Pollution

Protecting the environment, transitioning to a low-carbon economy, addressing the challenges of Climate Change and contributing to the achievement of the Global Sustainable Development Goals are fundamental to the Company's business path and are an integral part of its sustainable development strategy.  METLEN is committed to the protection of the environment and in general to the sustainable management of the natural capital that it utilizes, in the context of its activity, incorporating in its business strategy, investments and internal decision-making processes the basic principles of responsible environmental behavior. A key challenge for METLEN is the effective prevention of any form of pollution of the natural environment, both from production activity and from any large-scale industrial accidents.

According to the 2024 Double Essentiality Assessment, significant impacts related to the above challenge are:

• Emission of NOx, SOx and other significant gas pollutants
• Degradation of soil and water & marine resources due to significant pollution incidents

See more in the Company's Annual Report 2024

METLEN has established a comprehensive governance framework for the management of sustainability issues, which is integrated into the Company's core decision-making and oversight processes. The role of the Management is clearly defined and ensures continuous supervision and strategic guidance on sustainability issues.

In particular, the Sustainable Development Committee, as a committee of the Board of Directors, is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the sustainable development strategy, approving relevant policies and monitoring the Company's ESG performance. The Committee meets regularly and cooperates with the Directorate-General for Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development, which plays a crucial role in coordinating all sustainability issues within the Company. The governance of sustainability issues is supported by specially defined organisational structures, which include teams and sustainability officers in each Business Sector and a key subsidiary. ESG thematic pillar managers work with central and local management teams, ensuring coordination, monitoring progress and providing technical guidance, with the aim of systematically integrating the principles of sustainable development across the Company's range of activities.

At the same time, METLEN applies a systematic due diligence approach to manage actual and potential significant sustainability impacts, risks and opportunities. This approach is based on the international guidelines for responsible business conduct and includes: identification and impact assessment processes, setting targets, action plans, monitoring mechanisms, taking corrective actions, consulting stakeholders and promoting value chain partnerships.

Through these mechanisms, METLEN ensures that sustainability issues are integrated into its business strategy and day-to-day operation, enhancing long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

At the heart of the approach is the active prevention of any identified risk of pollution from the Company's activities, in accordance with the main axes of  the Environmental Policy, METLEN. The Company embraces and fully incorporates the internationally accepted Principles of Responsible Business of the United Nations Global Compact, within which the protection of the Environment is highlighted as a special area of commitment.

The Central Environmental Policy forms the framework of the Company's actions to reduce the environmental impact at every level of operation, while the Major Industrial Accident Prevention Policy applied to the virgin aluminium production plant, enhances safety with mechanisms to prevent serious incidents that could affect local communities and ecosystems. At the same time, the Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Partners provides specific guidelines for the prevention of any form of pollution, contributing to resilience and transparency throughout the Company's supply chain. The Company embraces and fully incorporates the internationally accepted Principles of Responsible Entrepreneurship of the UN Global Compact, within which the protection of the Environment is highlighted as a special area of commitment.

METLEN promotes sustainable development through systematic actions to prevent pollution and manage environmental impacts in all areas of its activity. With emphasis on technological upgrading and strict adherence to environmental standards, the Company aims to protect the environment and the safety of its facilities.

Metals Sector:

Indicatively, the following measures are being implemented in the Metals Sector:

• Compliance with strict environmental standards (ISO 14001, AEPO, BAT).
• Continuous monitoring of gaseous emissions, liquid and solid waste.
• Recycling and safe disposal of waste through licensed partners.
• Use of advanced filters and waste treatment systems.
• In 2024, significant upgrades of filters and filter units were carried out, waste management areas were improved and a wastewater treatment system was installed at a bauxite construction site.
• Staff training and cooperation with bodies to deal with industrial accidents.

Energy Sector:

Indicatively, the following measures are being implemented in the Energy Sector:

• Implementation of Best Available Techniques (BAT) and environmental management systems.
• Continuous monitoring and measurement of air emissions in thermal power plants and RES facilities.
• Use of fuels with strict environmental standards and implementation of strategies to reduce NOx, CO and volatile organic compounds.
• Implementation of preventive maintenance, training and staff readiness programs.
• Systematic visual audits and annual certifications ensure compliance with environmental standards.

See more in the Company's Annual Report 2024.

In the Metals Sector, and specifically in the production of alumina and virgin aluminum, the Company has set specific goals regarding the management of air pollutants and maintains actions for continuous and documented compliance with the legislative limits, as defined by the Environmental Terms Approval Decision (AEPO) of the plant.

In the Energy Sector, as far as the emissions of Power Plants from the combustion of Natural Gas are concerned, the targets are monitored through monthly reports. As far as 2024 is concerned, the emission values recorded remained within the projected limits, effectively contributing to the achievement of environmental protection targets.

In the construction industry's subsidiary METKA, the state of the environment and compliance with environmental construction conditions is monitored through data collected from construction sites. In the Management Systems, there is a target for zero environmental accidents.

In 2024, there were no incidents of pollution degrading soil or water as a result of productive activity.  The Company monitors changes in pollutant emissions over time, analysing trends and the factors that affect them. The measurement of pollutants is carried out using both direct measurements from certified monitoring stations and computer models where required, depending on the nature of the emission and its source. The environmental permits of each facility specify the monitoring points, frequency and methodology, as well as the legal requirements for reporting.

See more in the Company's Annual Report 2024.