Across the world, the convergence of net-zero commitments, energy security needs and advances in innovation reinforce the significance of nuclear power in the global clean-energy transition. More decision makers are beginning to understand that if global or national net-zero emissions goals are to be achieved, then a nuclear contribution is essential. Currently, nuclear power provides 10% of global electricity and accounts for 26% of carbon-free electricity sources.
As the leading global supplier of the world’s cleanest, safest and most reliable electrical power generation technology, Westinghouse is ready to deliver on this important challenge. Westinghouse technology powers 25% of the clean energy in the United States; in the United Kingdom, Springfields was the country’s first nuclear facility to put a Biodiversity Action Plan in place. We have partnered with RoadRunner Recycling to manage our waste streams more effectively and have signed the United Nations’ 24/7 Carbon-free Energy Compact, an ambitious global effort to accelerate the decarbonization of the world’s electricity systems.
Our commitment to the health, safety and wellness of our employees, customers and communities transcends multiple business teams, but through the interaction of the ESG Working Groups, we engage all internal stakeholders in our programs. The following details some of our current programs and initiatives driving the core of how we operate.
Employee and Public Safety
As a leading nuclear energy company, we are committed to our employees’ health and safety. We practice visible leadership and foster a work environment where employees are encouraged to actively participate, coach, mentor and reinforce our safety standards. Our management system provides a structure for continuous improvement in our health and safety performance. Westinghouse has established a mature EHS Management System that conforms to both the ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 standards and is applicable to all of our sites.
We strive to communicate in an open manner to actively listen to worker questions, concerns and ideas. Aligned with our Code of Ethics, we maintain zero tolerance for any harassment, intimidation, retaliation or discrimination of employees involved in or reporting safety concerns.
Community Engagement and Transparency
Westinghouse employees across the globe are actively engaged with our local communities. Many facilities engage in STEM outreach and educational activities, host back-to-school supply drives, donate electronics, provide fire safety training at local schools and support scholarship activities. In recent years, we have made corporate and employee contributions and in-kind donations to the United Way, the Red Cross in Ukraine and other COVID and employee assistance programs with a total value of more than $5M.
Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) office serves as the catalyst to create and drive strategies for a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization. Westinghouse created an Advisory Board of senior leaders – including the CEO and Chief Diversity Officer – who lead enterprise initiatives in support of our culture and DEI vision. Strategic champions across the business deliver shared enterprise best practices, including integration of DEI into our communications, talent practices and training, supplier network, and legal and compliance programs.
Training and Human Capital Development
Westinghouse relies on a specialized and highly trained workforce for safe operations and continued innovation. We have developed myriad training programs and tools for use across all levels of the organization to upskill talent, develop capabilities and improve safety.
Our global competency model is a digital platform with technical knowledge organized to manage qualifications, employee training and knowledge requirements by discipline and skills analytics. The platform ensures company-wide consistent application of knowledge and learning governance.
Westinghouse has a world-class management team that successfully advances the business by strengthening its organizational structure, refocusing its product and service offerings, optimizing the global supply chain and investing in new technology. The Westinghouse Executive Leadership Team champions the delivery of sustainable, clean-energy solutions with priority emphasis on safety for its customers and the public at large.
Following our 2018 bankruptcy, we refreshed and strengthened our governance practices to oversee our operations and manage risk. A questioning attitude, personal accountability and a respectful, continuous learning environment are the cornerstones of our operations and partnerships. We continue to adapt and enhance our policies to meet evolving standards and regulations in all jurisdictions where we operate. We set a high standard for compliance and ethics and many programs are mandatory for all Westinghouse employees, contractors and business partners.
For appropriate oversight of critical governance activities, the Board of Directors formed the following committees: Audit, Compensation and QEHS and Executive Oversight. We have established a cross-organizational ESG governance structure, of which one team is the Governance Working Group, to execute existing strategic initiatives and ensure appropriate accountability is in place.
With Westinghouse’s vision and values, the entire leadership team has goals aligned with ESG performance targets.
