This sustainability report describes how Con Edison conducts its business with a view to meeting environmental, social, and financial responsibilities. The report features programs that support this objective, as well as performance trends.
Scope of this report
Our report provides information about Con Edison and its subsidiary companies. By far the greater portion of the information in this document concerns Con Edison's regulated utility companies, Con Edison of New York, and Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R).
This sustainability report details environmental, social, and economic considerations associated with our business, with particular emphasis on environment, health and safety programs and performance.
Much of the quantitative health and safety data in this report are drawn from safety and environmental management information systems. In addition, the company collects information from compliance audits conducted throughout the year. Along with audit findings, lessons learned on the job and Close Call reports are also communicated to improve environment, health, and safety performance.
While this report offers substantial information about Con Edison and its subsidiaries, it complements the company's shareholder annual report.
Sustainability reporting guidance
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) provides comprehensive guidelines for sustainability reporting to establish an adaptable protocol for transparent stakeholder communications regarding business strategy and corporate profile, governance, performance indicators, and more. GRI also includes guidelines intended for specific industries, including the electrical utility industry. This report is consistent with many aspects of the GRI guidelines. For added information on GRI, click here.
Reporting interval
This report represents Con Edison's performance from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.
Distribution of this report
For the first time, Con Edison has prepared a web-based Sustainability Report, rather than a printed report which averaged 60 pages. A 12-page 2008 Sustainability Overview Report highlighting our sustainable performance was produced for distribution to stakeholders. The savings derived by creating a web-based report and printing a summary report, include:
- 256 trees were preserved for the future
- 93,382 gallons of wastewater flow were saved
- 11,992 pounds of solid waste was not generated
- 178 million BTUs of energy saved, the amount consumed by two homes in a year
- 22,497 pounds of carbon dioxide was not produced, which is comparable to taking two cars off the road for one year
These environmental-impact estimates were made using the Environmental Defense Fund paper calculator.
Click here to view the 2008 Sustainability Report Overview.
Comment on this report
Con Edison is committed to conducting its business sustainably and communicating transparently about our efforts. We welcome opinions on how we carry out this commitment and on the way in which we report it to stakeholders. If you'd like to comment, please contact:
Con Edison
RE: EH&S report, 806-S
4 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003