The company received the national ECOtransformation award for implementing the unique Bird Islands project and making a significant contribution to protecting biodiversity.
The honorary eco-transformer title is awarded annually to leaders of environmental change in Ukraine who introduce new technologies and innovations advancing the objectives of the UN Global Compact on Environmental Protection, Climate Change, and Ecosystem Preservation.
"The issue of environmental protection is becoming more acute every year, and no city, no community, no business is left untouched by it. Today, no one has a magic wand for rapid change; however, the only way to develop the nation is to make cities and communities greener, strive to reduce anthropogenic impact on the environment, open new facilities to meet the most stringent environmental requirements, implement RES projects and similar activities. Each of us must transform our habits and create a sustainable demand for environmental friendliness. ECOtransformation is a project uniting us around achievements, and allows us to reimagine new ways of success. The Ecooscar awards are given not just for having eco-projects, but for their impact on the economy, the environment, and society," said Lyudmila Tsyganok, President of the Professional Association of Environmentalists of Ukraine.
DTEK Renewables actively contributes to environmental protection. The company's solar and wind power plants with a total installed capacity of 1 GW prevent CO2 emissions of more than 2.6 million tons per year. At the same time, DTEK RES implements environmental projects preserving and increasing biodiversity. This year, DTEK RES' Bird Islands was recognized as one of the best projects aimed at protecting biodiversity. The unique environmental initiative launched at the Tiligulsky Regional Landscape Park in the Mykolaiv Region. There, DTEK RES built 1,500 m2 of artificial nesting islands for local birds migrating for breeding. Among the 270 species of birds dependent upon the landscape park, almost 40 are rare species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and the European Red List, making this location unique. The first bird population monitoring has shown positive results with birds achieving less than 50% of the offspring in natural conditions, now on the islands reaching 90%.
“Guided by the ESG principles in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, DTEK RES implements a number of environmental and social initiatives in the regions where it operates. Bird Islands is our first significant eco-project in Mykolaiv to protect biodiversity and the ecosystem. We are grateful to the leadership of the region and the Tiligulsky Park for supporting our initiative, and to the organizers of the ECOtransformation competition for the recognition and appreciation. I am confident that such events will inspire responsible business to engage in new significant environmental projects," said Oleh Solovei, Director of DTEK Tiligulska WPP, while receiving the award.
