
In terms of material consumption, the main consumption differences between 2011 and 2012 can be attributed to the
change in the production volume of bioethanol and, consequently, of the co-products in 2012 with respect to 2011. Besides,
it must be considered that some material groups have changed in accordance with new revised classification criteria.
Environmental impact control, awareness, and minimization
The following, among others, are some of the most significant activities that have been carried out in order to minimize
environmental impacts: prevention-related initiatives, environmental management, effluent and waste inspections, internal
and external audits, certification by authorized entities, employee training, and the use of clean technologies.
Office paper consumption
Abengoa Bioenergy is implementing a number of plans to reduce the paper used in its offices.
Paper
P a pe r ( t)
Re cycle d pa pe r ( t)
Ca rtón ( t)
Total
2010
2011
2012
12.47
1,3
0,12
13.89
64.05
0.58
0.75
65.38
23.25
19.67
2.17
45.09
Raw Material
Abengoa Bioenergy produces biofuels, sugar and animal feed, employing various raw materials, mainly cereal, sugarcane and
vegetable oils. Its production processes also consume energy and water. With the aim of achieving the least possible
environmental impact and optimizing all company processes, strict supervision of the consumption of these raw materials and
natural resources is applied.
The raw materials and substances most heavily used in the process of producing biofuels and their byproducts are listed
below. The number of substances employed is extremely large, most being used in insignificant quantities.The percentage of
used materials which are reused materials has been 0.006 %
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
57
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
Raw materials (t)
Ve ge ta l oils
Bioma ss
S uga rca ne
C e re a l
Wine a lcohol
Vina sse
2010
2011
2012
-1,742
5,201,195
3,070,990
9809
1,041,854
160,882
970
4,364,770
5,991,561
---
128,610
607.5
4,851,562.7
5,048,674.5
-280,189.4
Chemical compounds
Chemical compounds (t)
C itric A cid
C hloridic A cid
P hosphoric A cid
S ulfa mic A cid
S ulfuric A cid
A monia c
S ulfu
Lime
Ble a ch
S odic M e tila te
Othe r C he mica ls
C a ustic S oda
2010
2011
2012
240
1,758
319
40
11,420
3380
-4,006
652
2,604
29,889
9,719
269
6,073
340
466
76,137
40,347
-3,640
9,349
2,760
26,353
387,525
134
1,396
272
31
13,509
1,517
-4,496
984
2,154
44,468
11,490
Other materials and compounds
Other
materials
and
OtherOther
materials
and compounds
(t) (II) (t)
materials
and compounds
compounds
(t)(II)
(I)
als and compounds (t) (II)
2010
2
19
58896
283
344
188
103179
14109
ride
926
n phospate
781
856
547
319
--
2011
2012
2010 2010
2 2
20
20
1 1 20 0 1 1
2 22
17
1917
2012
2200112210 1 2
7,677
2
7,677
7.68
2,921382
2.92 2,921382
17
71,244
1,506.14
71244
1506,14348
58896
71244 1506,14348
11,961
179.66
11961 179,659918
283
11961 179,659918
Fats
Fa ts 2 Fats 7,677
17
Antibiotics
2,921382
A ntibiotics Antibiotics
19 19
E71244
nzyme
s
58,896
Enzimes
1506,14348
58896
Enzimes
Ye
a
sts
283
11961 Yeasts
179,659918
283
Yeasts
Othe
r S a ls 5,34
344344
3,190
5.34
3190 Other Sals
Other Sals
3443190
31905,34
5,34
Brine
188
376
422.69
376 Brine
422,688982
188
376
422,688982
188 -376 -422,688982
Filte r ca k e Brine
103,179
-- Filter Cake -103179
--103179
--C a lca re ous Filter Cake
14,109
22,693
27,394.75
Calcareous
27394,745
14109
22693
27394,745
P22693
ota ssium
chloride
926
758
Calcareous
14109
22693 --27394,745
758 Potassium
chloride
-- phospha te
758
M onoa
mmonium
781926
857
Potassium
chloride
926
758 --P la857
steMonoammoniun
r
856781
8,147
--phospate
857
Monoammoniun phospate
781
857
-S8147
iliconPlaster
547856
537
333.20
-8147
-Plaster
856
8147
-Ble537
a ching
sa333,2
nd
319547
301
191.79
Silicon
537
333,2
Silicon
547 -537 -333,2
C ompost
-301 Bleaching
191,787
sand
Bleaching sand
-- Compost -Compost
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
319
--
58
319
--
301
--
191,787
301
---
191,787
--
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
Other
Other materials
materials and
and compounds
compounds (t)
(t) (II)
2010
Biocide s
Fats
N utrie nts
Antibiotics
Fe rtilize rs
Enzimes
M ola sse s
Yeasts
2 0 1 12 0 1 0
2 0 1 22 0 1 1
2012
72
3772
1.32
7,677
--
68
19
40.23
17
2,921382
19,542
28,115
58896
25,821.43
71244 1506,14348
254,005
131768
283
-11961
179,659918
--
-344
9784
216,620
188
Othe r BiocideOther
s
Sals
-3190
5,34
U re a
Brine
12,081.5
376 422,688982
M e tha nol
Filter Cake
14,438
16,345
103179
12,499.53--
--
Lubrica nt OilsCalcareous
20
249
14109
40.97
22693
27394,745
Wood
Potassium chloride
--
-926
92.17
758
--
M e ta ls
Monoammoniun phospate 49
260
781
66.20
857
--
P la stics y P olyme
rs
Plaster
S pa re s
Silicon
Othe r ma te riaBleaching
ls
sand
39
104
856
10.48
8147
--
105
100
547
32.3
537
333,2
--
-319
7,450.16
301
191,787
--
--
--
Compost
Energy
Abengoa Bioenergy's plants and offices consume energy in one way or another in production and office processes.
The energy required to power bioethanol production at the plants mainly uses gas as a source of energy in Europe and the
United States, while operations in Brazil also employ the combustion of bagasse (the remnants of the sugarcane plant
following sugar extraction).
Direct energy consumption (GJ)
2010
Biofuels
Biomass
Coal derivatives
Petroleum derivatives
Naturalgas
Others
Total
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
178,826
11,701,313
-3,777,021
19,484,827
174,912
35,316,899
59
2011
2012
708,914
222,950.08
9,295,080 14,628,447.80
3,555
-2,267,153
603,447.24
27,727,567 25,081,198.26
1,102
1261.81
40,003,371 40,537,305.18
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
Indirect energy consumption (GJ)
Electricity
Thermal
Total
2010
2011
2012
1,342,196
1,418,136
2,760,332
1,973,052
1,642,065
3,615,116
1,909,278
1,576,212
3,485,490
The figures for indirect energy consumption in 2010 and 2011 has been included this year due to a new report criteria.
Primary energy consumed by power consumption (GJ)
Coal
Fuel oil
Gas
Biomass
Waste
Remainder
Total
2010
1,748,699
96,987
1,182,656
52,204
26,103
572,259
3,678,908
2011
1,924,958
145,155
1,567,040
60,691
30,127
741,956
4,469,927
2012
1,793,866
136,307
1,110,221
118,104
12,330
1754367
4,925,195
Energy produced, purchased and sales in 2012 is disclosed as follows:
Energy 2012
Energy produced (GJ)
Biofuels
50,181,482
Biomass
2,413,080
Energy sold (GJ)
Biofuels
50,624,287
Biomass
2,571,085
Gas natural
2
Electric
Thermal
4,737,145
2,299,132
Electric
Thermal
3,643,072
494
The difference between the biofuel that is produced and sold is due to the purchase of gasoline for the production of
different commercial mixtures of ethanol and the buy-sell transactions undertaken throughout the year to meet some specific
peak demand of bioethanol.
The table below shows the results of proactive efforts to increase energy efficiency through technological process
enhancements and other savings measures realized in 2012.
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60
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
Energy-saving initiatives
Initia tive
S a vings or inve stme ne ts
( €)
28.53 % reduction in spending on purchase of energy
142,127.43
Gas turbine change. Better process efficiency
2,927,617
Reduction of energy cost due to fluctuation in rates and taxes
54,134.09
52.27 % reduction in spending on purchase of energy
136,427.05
19.79 % reduction in spending on purchase of energy
8,215.87
54.93 % reduction in spending on purchase of energy
31,161.40
Reduced consumption due efficiency cogeneration
85,204.17
Initiatives were in turn implemented with the aim of lowering indirect energy consumption.
These initiatives involve business travel and commutes to and from work facilities and include, for example, facilitating bus
service for employee transportation, and efficiently managing the supplier portfolio.
Water
The company’s policy on sustainability prioritizes reduction at source by minimizing the amount used or through reuse of the
resource for activities in which potability is not a key factor. The main sources for uptake are round water and third-party
supply, the main use being that involved in bioethanol production processes themselves.
Water withdrawal (m3)
Rive r wa te r
We ll wa te r
Grid
2010
2011
2012
7,837,198
5,919,389
4,225,076
7,029,148
4,929,392
7,311,336
8,993,795
3,871,654
2,645,927
The amount of recycled and reused water has been 123,905 m3, which is 0.798% with respect to the total volume of water
captured in Abengoa Bioenergy. Abengoa Bioenergy’s information system does not show that any of the sources used for
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
water uptake are included in the Ramsar list of wetlands or can be considered as especially sensitive. Neither is there any
record that the annual consumption is more than 5% of the volume of sources affected.
Biodiversity
The company's operations take place mainly in areas where there is no land owned, administered or leased within
biodiversity-rich habitats. This principle fails to apply only in the following exceptions:
Most significant biodiversity impacts in protected areas or with high biodiversity
CountryCountry
where
the protected
area or that of
high value to
biodiversity is
located
Protected
Area affected
(hectares)
Total
protected
area
(hectares)
Facility
location
in relation
to the
protected
area
Brazil
0.34
1.64
Brazil
0.2
Brazil
361.52
Type of operation
Nature of the
protected area
Protection status
Species affected and
degree of
Within
Extractive
Freshwater
ecosystem
permanent
conservation area
Risk
0.2
Within
Extractive
Land ecosystem
permanent
conservation area
Not mesured for the
period
758.87
Within
Production
Land ecosystem
permanent
conservation area
Not mesured for the
period
Abengoa Bioenergy’s information system has not identified significant impacts on biodiversity in protected natural spaces or
unprotected areas of high biodiversity, derived from activities, products and services in protected areas and in areas of high
biodiversity values in areas outside the protected areas. Neither were species included in the UICN Red List identified,
consequently, no strategies and actions have been developed for managing impacts on diversity.
GHG emissions
The results of the Abengoa greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory in 2012 provide a complete picture of the emissions derived
from company activity; a structured analysis according to the scopes and different sources, which also includes emissions
from biomass operations and the differences. This inventory was accordingly disseminated out of a desire for other
companies to also be able to situate their climate change policies at the core of their activities and interests.
Computation of GHG emissions took into account the direct emissions of all sources under the possession of Abengoa
(combustion, process, transportation and emission leaks), indirect emissions from electrical power, thermal energy and
acquired steam and the indirect emissions resulting from work commutes, losses in the distribution and transmission of
electrical power, and emissions in the value chain of fuels consumed for generating acquired electrical power. Emissions
linked to biomass combustion or processing are likewise reported.
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
Emissions are calculated in accordance with the methodologies of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
and the GHG Protocol, using, whenever possible, specific fuel emission factors; and in other cases, national GHG inventory
values of the countries in which Abengoa activities are carried out, and, as a last resort, generic figures published by the
IPCC.
GHG emissions (t CO2-eq)
Emissions
2010
2011
2012
Direct emissions
1,849,817
1,960,843
1,707,006
Direct emissiions Biomass(1)
1,795,486
2,461,962
2,916,564
410,928
420,020
369,390
79,451
106,322.9
76,744.5
Indirect emissions ((2)
Other emissions (3)
In 2012, emissions associated to products and service acquired (scope 3) are 2,566,956 t, this figure was not included within
2010 Corporate Social Report and 2011 Corporate Social Report
(1) According to the GHG protocol corporate standard.
(2) Includes emissions from acquired electricity, thermal energy, and steam.
(3) Includes exclusively emissions derived from work-related travels (1,704 t), commuting trips to work (1,110 t), loss in transportation of electric energy (27,046 t),
and emissions from the supply value chain of fuels used for the generation of purchased electric energy (76,464 t).
For Abengoa Bioenergy, the greenhouse gas emissions inventory is an instrument for ensuring responsibility and efficiency in
the struggle against climate change. In contrast to other techniques for analyzing the local carbon footprint, the complete
accounting of emissions engages all Abengoa companies, in all geographies. Emission measurement in the Abengoa
Bioenergy inventory has clear advantages over other instruments: it is thorough, in terms of both the consolidation perimeter
and scopes; it is verifiable both internally and externally; it constitutes a global model upon which to base reduction targets;
and it binds suppliers to climate preservation policies.
Emissions of ozone-layer-depleting substances are insignificant given the volume of Abengoa Bioenergy's activity and are
confined to the quantities loaded into cooling equipment during preventive or corrective maintenance operations, with the
quantity being certified by the service provider. The total figure for such emissions during the entire year stood at only 1370
kg.
Initiatives to reduce GHG emissions
Initiatives to reduce GHG emissions
Capture of CO 2 released during the production process for sale to green house (ABN)
Improving the efficiency of boliers (BCyL)
Installation of higher performance turbines (EE)
Using renewable electricity (BG)
Improvement in the process (ABIL)
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
63
Estimated reduction
(t CO 2 -eq)
120,000
58,089
30,196
11,642
11,467
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
Listed below is an example of the most significant initiatives carried out over the course of 2012.
Atmospheric emissions
Atmospheric emissions (t)
2010
2011
2012
NOX
3,629
3,838
5,435
SOX
192
161
212
CO
9,345
2,229
9,647
HCL
20
0
0
COV
3,149
2,161
3,321
Partícles
2,759
801
1,993
--
19
16,698
19,094
9,209
37,306
Others
Total (t)
Wastewater discharge and spills
In companies in which, due to the nature of their business, the state of water utilized is negatively altered, suitable treatment
is undertaken, with final quality being within the limits established under legal requirements, prior to discharge into a public
water source. All discharge operations are likewise authorized and controlled by the pertinent authorities.
Discharges (m3)
Dischargues
Effluents discharged to sewer networks
Effluents discharged to outside treatment facilities
Effluents discharged to surface water masses
Effluent discharges from land infiltration
Dispersed or undefined land discharges
Delivery for other Abengoa companies
Third-party delivery (steam)
Discharge into the environment (steam)
Total
2010
2011
2012
762,368
1,385,907
792,852
--
--
--
2,327,084
3,294,624
4,435,889
18
--
--
773,273
--
--
--
--
--
3,651,584
1,797,377
3,395,939
--
1,305,017
825,158
7,514,327
7,782,925
9,449,838
In 2012, 1 m3 of vegetable raw oil was discharged to a water resource in the south of Spain. This information has been
registered due to Abengoa Bioenergy's information system.
Waste
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
64
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
As part of its normal course of business, Abengoa generates many different types of waste, most of which are monitored
through the different environmental management systems implemented in each company. Here the most significant are
shown according to final destination.
Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste (t)
Type
2010
2011
Ground or underground deposit
1
26
4
Treatment in soil
--
30
0.0004
Deep injection
--
--
--
Surface reservoir
2012
--
--
--
111
1
0.09
Release into a water body except seas/oceans
--
--
--
Release into seas/oceans including sea-bed insertion
--
--
--
Biologic treatment
0
0
0
Dumping at specially designed sites
Physico-chemical treatment
14
259
447
Land incineration
1,093
0
0.06
Incineration at sea
--
--
--
Permant deposit
--
1
--
108
237
86
Recycling or recovery solvent
50
98
142
Recycling or recovery of other organic substances that aren't used as solvent
8
0
0.01
Recycling or recovery of metals and metal compounds
12
41
36
Recycling or recovery of other inorganic material
16
38
186
--
--
--
55
--
0.02
Utilization as fule or other means of producing energy
Regeneration of acids or bases
Recovery of elemens used to reduce contamination
Recovery of components from catalysts
--
--
--
Regeneration or other new of oils
27
79
89
Soil treatment, resultin in agricultural benefit or ecological improvement
--
--
--
Utilization of wast obtained from operations
--
--
--
Other
192
68
21
Total
1,687
878
1012
Non-hazardous waste
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
65
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
Non-hazardous waste (t)
Type
Ground or underground deposit
Treatment in soil
2010
2011
2012
267
168,332
147,282
83,510
6,000
88,685
Deep injection
--
--
--
Surface reservoir
--
28
14
402
126
166
--
--
--
Dumping at specially designed sites
Release into a water body except seas/oceans
Release into seas/oceans including sea-bed insertion
--
--
--
30
77
72
--
1,565
2,726
Land incineration
168
16
6
Incineration at sea
--
--
--
59
--
120,992
Utilization as fuel or other means of producing energy
--
--
2,094
Recycling or recovery solvent
1
--
--
16,378
24,708
4,306
Biologic treatment
Physico-chemical treatment
Permant deposit
Recycling or recovery of other organic substances that aren't used as solvent
Recycling or recovery of metals and metal compounds
Recycling or recovery of other inorganic material
Regeneration of acids or bases
Recovery of elemens used to reduce contamination
Recovery of components from catalysts
Regeneration or other new of oils
Soil treatment, resultin in agricultural benefit or ecological improvement
Utilization of wast obtained from operations
635
857
684
1,104
611
285
--
--
--
1,605
--
0.02
--
--
--
--
--
--
2,978
2,963
1,075
55
168
307
Other
529
3,973
7,037
Total
30,211
292,109
370,555
In accordance with our environmental management policy, all companies that generate hazardous waste conduct an
exhaustive process of identifying and monitoring these types of waste and their quantities in all operations involving
transportation to authorized agents, whether they belong to Abengoa or to outside companies.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
66
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
Hazardous waste transportation (t)
France
Incoming
domestic
--
Outcoming
domestic
145
Waste
imported
--
Waste
exported
--
Brazil
--
697
--
--
Spain
--
5
--
--
United States
--
0.14
--
--
Country
Products and services
Integration of environmental considerations associated with product and service design helps to lower risk and mitigate
ensuing environmental impacts. A design that is favorable to the environment helps us take a more proactive stance in
mitigating the level of product and service impact, identifying new business opportunities, and boosting technological
innovation.
In certain activities, the environmental impacts of products and services that occur during utilization and at the end of their
useful life may be of equal or greater importance than those resulting from manufacturing and pose an ever growing
environmental challenge. In this regard, no significant impacts derived from transportation of products or other material
goods used for company activities or in transporting personnel were identified through the Abengoa reporting system. Nor
were any significant quantities of recovered products, containers or packages identified.
During 2012, Abengoa Bioenergy has implemented significant initiatives in order to mitigate environmental impacts
associated to products and services. Within the frame of the Renewable Energy Directive, the company has developed the
RBSA (RED Bioenergy Sustainability Assurance) standard that allows proving the compliance with the Directive´s requirements
in terms of any raw material and production process, from the agricultural production to the commercialization of the
biofuel, including the industrial transformation processes. The RBSA standard establishes the operating requirements for all
the economic agents that participate in it, and for its own management and maintenance, and it defines the highest quality
levels in the certification processes and independent audit of the information supplied. Besides, this system includes
innovating methodology developed by Abengoa Bioenergy, mainly for the calculation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
and the development of sustainable maps, with the purpose of facilitating an efficient and strict implementation in the supply
chains of these new sustainability requirements.
Fines and sanctions
The company's main product is bioethanol, the use of which as a fuel for transportation significantly reduces GHG emissions
in comparison with fossil fuels. Abengoa Bioenergy maintains its dedicated commitment to the environment and aims to
perform all its production and commercial activities within the context of global sustainability. In its production processes
Abengoa Bioenergy makes efforts to recycle and process as much waste as possible in order to minimize the environmental
impact.
The information channels available to Abengoa Bioenergy recorded no significant fine or non-monetary penalty over the
course of 2012 as a result of a breach of laws and regulations.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
67
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Environment
Environmental expenditure
Measuring the expenses for environmental mitigation and protection allows Abengoa to assess the efficiency of its
environmental initiatives. Below, we itemize the costs and environmental investments.
Environmental Expenditure (€)
Type
2010
2011
2012
2,133,440
1,259,510
1,194,903
8,570
94,935
119,318
1,908,987
1,913,744
446,841
67,016
91,009
87,732
13,252
27,677
51,399
Cost of remediation - cleanup and decontamination
114,228
22,934
2,619
Third-party environmental management services
572,228
716,668
415,631
3,350
2,000
17,911
41,187
64,133
66,820
Personnel for activities arising from environmental
management
652,057
526,462
481,214
Costs of implementing cleaner technologies
271,431
4,086
0
85,805
388,970
567,365
Environmental training
--
1,380
10,011
Research and development
--
22,858
--
Waste treatment and disposal
Emissions treatment
Expenses from purchasing and utilizing emissions
certificates
Depreciation of specific equipment, maintenance,
materials and services necessary for operation
Environmental liability insurance
Personnel dedicated to training and instruction
Third-party management system certification
Other environmental management costs
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
68
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Community
Community
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
69
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Community
Policies, strategies and objectives
Abengoa Bioenergy has embraced a commitment to growing alongside the communities in which it operates, fostering the
creation of ties that reinforce the company’s long-term relationship with society, while abiding by and promoting human
rights within its sphere of influence. Company development cannot be approached from the standpoint of economic growth
alone, but must also integrate the perspectives of its members, endeavoring to guarantee them the potential to pursue a
rewarding life. Abengoa believes that the best way of meeting their expectations is to forge close ties between the company
and society, while maintaining continuous and fluid dialog with stakeholders, achieved through clear and transparent
communication and by championing actions that help people progress. Abengoa pursues mutual progress for the company
and the community alike by developing and promoting initiatives that contribute towards balanced growth and to reinforcing
the ties that bring the company and society together.
Through the Focus-Abengoa Foundation, the company guides and channels its relationship with the community by creating
initiatives that generate tangible and intangible assets and contributing to local engagement by establishing roots, while at
the same time promoting scientific and cultural research and dissemination of foundation heritage. The strategic orientation
of the Focus-Abengoa Foundation serves companies through which Abengoa conducts its business activities. Since its
inception in 1982, Focus-Abengoa has been engaged in pursuits of general interest in four major areas: aid and assistance,
culture, education and research, and employee welfare. The foundation has thus effectively become the social force driving
Abengoa forward. The foundation understands culture as a hallmark of advanced societies that plays an essential role in
social development and progress. Business activity must transcend the economic dimension and play a role in addressing
social and environmental challenges.
The pursuit of Abengoa Bioenergy's activities is associated with economic and social benefits for the communities where it
operates. Neither would make any sense unless they were achieved in line with respect to the environment. Given its aim to
respect the environment Abengoa Bioenergy works to minimize the environmental impact of its industrial activities essentially
in three regards:
Natural resources
By supervising and reducing emissions and waste generated
By protecting biodiversity in the areas where it operates
The company optimizes the use of process chemicals in order to reduce consumption without affecting production
performance. As for energy, processes have been optimized in order to reduce electrical consumption, and thereby reduce
greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions.
All emissions at production centers are monitored with the aim of minimizing them as far as possible, complying with and
surpassing the requirements laid down in the legislation in place in the company's operational areas. This ultimately results,
in accordance with the guarantee offered by ISO 14001 certification, in environmentally friendly installations which protect
biodiversity in their locations, on the basis, of course, of environmental impact studies guaranteeing that any impact which
production plants may have on the environment is minimized.
Programmes
During 2012, Abengoa Bioenergy didn´t work on any infrastructural project for common public benefit through commercial,
in-kind, or pro bono engagement so there are no current or planned negative impacts.
Furthermore, it has promoted and carried out activities and actions with general interest goals, aimed at education, cultural
and scientific work. Abengoa Bioenergy believes in the innovative company as an instrument that is necessary and effective
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
70
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Community
for progressing towards a society committed to sustainable development. On the other hand, it participates in the actions
that Abengoa promotes, principally through its Focus-Abengoa Foundation.
All these initiatives aim to contribute to contextual improvements not only in economic but also in social and environmental
terms, and hence the interest and well-being not only of the people who work at the company but of all individuals,
organizations and communities in the surrounding sphere. During 2012 Abengoa Bioenergy dedicated approximately
265,008 € to programs involving social, cultural, educational and research developments.
The companies belonging to Abengoa Bioenergy incorporate within their daily business the values of corporate social
responsibility that form an intrinsic and natural element of the company's strategy, culture and organization. To this end they
foster and contribute to the development of the following activities:
Contribute to organizing training courses as well as for study and research.
Collaboration with universities.
Participation in fairs and congresses
Support to environmental awareness initiatives.
Collaboration with an association that worked for integration and employment of disabled workers
Support in the organization of local festivals
Sponsorship of equipment for youth and local sports events and teams
Conference sponsorship
Support for civic organizations and institutions to promote projects devoted to human development and social work.
Improvement in maintaining services in those areas where the plants are located
In the United States social responsibility and community development initiatives are a priority for Abengoa Bioenergy. Every
year a series of activities are planned to promote the good name of the company and provide it with public recognition
through activities of a social nature. These efforts include contributions to civic and charitable organizations, involvement
with local schools and universities, participation in events, improvements in the safety and appearance of production plants
and environmental awareness-raising. In Brazil initiatives are implemented and planned to guarantee social development and
a sound education system as the foundation for future generations, along with an infrastructure network and the
corresponding developments in order to guarantee optimum working conditions in the local communities where the
company is established.
Meanwhile, the pursuit of our activities is intended to favor the development of suppliers, promoting the outsourcing of
services and allowing for industrial growth in the area.
Partnerships and agreements
In 2002, Abengoa signed the United Nations Global Compact. This agreement involves, on the one hand, supporting and
respecting the protection of human rights and, on the other, in the area of labor rights: elimination all forms of
discrimination at work and occupation, as well as all kind of forced or obligatory work, effectively abolishing child labor,
respecting freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
And in 2007 the company also signed up to the United Nations Caring for Climate initiative. As a result, Abengoa Bioenergy
has implemented a greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting system which will serve to account for its greenhouse gas emissions,
establish the traceability of all supplies and certify the products and services it offers.
Abengoa Bioenergy works with local communities and populations in undertaking a number of social projects:
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
71
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Community
External social actions
Country
Brazil
Society
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
Spain
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
I10- Abengoa Bioenergía Brasil
D15- Bioetanol Galicia, S.A
E55- Biocarburantes de Castilla y León,
S.A
G13- Abengoa Bioenergía San Roque,
S.A
France
F84- Abengoa Bioenergy, S.A
Netherlands
G18- Abenoga Bioenergy Netherlands,
B.V
Issues
Asociations
National AIDS campaign
"Together project". To promote and
defend the employee's quality of life
and dignity
Flu and tetanus vaccination
"A newborn child adopts project". 30
children were benefited and two
members of the enviromental police
"Internal talent project" Professional
development and better quality of life
Blood donation
Internal newsletter. Participation in the
areas of culture organizational,
knowledge and projects of
communication
Health circuit project
Pre-renovation project
Renovation project
"Alive school project". Abengoa
Bioenergia Brasil helps 1800 children
who live in the city of Santa Cruz das
Palmeiras
Focus foundation
Interactive human resources projetc
Winter clothes project
"Bulling in the work" conference
Conferences
Schooling
"Madeo River" sponsorship
Collaboration between neigboring
town halls
"Venerable cofradia del Santisimo
Cristo de la Humildad y Paciencia"
sponsorship
Sport activities, local and cultures
events, disabled helps
Brielle and Massluis town halls
collaboration
Because of the nature of the inversions and operations of Abengoa Bioenergy, the operations in the communities have a
permanent character and it aims specially a long term relation with the communities.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
72
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Community
Conferences
World Biofuels 2012
For the eleventh consecutive year, on May 2012, the World Conference on Biofuels ‚World Biofuels 2012‛ was held at the
Hospital de los Venerables, headquarters of the Focus-Abengoa Foundation in Seville.
This cycle, defined in the Focus-Abengoa Forum on Energy and Climate Change, has become a reference forum among
experts of the biofuel and biodiesel sector of the main global markets. During the conference, participants went over the
main changes and advances in the sector during the last year, highlighting the major advances that have been developed in
this field mainly in United States and Europe. They also studied the possible legal amendments that current markets require
and they debated on the challenges and goals set for the next years, especially through bioproducts.
The world conference on biofuels ‚World Biofuels 2012‛ aims to promote, through public discussions, a genuine open
platform for the research, presentation and debate of ideas and results through those actions that are deemed to be
appropriate at any given time based on the nature of the issues to be analyzed.
2012 Biomass Conference
Abengoa Bioenergy also took part in the 2012 Biomass Conference event, held on July 2012 in Washington, D.C.
Approximately 700 members of the advanced biofuel industry, scientists, academicians and other participants assisted to the
event sponsored by the US Department of Energy (DOE). More than 80 speakers shared the last progresses in advanced
biofuels.
Asociations
Abengoa Bioenergy is an active member of associations of renewable energy researchers and producers, leading and
promoting the use of this type of fuel with the benefits which it offers in response to climate change. Its aims include
publication and awareness-raising within society and the political establishment of the benefits of biofuels and the need for
favorable legislation, this being vital in order to allow bioethanol and biodiesel to grow as substitutes for fossil fuels and as an
option in fighting climate change.
The company thus has a presence within the main associations in the three major geographical areas where it performs its
activities.
ePURE - European Bioethanol Renewable Ethanol
RFA - Renewable Fuel Association
UNICA - União da Indústria de Cana-de-açúcar
Biotechnology Industry Association
APPA Biocarburantes, Asociación de Productores de Energías Renovables (España)
Asebio, Asociación Española de Bioempresas (España)
Kansas Alliance for Bioenergy and Biorefining
Amfep - Association of Manufacturers and Formulators of Enzyme products.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
73
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Community
Transparency and fight against the corruption
Abengoa Bioenergy subscribes to Abengoa's principles and systems in terms of transparency and anti-corruption. Last year a
decision was reached to include within the Abengoa Professional Code of Conduct an express declaration of the company's
adhesion to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, passed by the UN General Assembly in 2003.
The aim of this text is to promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat corruption more effectively; to promote,
facilitate and support international cooperation and technical assistance in the prevention of and fight against corruption,
including asset recovery; to promote the integrity, enforced accountability and due management of public assets and affairs.
During this financial year, the Internal Audit Department of Abengoa Bioenergy has issued 113 audit reports that include,
among other aspects, the results of reviews and analyses of risks connected with the corruption at those companies classified
as being material, while nine legal audits were performed, which, although they do not have an analysis or specific risk
control systems, they complement the audit reports and are able to detect situations which could potentially be classified as
corrupt. Through the information channels that Abengoa Bioenergy has available, neither incidents related to corruption have
been recorded in 2012, nor incidents related to monopolic practices or against free competition have happened, nor
significant sanctions arising from breach of laws and regulations have occurred.
Abengoa Bioenergy has not signed up for any standard or voluntary code related to marketing, advertising or other
promotional or sponsorship activities, but has a demanding and strict internal procedure to control external communications
included in the internal company standards. This control system implies the existence of a chain of internal authorizations
that reach, as a last instance, the president of the company. All responsible parties of the areas involved must authorize and
complete the information, which guarantees that the communications generated neither violate the company’s principles and
values nor go against the Code of Conduct.
Whistleblower channels
Together with the audit committee, Abengoa manages a whistleblower mechanism, which was implemented in 2007 in
accordance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley act. The company currently has two whistleblower channels in
place:
Internal: available to all employees via electronic mail or ordinary mail whereby they may report any irregularities in
matters of accounting, auditing or breaches of the Abengoa code of conduct.
External: enabling any third parties unrelated to the company to report irregularities, fraudulent acts or conduct that
contravenes the Abengoa code of conduct via the corporate website
Claims may be submitted with the petition of assurance of whistleblower confidentiality, and may also be sent in
anonymously. Abengoa’s aim in creating these channels is to provide a specific means of communication with company
management and governing bodies serving as an instrument for reporting any incident that potentially involves irregularity,
non-compliance or conduct that runs contrary to the ethics, legality and norms governing the group.
No claim in the organization’s companies has been made through the information channels that Abengoa had available in
2012, with respect to this issue.
Abengoa also takes part in any scheduled scientific, technological or cultural events that may interest it in the cities or regions
where it operates. Generally speaking, any activity considered lobbying is only undertaken with the backing of the different
professional associations for the sectors of activity of Abengoa’s various business groups. In the USA, the company engages
in lobbying through the following professional associations: Cornerstone Government Affairs, Renewable Fuels Association,
Association of Nebraska Ethanol Producers, Association of Missouri Ethanol Producers and the Kansas Association of Ethanol
Producers.
In 2012, no contributions were made to political parties or related institutions.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
74
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Economic performance
Economic performance
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
75
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Economic performance
Creation of value
Abengoa Bioenergy is committed to a corporate strategy which focuses on the creation of long-term, sustainable value for all
its stakeholders: suppliers, customers, shareholders, employees, society at large and those communities where it has a
presence through its business groups. The generation of corporate value is therefore directly connected with the handling of
each and every stakeholder group, along with the need to coordinate and strike a balance between the organization and
stakeholders and among them through society. We must strive for a balance between maximizing the profits and interests of
each group and the cost of obtaining such maximization, understood as any detriment to the profits or interests of one
group compared with another.
Abengoa Bioenergy creates value by administering its contribution to its stakeholders and the contribution which they make
to it. The products and services sold by Abengoa Bioenergy create value for its customers to the extent that they respond to
customer needs and certify their expectations in accordance with the evolution of its operational sector. The company
generates value through quality and safety. Suppliers benefit through goods and services, with a positive impact on economic
development.
The creation of shareholder value is manifested through the payment of dividends and a continuous increase in the
organization's share price. Abengoa Bioenergy creates value for its employees through training, motivation, salaries and a
balance between professional development and personal growth. It creates value for society and those communities where it
has a presence through sustainable development practices, protection of the environment, respect for human rights,
economic development, job creation and the payment of taxes.
In addition to the comprehensive economic and financial information set out in Volume 2, Legal and Economic/Financial
Report 2012, this chapter also includes a series of indicators regarding the impact of Abengoa Bioenergy activities on those
communities where it operates and on its stakeholders. We below quantify the direct economic value generated and
distributed, in accordance with the methodology developed by Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Taxes payment (k€)
Country
Brazil
Switzerland
Germany
Spain
France
United Kingdom
Netherlands
United States
Total
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
2012
-11,551
0
3
5,290
11,948
188
-17,834
17,220
-29,176
76
2011
- 14,256
0
10
4,939
6,652
-1,734
6,135
1,746
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Economic performance
Key figures (k€)
2012
Net revenues
Other operating income
Financial income
Profits of associates
Profit from discontinued operations
Economic Value Generated (EVG)
Raw materials expenses
Third-party partners
Expenses from employee benefits
Operating costs
R&D costs
Financial charges
Dividends
Corporate income tax
Investments in the community
Economic Value Distributed (EVD)
Economic Value Ratained (EVR)*
Material financial government aid received as
capital subsidies
Material financial government aid received as
operating subsidies
Material financial government aid received
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
77
2,137,579
100,044
45,515
2,283,138
1,739,775
-2,025
128,146
276,625
929
351,579
-156,015
2,339,014
-55,876
-
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Economic performance
Corporate governance
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
78
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Corporate governance
Board of directors
The current board of directors was constituted in July 2007. In 2012, it was formed by nine members, eight board members,
and one Non-board member secretary, which provide a diversified composition
Javier Salgado Leirado
President
Alberto Aza Custodio
Director
Cándido Velázquez-Gaztelu Ruiz (see obituary)
Director
Javier Rupérez Rubio
Director
Juan Verde Suárez
Director
Luis Solana Madariaga
Director
Marcos Ramírez Silva
Director
Ramón de Miguel Egea
Director
Santiago Seage Medela
Director
Salvador Martos Barrionuevo
Non-board member secretary
Board committees
The board committees shall meet as often as necessary to cover these duties, at least twice a year, and on all occasions when
convened by the chairman, at its own initiative or at the request of any of its members. Meetings of the Committees will also
be valid when, all members being present, they agree to hold a session.
The board committees shall be considered validly constituted when the majority of the members are present.
Attendance can be delegated to another board member. The resolutions shall be validly adopted when the majority of the
members present in the committee vote in its favor.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
79
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
Corporate governance
The board committees are formed by three non-executive board members designated by the board of directors, for a
maximum period of four years, renewable for maximum periods of the same duration. The Secretary of the board of directors
acts as committee secretary.
Board committees
Appointments and Remuneration Committee
Audit Committee
New Technologies committee
Appointments and remuneration committee
The functions and competences of the Appointments and remunerations committee are the following:
Report to the board of directors about new appointments, reelection, end of activity of any of the board members
and their position, as well as the general policy of remunerations and incentives for the members and the senior
management.
Provide a preliminary report on all proposals to be presented by the board of directors to the shareholders for the
appointment or end of activity or resignation of board members, even in the event of co-opting by the board of
directors itself.
Draw-up an annual report on the activities of the appointments and remunerations committee.
Assess the competences, knowledge and experience of the board members, define the abilities and skills that
candidates need to have in order to fill the vacant positions, as well as evaluate the time and dedication needed for
an appropriate performance of their tasks.
Report the new appointments and end of activity of the senior managers proposed by the chairman to the board of
directors.
Report the board of directors on miscellaneous matters.
Report the board of directors of the remuneration policy of directors and senior managers.
Inform the board of directors about the individual remuneration of the board members and the approval of
Contracts that the company enters into with each counselor.
Ensure the compliance with the remuneration policy established by the company.
Seek for the chairman or CEO advice, especially in matters related to the executive directors and senior managers.
Appointments and remuneration commitee
D. Candido Valázquez-Gaztelu Ruiz (president)
D. Ramón de Miguel Egea
D. Luis Solana Madariaga
D. Salvador Martos Barrionuevo (secretary of board of directors)
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Corporate governance
Audit committee
The functions and competences of the audit committee are the following:
Provide a report of the annual accounts as well as quarter and half-year financial statements, to be submitted to the
parent company, shareholders, financial institutions, public and private organizations, etc., mentioning the internal
control systems, supervision of compliance through internal audits, and, if applicable, the accounting criteria applied.
Report to the board on any change in the accounting criteria and on-balance sheet risks and off-balance sheet risks.
Inform at the general shareholders meeting about the matters raised by the shareholders with respect to their
competence.
Propose the appointment of external auditors to the board of directors so as to be presented at the general
shareholders meeting.
Supervise the internal audits. The committee will have full involvement in the internal audit. It will also report during
the process of selection, appointment, removal and reappointment of the director and approval of his/her
remuneration, and will have to inform the budget of the department.
Be aware of the process of financial reporting and the internal control systems of the company.
Meet with the external auditors in order to receive information about those matters that may imply a risk to their
independent judgment and any other matter related to the auditing process.
Summon the Counselors deemed appropriate to the meetings of the committee, so that they inform on the
agreements being taken by the audit committee itself.
Elaborate an annual report on the activities of the audit committee, which should be included in the management
report.
Audit commitee
D. Javier Rupérez Rubio (president)
D. Alberto Aza Custodio
D. Ramón de Miguel Egea
D. Salvador Martos Barrionuevo (secretary of board of directors)
New technologies committee
The functions and competences of the new technologies committee are the following:
Report to the board of directors about the status of the new technological developments regarding biofuels.
Report in advance, all the proposals that the board of directors may submit to the general meeting for the adoption
of agreements corresponding to the new technologies applicable.
Inform and give advice on the investment policy in new technologies.
Prepare an annual report on the activities of the new technologies committee and related progress.
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Corporate governance
New technologies commitee
D. Luis Solana Madariaga
D. Alberto Aza Custodio
D. Ramón de Miguel Egea
D. Marcos Ramírez
D. Javier Rupérez Rubio
D. juan Verde Suárez
D. Salvador Martos Barrionuevo (secretary of board of directors)
Obituary
Cándido Velázquez-Gaztelu Ruiz (Jerez de la Frontera, 1936 - Madrid, November 8th, 2012).
Advisor of Abengoa Bioenergy from August 10th, 2010 until his death on November 8th, 2012. While he was part of the
board of directors of Abengoa Bioenergy, he presided over the appointments and remuneration committee.
He was born in Jerez de la Frontera in 1936; he graduated from the University of Granada University in law and social
Studies. He held and MBA from IESE of Barcelona.
He began his professional career teaching at a university level and, in 1961, he joined the business in managerial positions of
Coca-Cola in Malaga.
He held high responsibility positions in some of the most important multinational companies of the country.
Likewise, he was president of Telefónica and top manager of Tabacalera, between 1982 and 1996. He was president of
Accenture Advisory Board, advisor of several companies and president of the Association of Tobacco Companies (AET Asociación Empresarial del Tabaco).
Remuneration and other provisions
The remunerations paid out to the members of the Board during fiscal year 2012 to all members of the parent company’s
Board of Directors has been 232 thousand euros as remuneration and 25 thousand euros in expenses. The company had in
place no obligations on behalf of members of the Board of Directors in any regard at the close of the 2012 fiscal year.
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Corporate governance
Board of directors remmuneration (k€)
Expenses
25
Remmuneration
232
Total
257
There are neither advances nor credits granted to the group of members of the Board of Directors.
Additionally, during the fiscal year 2012, the remuneration paid to the company’s top management (including the
remuneration for their functions as top management to those board members who also form part of the company’s Top
Management) has come to 6,879 thousand euros (4,696 thousand Euros in 2011). Since July 19, 2003, the date on which
the securities market law 26/2003 came into force, modifying Law 24/1988, of July 28, and the revised text of the
corporations law, with the aim of reinforcing the transparency of limited companies, the members of the board have not
held, except for those indicated below, shares in the capital of companies that carry out activities directly with the same as,
similar or complementary nature to that which constitutes the corporate purpose of the parent company. Likewise, they have
not carried out nor do they carry out activities on their own name or on behalf of any other party that are of a similar or
complementary nature to the activity, which constitutes the corporate purpose of Abengoa Bioenergy, S.A. On the other
hand, there were no companies susceptible to the application of the horizontal consolidation regulated in article 42 of the
commercial code in either 2012 or 2011.
Risk management model
The risk management structure of Abengoa Bioenergía, as a subsidiary of Abengoa, is based on three fundamental pillars:
Common management systems, wich are used to mitigate business risks.
Internal control procedures on the elaboration of financial information designed in accordance with the SOX
(Sarbanes-Oxley act), to mitigate the risks associated with the reliability of financial information.
Abengoa’s risk universal model, which is a methodology that quantifies the company’s risk exposure through a
dynamic system of impact and probability indicators. This tool helps managing, identifying, mitigating and
monitoring business-related risks.
These elements constitute an integrated system which enables an appropriate risk and control management at all levels of
the organization. It is a live system which undergoes continuous modifications to be kept in line with the reality of the
business.
Once again, the company has put the internal control system through an independent evaluation system in accordance with
the PCAOB audit regulations.
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Corporate governance
Abengoa Bioenergy has voluntarily implemented and audited SOX in accordance with PCAOB audit regulations, which apply
to companies trading in the USA stock exchange market and, additionally, has a risk management system whose design and
implementation is in accordance with ISO 31.000 and has been validated by an external auditor.
Master plan: sustainability within the company’s strategy
In 2008, Abengoa devised a CSR master plan, establishing the strategic lines for the entire company to follow in aspects
relating to CSR in all its dimensions: economic, social and environmental.
The Master Plan has been gradually entrenched throughout the different levels of the company and in the different regions in
which Abengoa operates. Regular committees with the CRS and business-unit managers have been set up to track and
monitor the plan.
A Committee of skilled will also be set up in 2013, comprising the heads of the most important CSR divisions. This comittee
will analyze and update the strategic lines of the current plan to bring them in line with the prevailing business,
environmental and social situation. Also it will address address and respond to stakeholder expectations. In going about this
task, the committee will rely on the recommendations of the Independent Panel of Experts in Sustainable Development
(IPESD) and all the materiality analyses conducted over the last two years1.
The various subject areas of the Master Plan are structured and managed through McKinsey’s three growth horizons,
enabling the company to handle three scenarios simultaneously based on the extent to which each of the areas has been
developed and integrated into the company.
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Corporate governance
Additional information
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Adittional information
CSR report principles and scope
This report covers the period from January 1 to December 31, 2009. The report has been produced each year since 2003, as
an independent report specific to the bioenergy business group. Activities involving the production and sale of biofuels and
byproducts had previously been included among Abengoa's activities in its annual report
The Abengoa Bioenergy annual report covers the activities and projects of all business group companies, as stated earlier
(Stakeholders section) on the three continents where the company has a presence. As new projects are developed and
markets opened up in new countries, generally involving the establishment of new companies, the corresponding
information will be included in the relevant area of activity.
The report has been written with the aim of creating a text which is easy to read and understand, avoiding any in-depth
exploration of particularly technical issues. The contents have been defined on a correlated basis in accordance with the
guidelines for the Abengoa report, adapting its structure to the inherent characteristics and requirements of Abengoa
Bioenergy.
The complete report comprises three volumes:
Volume 1 - Activities report
Volume 2 - Legal and economic/ financial report
Volume 3 - Corporate social responsibility report
The definition of the report contents identified all issues regarding Abengoa Bioenergy's activities within the global context,
analyzing the worldwide economic and legal situation, how this affects the company's operations and in turn how its
operations relate to the markets where the company has a presence and to its stakeholders.
Additionally, to guarantee the quality of the report, great care has been taken to prepare it following the general principles
defined in the G3.1 of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guide, whose purpose is to define a common structure for the
Corporate Social Responsibility Reports and guide about its content, scope and coverage which allows readers the chance to
compare the different companies and guarantee the quality of information disclosed.
When preparing the report, the principles of standard AA1000 AS have also been considered. This is the first global standard
assuring sustainability, which provides quality and accuracy in the information contained in the IRSC, guaranteeing the
transparency of Abengoa communications and contributing to generating trust among its stakeholders.
The principles established under the standard require that the organization be actively involved with its stakeholders,
identifying and fully understanding the sustainability aspects that will have an impact on performance for subsequent use of
this knowledge in developing responsible business strategies and performance objectives.
To comment on any issue regarding the content or other aspects of the Abengoa Bioenergy 2012 annual report, please
contact Abengoa Bioenergy's head of communication at the following addresses:
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Adittional information
Contact
Saint Louis (EEUU)
16150 M ain Circle Drive, Suite
300 Chesterfield, M O 630174689 Estado s Unido s
Telepho ne: +1636 728 0508
Fax: +1636 728 1148
Madrid
P aseo de la Castellana, 31- 3
P lat 28046 M adrid , España
Telepho ne: + 34 91319 70 70
Fax: +34 91308 52 42
Sevilla
Campus P almas A ltas P arcela ZE 3 P almas A ltas 41014 Sevilla, España
Telepho ne: +34 95 493 70 00 Fax: +34
95 493 70 12
Contact may likewise be made by means of Abengoa Bioenergy's corporate e-mail address:
abengoabioenergy@abengoa.com
Abengoa Bioenergy, as a technological and responsible company committed to the social context and the environment
would like to know the impact of its activity on the environment. Therefore, within the Abengoa’s environmental policies, in
2008 the company implemented a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting system, and from this year it has been
implementing environmental sustainability indicators. The combination of both initiatives places Abengoa and Abengoa
Bioenergy in a global leadership position in sustainability management.
This environmental information is regulated by the company’s internal standards, by the principles of the global company and
the legislations of the countries where the company operates. Review of its application, implementation and development is
a key objective for Abengoa. Hence, internal and external audits have been carried out to check compliance of all processes,
standards and procedures of action and internal control established and that guarantee their transparency.
In order to facilitate communication on performance, Abengoa has established a reporting system intended to efficiently to
ascertain reliable consolidated data for the organization in terms of relevant quantitative indicators regarding Corporate
Social Responsibility, for proper administration and disclosure to the company's stakeholders.
In 2012 Abengoa reinforced and enhanced the company’s CSR reporting system through the integrated sustainability
management system, which combines all material information pertaining to sustainability, thus improving measurement and
control of company performance. During 2012 there were no significant changes regarding the consolidation perimeter,
despite the previous years.
The ISMS is therefore audited internally on a regular basis at all levels in order to guarantee the reliability of the information
contained in the system. In 2012 the following internal auditing, review and control procedures were performed:
Corporate audits (on CSR, the greenhouse gas inventory, and system implementation).
Control and monitoring visits (quality, environment, prevention, inventory, LSR and CSR).
Audits conducted at business group-level.
Review and control performed at company-level.
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Adittional information
External verification
As an independent external verifier, the firm KPMG reviewed the report in order to check application of the AA1000
Assurance Standard (2008) and Version 3.1 of the Global Reporting Initiative Guide (GRI 3.1), according to the Level A
requirements. The review was conducted with a reasonable degree of assurance for all principal and additional indicators
reported, for which sufficient proof was obtained to reduce the risk of material error to an acceptably low level. The
verification report outlines the scope of the work conducted, as well as the conclusions reached. The methodology followed
for the review process was defined according to the stipulations of the ISAE 3000 standard. The report was also reviewed in
its entirety by the Global Reporting Initiative and by Abengoa management, and received a grade of A+.
Relevant matters
As its method for determining relevant issues, defining contents, and ensuring the quality of the information contained in this
report, Abengoa chose to apply the three principles defined under the AA1000 AS (2008) standard: inclusivity, materiality
and responsiveness; as well as the four GRI principles: materiality, stakeholder inclusiveness, sustainability context and
completeness. In 2012 Abengoa conducted an analysis of materiality through a procedure for determining relevant CSR
matters, which is centered on two bases for analysis that subsequently intersect to obtain the final result: external factors
(those related to the expectations of Abengoa’s stakeholders and the importance the latter attach to the different matters)
and internal factors (which determine the significance of the different issues for the business, company management, and,
ultimately, in meeting objectives envisaged under business strategy). The use of both perspectives is essential in fulfilling the
principle of inclusivity defined under AA1000 AS (2008).
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Adittional information
2012 relevant issues
Issue Identifity
number number
Issues
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
6
7
Inclusion of ESG risks in risk management
Legal risks and opportunities
Awards and acknowledgements
Renewable sector as economical driving
System to ensure compliance with the code of conduct
Anti-corruption measures
7
11
Mechanisms and analysis of projects posing threats involving
infringement of human rights
8
9
12
13
Integration of customers' feedback
Future of renewable energies
10
16
Intiatives to promote R&D
11
21
12
22
Energy consumption reduction targets
Strategy, objectives and implemented measures to reduce CO2
footprint
13
27
14
35
15
36
16
37
Working climate and employee satisfaction surveys
17
18
38
42
Attraction and retention of talent management
Health and safety systems
19
48
Integration of feedback from stakeholders
20
49
Assurance of supplier compliance
21
52
22
53
23
24
54
55
25
56
26
57
Improve the health and safety management
To promote the biofuels of second generation and increase lobby
to defend first generation.
Business future: long term visibility of the business
Reduce commodities risk
Developing career plans for all the employees in accordance with
a conciliation between work and family
Occupational safety. The continuity of the Business Group
Management of environmental incidents
Promotion of diversity, non-discrimination, equal compensation
between men and women, and professional/personal life balance
Measures to promote the equal compensation between men and
women, specially in high direction.
Indicator
EC2
EC2
IRSC 2011
IRSC 2011
HR3, SO3
HR3, SO3, SO4, SO5
HR3, HR4, HR5, HR6,
HR7, HR11, SO2, SO3,
SO4
PR5
EN6, IRSC 2011
Responsible
management balance
EN5, EN6, EN7
EN20
EN9, EN12, EN13,
EN14, EN21, EN25
LA14, HR4, HR5, HR6,
HR7, HR10, HR11
HR4, LA14, LA15
LA3, LA10 Y Manual de
acogida
LA3, LA10, LA11
LA9
HR1, HR2, HR3, HR4,
HR5, HR6, HR7, HR8,
HR9
HR1, HR2, HR3, HR4,
HR5, HR6, HR7, HR8,
HR9
LA8, LA10
Letter from the CEO
Letter from the CEO
Letter from the CEO
LA3, LA15
Letter from the CEO
Information on dependent companies
Dependent companies are all those over which Abengoa Bioenergy has the power to direct their financial and operating
policies.
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Adittional information
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External verification reports
External verification reports
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
91
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
External verification reports
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
92
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
External verification reports
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
93
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
External verification reports
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
94
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
External verification reports
GRI index
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
GRI index
Indicator
type
Page
Included
in the
report
Statement from the most senior decision-maker of the organization
-
6-7
yes
Description of key impacts, risks, and opportunities
-
6-7, 9-10
yes
-
9
yes
15-19, 23-26
yes
Code
Definition
Profile
Strategy and Analysis
1. 1
1.2
Organizational Profile
2.1
Name of the organization
2.2
Primary brands, products, and/or services
2.3
Operational structure of the organization, including main divisions,
operating companies, subsidiaries, and joint ventures
-
15-16, 19-20
yes
2.4
Location of organization's headquarters
-
11, 88
yes
Number of countries where the organization operates, and names of
countries with either major operations or that are specifically relevant
to the sustainability issues covered in the report.
-
11
yes
2.6
Nature of ownership and legal form.
-
37
yes
2.7
Markets served (including geographic breakdown, sectors served, and
types of customers/beneficiaries)
-
2.8
Scale of the reporting organization.
-
11, 13, 15-16, 19-20, 38
yes
2.9
Significant changes during the reporting period regarding size,
structure, or ownership
-
19-20
yes
2.10
Awards received in the reporting period
-
28.29
yes
-
87 -88
yes
87
yes
87
yes
88
yes
-
87-90
yes
87-90
yes
87-90
yes
2.5
yes
Report Parameters
Report Profile
3.1
Reporting period (e.g., fiscal/calendar year) for information provided
3.2
Date of most recent previous report (if any)
3.3
Reporting cycle (annual, biennial, etc.)
3.4
Contact point for questions regarding the report or its contents
Report Scope and Boundary
3.5
Process for defining report content.
3.6
Boundary of the report
3.7
State any specific limitations on the scope or boundary of the report
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ABENGOA BIOENERGY
GRI index
Code
Definition
Indicator
type
Page
Included
in the
report
3.8
Basis for reporting on joint ventures, subsidiaries, leased facilities,
outsourced operations, and other entities that can significantly affect
comparability from period to period and/or between organizations
-
87
yes
3.9
Data measurement techniques and the bases of calculations,
including assumptions and techniques underlying estimations applied
to the compilation of the Indicators and other information in the
report. Explain any decisions not to apply, or to substantially diverge
from, the GRI Indicator Protocols.
-
87-88
yes
3.10
Explanation of the effect of any re-statements of information provided
in earlier reports, and the reasons for such re-statement
-
88
yes
3.11
Significant changes from previous reporting periods in the scope,
boundary, or measurement methods applied in the report
-
88
yes
GRI Content Index
3.12
Table identifying the location of the Standard Disclosures in the
report.
-
yes
Assurance
3.13
Policy and current practice with regard to seeking external assurance
for the report.
-
89-90
yes
Governance, Commitments, and Engagement
Governance
4.1
Governance structure of the organization, including committees under
the highest governance body responsible for specific tasks, such as
setting strategy or organizational oversight.
-
79-83
yes
4.2
Indicate whether the Chair of the highest governance body is also an
executive officer
-
79
yes
4.3
For organizations that have a unitary board structure, state the
number and gender of members of the highest governance body that
are independent and/or non-executive members
-
79
yes
4.4
Mechanisms for shareholders and employees to provide
recommendations or direction to the highest governance body
-
34-36
yes
4.5
Linkage between compensation for members of the highest
governance body, senior managers, and executives (including
departure arrangements), and the organization's performance
(including social and environmental performance)
-
82-83
yes
4.6
Processes in place for the highest governance body to ensure conflicts
of interest are avoided
-
79-83
yes
4.7
Process for determining the composition, qualifications, and expertise
of the members of the highest governance body and its committees,
including any consideration of gender and other indicators of diversity
-
79-82
yes
4.8
Internally developed statements of mission or values, codes of
conduct, and principles relevant to economic, environmental, and
social performance and the status of their implementation
-
31-32, 39-40, 51
yes
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GRI index
Indicator
type
Page
Included
in the
report
Procedures of the highest governance body for overseeing the
organization's identification and management of economic,
environmental, and social performance
-
79-83
yes
Processes for evaluating the highest governance body's own
performance, particularly with respect to economic, environmental,
and social performance
-
81
yes
Code
4.9
4.10
Definition
Commitments to External Initiatives
Explanation of whether and how the precautionary approach or
principle is addressed by the organization
Externally developed economic, environmental, and social charters,
4.12 principles, or other initiatives to which the organization subscribes or
endorses
4.11
4.13
Memberships in associations (such as industry associations) and/or
national/international advocacy organizations in which the
organization: * Has positions in governance bodies; * Participates in
projects or committees; * Provides substantive funding beyond routine
membership dues; or * Views membership as strategic
-
74-75, 83-85
yes
-
39-40
yes
74-75
yes
-
34
yes
-
34
yes
-
34-36
yes
-
89-90
yes
Stakeholder Engagement
4.14 List of stakeholder groups engaged by the organization
Basis for identification and selection of stakeholders with whom to
4.15
engage
Approaches to stakeholder engagement, including frequency of
4.16
engagement by type and by stakeholder group
Key topics and concerns that have been raised through stakeholder
4.17 engagement, and how the organization has responded to those key
topics and concerns, including through its reporting.
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yes
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
GRI index
Definition
Indicator
type
Page
Included
in the
report
EC1
Direct economic value generated and distributed, including revenues,
operating costs, employee compensation, donations and other
community investments, retained earnings, and payments to capital
providers and governments
P
70,71, 77-78
yes
EC2
Financial implications and other risks and opportunities for the
organization's activities due to climate change
P
6-7
yes
EC3
Coverage of the organization's defined benefit plan obligations
P
41, 47
parciality
Significant financial assistance received from government
P
77, 00
yes
Code
Economic performance
EC4
Market presence
EC5
Range of ratios of standard entry level wage by gender compared to
local minimum wage at significant locations of operation.
A
45-46
yes
EC6
Policy, practices, and proportion of spending on locally-based suppliers
at significant locations of operation.
P
39-40, 50-52
yes
EC7
Procedures for local hiring and proportion of senior management hired
from the local community at significant locations of operation
P
6-7, 3
yes
P
70-71
yes
Indirect economic impacts
EC8
Development and impact of infrastructure investments and services
provided primarily for public benefit through commercial, in-kind, or
pro bono engagement
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GRI index
Code
Definition
Indicator
type
Page
Included
in the
report
Environmental
Materials
EN1
Materiales
Materials used
utilizados
by weight
por peso
or volume
o volumen
P
57-59
yes
EN2
Porcentaje
Percentagedeoflos
materials
materiales
usedutilizados
that are que
recycled
son materiales
input materials.
P
57
yes
59
60
yes
yes
Energy
EN3
EN4
Direct energy consumption by primary energy source.
Indirect energy consumption by primary source
P
P
EN5
Energy saved due to conservation and efficiency improvements.
A
60-61
yes
EN6
Iniciativas
proporcionar
productosory renewable
servicios eficientes
en
Initiatives para
to provide
energy-efficient
energy based
products and services, and reductions in energy requirements as a
result of these initiatives
P
60-61
yes
Initiatives to reduce indirect energy consumption and reductions
achieved
P
60-61
yes
P
A
A
61-62
yes
61-62
yes
61-62
yes
P
62
yes
P
62
yes
A
65
yes
A
62-70
yes
A
62
yes
EN7
Water
EN8
Total water withdrawal by source
EN9
Water sources significantly affected by withdrawal of water
Percentage and total volume of water recycled and reused
EN10
Biodiversity
EN11
EN12
EN13
EN14
EN15
Location and size of land owned, leased, managed in, or adjacent to,
protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value outside protected
areas
Description of significant impacts of activities, products, and services
on biodiversity in protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value
outside protected areas
Habitats protected or restored
Strategies, current actions, and future plans for managing impacts on
biodiversity
Number of IUCN Red List species and national conservation list
species with habitats in areas affected by operations, by level of
extinction risk
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GRI index
Code
Definition
Indicator
type
Page
Included
in the
report
Emissions, effluents and waste
EN16
Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by weight
P
62-63
yes
EN17
Other relevant indirect greenhouse gas emissions by weight
P
62-63
yes
EN18
Initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reductions
achieved
A
63-64
yes
EN19
Emissions of ozone-depleting substances by weight
62-63
yes
EN20
NOx, SOx, and other significant air emissions by type and weight
EN21
Total water discharge by quality and destination
EN22
Total weight of waste by type and disposal method
EN23
Total number and volume of significant spills
P
P
P
P
P
EN24
Weight of transported, imported, exported, or treated waste deemed
hazardous under the terms of the Basel Convention Annex I, II, III, and
VIII, and percentage of transported waste shipped internationally
EN25
Identity, size, protected status, and biodiversity value of water bodies
and related habitats significantly affected by the reporting
organization's discharges of water and runoff.
64
yes
64-65
yes
65-67
yes
64-65
yes
A
67
yes
A
65
yes
P
68
yes
P
67
yes
P
67
yes
A
67
yes
A
68
yes
Products and services
EN26
EN27
Initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts of products and services,
and extent of impact mitigation
Percentage of products sold and their packaging materials that are
reclaimed by category
Compliance
EN28
Monetary value of significant fines and total number of non-monetary
sanctions for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations
Transport
EN29
Monetary value of significant fines and total number of non-monetary
sanctions for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations
Overall
EN30
Total environmental protection expenditures and investments by type
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
101
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
GRI index
Code
Definition
Indicator
type
Page
Included
in the
report
Social: Labor Practices and Decent Work
Employment
LA1
Total workforce by employment type, employment contract, and
region, broken down by gender
P
45
yes
LA2
Total workforce by employment type, employment contract, and
region, broken down by gender
P
38
yes
LA3
Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided to
temporary or part-time employees, by major operations
A
47
yes
P
47
yes
P
47
yes
P
47
yes
A
43
yes
P
43-44
parciality
P
43-44
yes
A
46
yes
P
42-43
parciality
A
42-43
parciality
A
41-43
yes
LA15 Return to work and retention rates after parental leave, by gender
Labor/management relations
LA4
LA5
Porcentaje de empleados cubiertos por un convenio colectivo
Minimum notice period(s) regarding significant operational changes,
including whether it is specified in collective agreements
Occupational health and safety
LA6
LA7
LA8
LA9
Percentage of total workforce represented in formal joint
management-worker health and safety committees that help monitor
and advise on occupational health
Rates of injury, occupational diseases, lost days, and absenteeism,
and number of work-related fatalities by region and by gender
Education, training, counseling, prevention, and risk-control programs
in place to assist workforce members, their families, or community
members regarding serious
Health and safety topics covered in formal agreements with trade
unions
Training and education
LA10
Average hours of training per year per employee by gender, and by
employee category
Programs for skills management and lifelong learning that support the
LA11 continued employability of employees and assist them in managing
career endings
Percentage of employees receiving regular performance and career
LA12
development reviews, by gender
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
102
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
GRI index
Indicator
type
Page
Included
in the
report
P
79-80
parciality
P
45-46
yes
Percentage and total number of significant investment agreements
and contracts that include clauses incorporating human rights
concerns, or that have undergone human rights screening.
P
51-52
yes
HR2
Percentage of significant suppliers, contractors and other business
partners that have undergone human rights screening, and actions
taken
P
51-52
yes
HR3
Total hours of employee training on policies and procedures
concerning aspects of human rights that are relevant to operations,
including the percentage of employees trained
A
46
yes
P
46
yes
P
46-47
yes
P
39-40, 46-47
yes
P
39-40
yes
A
46
yes
A
46
yes
P
46
yes
P
46
yes
Code
Definition
Diversity and equal opportunity
LA13
LA14
Composition of governance bodies and breakdown of employees per
employee category according to gender, age group, minority group
membership, and other indicators of diversity
Ratio of basic salary and remuneration of women to men by
employee category, by significant locations of operation
Social: Human Rights
Investment and procurement practices
HR1
Non-discrimination
HR4
Total number of incidents of discrimination and corrective actions
taken
Freedom of association and collective bargaining
HR5
Operations and significant suppliers identified in which the right to
exercise freedom of association and collective bargaining may be
violated or at significant risk, and actions taken to support these rights
Child labor
HR6
Operations and significant suppliers identified as having significant risk
for incidents of child labor, and measures taken to contribute to the
effective abolition of child labor
Prevention of forced and compulsory labor
HR7
Operations and significant suppliers identified as having significant risk
for incidents of forced or compulsory labor, and measures to
contribute to the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labor
Security practices
HR8
Percentage of security personnel trained in the organization's policies
or procedures concerning aspects of human rights that are relevant to
operations
Indigenous rights
HR9
HR10
HR11
Total number of incidents of violations involving rights of indigenous
people and actions taken
Percentage and total number of operations that have been subject to
human rights reviews and/or impact assessments
Number of grievances related to human rights filed, addressed and
resolved through formal
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
103
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
GRI index
Code
Definition
Indicator
type
Page
Included
in the
report
Social: Society
Local communities
SO1
Percentage of operations with implemented local community
engagement, impact assessments, and development programs
P
70-75
yes
SO9
Operations with significant potential or actual negative impacts on
local communities
P
70-71
yes
Prevention and mitigation measures implemented in operations with
significant potential or actual negative impacts on local communities
P
70-71
yes
P
74-75
yes
P
44
yes
P
74-75
yes
SO10
Corruption
SO2
SO3
SO4
Percentage and total number of business units analyzed for risks
related to corruption
Percentage of employees trained in organization's anti-corruption
policies and procedures
Actions taken in response to incidents of corruption.
Public policy
SO5
Actions taken in response to incidents of corruption
P
36,74
yes
SO6
Total value of financial and in-kind contributions to political parties,
politicians, and related institutions by country
P
74
yes
P
74
yes
P
26
yes
Anti-competitive behavior
SO7
Total number of legal actions for anti-competitive behavior, anti-trust,
and monopoly practices and their outcomes
Compliance
SO8
Monetary value of significant fines and total number of non-monetary
sanctions for non-compliance with laws and regulations
Social: Product Responsibility
Customer health and safety
PR1
Life cycle stages in which health and safety impacts of products and
services are assessed for improvement, and percentage of significant
products and services categories subject to such procedures
P
26-27
yes
PR2
Total number of incidents of non-compliance with regulations and
voluntary codes concerning health and safety impacts of products and
services during their life cycle, by type of outcomes
A
26
yes
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
104
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
GRI index
Code
Definition
Indicator
type
Page
Included
in the
report
Social: Society
Local communities
SO1
Percentage of operations with implemented local community
engagement, impact assessments, and development programs
P
70-75
yes
SO9
Operations with significant potential or actual negative impacts on
local communities
P
70-71
yes
Prevention and mitigation measures implemented in operations with
significant potential or actual negative impacts on local communities
P
70-71
yes
P
74-75
yes
P
44
yes
P
74-75
yes
SO10
Corruption
SO2
SO3
SO4
Percentage and total number of business units analyzed for risks
related to corruption
Percentage of employees trained in organization's anti-corruption
policies and procedures
Actions taken in response to incidents of corruption.
Public policy
SO5
Actions taken in response to incidents of corruption
P
36,74
yes
SO6
Total value of financial and in-kind contributions to political parties,
politicians, and related institutions by country
P
74
yes
P
74
yes
P
26
yes
Anti-competitive behavior
SO7
Total number of legal actions for anti-competitive behavior, anti-trust,
and monopoly practices and their outcomes
Compliance
SO8
Monetary value of significant fines and total number of non-monetary
sanctions for non-compliance with laws and regulations
Social: Product Responsibility
Customer health and safety
PR1
Life cycle stages in which health and safety impacts of products and
services are assessed for improvement, and percentage of significant
products and services categories subject to such procedures
P
26-27
yes
PR2
Total number of incidents of non-compliance with regulations and
voluntary codes concerning health and safety impacts of products and
services during their life cycle, by type of outcomes
A
26
yes
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
105
ABENGOA BIOENERGY
GRI index
Nº
Indicador
Tipo de
Indicador
Página
Incluido
en el
informe
P
26
yes
A
26
yes
A
48
yes
P
74-75
yes
A
74-75
yes
P
26
yes
Desempeño de responsabilidad del producto
Etiquetado de productos y servicios
PR3 Tipos de información sobre los productos y servicios que son
requeridos por los procedimientos en vigor y la normativa, y
porcentaje de productos y servicios sujetos a tales requerimientos
informativos.
PR4 Incumplimientos de la regulación y de los códigos voluntarios
relativos a la información y al etiquetado de los productos y servicios,
distribuidos en función del tipo de resultado de dichos incidentes.
PR5 Prácticas con respecto a la satisfacción del cliente, incluyendo los
resultados de los estudios de satisfacción del cliente.
Comunicaciones de marketing
PR6 Programas de cumplimiento de las leyes o adheyesón a estándares
y códigos voluntarios mencionados en comunicaciones de
marketing,incluidos la publicidad, otras actividades promocionales y
los patrocinios.
PR7 Incidentes de comunicación o marketing
A
Privacidad del cliente
PR8 Reclamaciones en relación con el respeto a la privacidad y la fuga
de datos personales de clientes.
Cumplimiento normativo
PR9 Multas yesgnificativas fruto del incumplimiento de la normativa en
relación con el suministro y el uso de productos y servicios de la
organización.
2012 Corporate Social Responsibility
106
ABENGOA BIOENERGY